Part 3/11:

Overcoming Challenges in a New Land

When Professor Salah arrived in Singapore in the 1980s, she faced significant barriers. Her medical qualifications from Vanderbilt University were initially unrecognized, delaying her ability to practice. Her husband’s support and his spirited advocacy through hundreds of letters eventually convinced authorities to approve her employment, but only in Singapore's most demanding department, the medical unit of Singapore General Hospital.

Her multilingual proficiency—learning Hokkien and Cantonese—became essential tools in patient communication and cultural integration. These efforts helped her adapt to Singapore’s diverse society and provided her with a unique ability to connect with patients from different backgrounds.