Leadership is a journey, and for emerging leaders in palliative care, it can sometimes feel daunting to face the responsibilities required to advance the field in our own spheres of influence. For the eight of us from different countries in the Asia Pacific who form the second cohort of the Cynthia Goh Fellowship, feelings of gratitude were mixed with anticipation and uncertainty as we began this experience together.
Our fellowship journeys first unfolded individually through one-on-one and group coaching sessions with Ms. Theresa Goh. These sessions gave us a protected space to reflect on who we are and who we hope to become, not only as physicians and leaders, but as people called to care for others in moments of deep suffering. Grounded in evidence-based leadership theories and practical application, the coaching process invited us into a journey of self-discovery. Through tools such as the Workplace Big 5 Personality Test, discussions on Servant Leadership, and Simon Sinek’s “Start with Why,” we learned more about ourselves, our leadership behaviors, and the deeper reason behind the work that we do. The fellowship taught us an important lesson early on: meaningful leadership begins with self-awareness and a clear sense of purpose.
In April, our paths finally converged in Singapore for a two-day workshop. Though many of us had never worked together before, trust and mutual respect quickly developed. Through sessions on conflict management, trust, change readiness, and team dynamics, we began to better understand one another’s strengths and working styles. One particularly meaningful activity invited each of us to choose a photograph that reflected our personal “why” as leaders. As we shared these stories, individual reflections became a collective understanding of who each member was. More importantly, the sessions culminated in shaping our collective statement and setting the direction for our next steps as CGF fellows.
At the end of the second day, conversations flowed naturally. We knew when to step forward, when to listen, and how to support one another. What initially felt like a group of strangers slowly began to feel like a team. More than learning leadership frameworks, we experienced the value of self-awareness, shared purpose, and authentic connection. As we continue this journey together, we carry not only our individual aspirations but also a shared commitment to becoming more effective and compassionate leaders in palliative care across the region.
Written by Dr Ann Toh Ying Pin, Principal Resident Physician, HCA Hospice, Singapore, and Dr Maricar Sabeniano, Director for Training & Advocacy, The Ruth Foundation for Palliative and Hospice Care, Philippines.
Both fellows from Batch 2 of the Cynthia Goh Palliative Care Fellowship (CGF), administered by the Asia Pacific Hospice Palliative Care Network (APHN) with support and direction from the Lien Foundation.
