Dealing with a sports injury or joint pain? We chat with DR MARK CHONG, an orthopaedic surgeon in Singapore at International Orthopaedic Clinic, who shares his insights on everything from modern orthopaedics and robotic surgery to injury prevention strategies.
Tell us about your background and what drew you to orthopaedics.
I grew up, studied and lived in the UK for a significant amount of time, completing my training there. I also spent some time training with experts in the US and Europe. Prior to my current practice, I was a Senior Consultant at the National University Hospital (NUH) in Singapore from 2015, serving as a surgical trainer as well as a clinician.
Orthopaedics is quite an exciting specialty. It involves getting patients back to functional activities as quickly as possible, and there’s always new technology coming through that helps to improve patient outcomes.
Can you give us an example of that new technology in orthopaedics?
I’ve been a user of robotics in surgery since 2016. Robotics has the potential to make the surgical process more accurate, precise and predictable. This often translates to better patient recovery and outcomes. I’m still in total control of the surgery, but the robot acts as an adjunct that makes the whole process more predictable and safer.
The rollout of AI in clinical settings has also shifted from experimental pilots to real clinical applications, supporting workflows, diagnostics and administrative tasks. There is still a lot more work to be done, but I feel this shared excitement whenever I connect with peers at medical conferences about robotics and AI in orthopaedics.
What’s your approach to joint reconstruction versus replacement?
I take a long-term approach to joint health, particularly for younger, active individuals. The focus is on maintaining natural anatomy, restoring function and reducing pain through non-surgical or minimally invasive methods, with the goal of avoiding or delaying joint replacement in the first instance.
On the other end of the spectrum, if the joint has gone beyond the stage of repair and conservative treatment no longer provides adequate pain relief, then joint replacement surgery should be considered. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to joint health. So it’s always advisable to speak to your orthopaedic surgeon in Singapore for a personalised and effective treatment plan.
What common sports injuries do you see, and how can people minimise their risk?
Most injuries I see are related to outdoor sports like football, rugby, netball, basketball and winter sports. I’ve also noticed a recent trend in padel and pickleball as these games surge in popularity globally.
In terms of injury prevention, having a good, supportive sports coach helps. It goes without saying that good technique in your chosen sport is essential for maximum fun and performance. But one also needs to balance this with good core muscle strength and conditioning to reduce the risk of injuries. Too many people rush straight from the office to the court or field, launching into 100 percent effort with cold muscles and joints and a work-focused mind, making them far more prone to injuries.
You also contribute to the rugby community here in Singapore. Tell us more!
I love team sports, especially rugby and football. I played both at school and university level. Like most avid amateur sports fans, I’d like to think I’m very good at it. But the reality is I enjoy the banter more than the sweat and physical exertion of the game at this stage of my life. Both of my children are rugby players too.
I’m one of the sponsors of my local rugby club, Tanglin Rugby Club, which has more than 2,000 members and caters for kids from six to 18. I also travel with them to tournaments as a pitch-side doctor. It’s a really rewarding experience, as I have the privilege of seeing individuals grow over time to become formidable players, some representing the country at international level. I’ve also gotten to know the players’ families, forming good friendships with several of them. I’m truly humbled by the entire experience of being part of this rugby community.
What do you love most about your work in orthopaedics?
Seeing patients recover and return to some semblance of normalcy – coming to my clinic in pain, then seeing them recover over time – that’s my greatest job satisfaction. Some patients send me photos of their holidays and endeavours after recovery. Those moments of recognition, kindness and shared success are truly what make me want to go to work every day with a smile.
About the doctor
Dr Mark Chong is a Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at International Orthopaedic Clinic with a special interest in sports injuries and joint reconstruction.
International Orthopaedic Clinic
• #05-24 Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, 38 Irrawaddy Road
• #08-20 Connexion, 1 Farrer Park Station Road
6253 7111 | enquiry@ioc-ortho.com | ioc-ortho.com
This article on orthopaedic surgeon Dr Mark Chong at International Orthopaedic Clinic in Singapore first appeared in the June 2026 issue of Expat Living magazine. You can buy the latest mag or an annual subscription, or read the digital version for free now.
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