The International Orthopaedic Clinic has been a go-to clinic for sports medicine and joint reconstruction for many years. We chat with two of its new sports doctors in Singapore, DR DINESH SIRISENA and DR SURESH BABU, about their areas of expertise and some interesting methods to manage everything from slipped discs to musculoskeletal, sports, pain and performance issues.
Dr Sirisena
Tell us a bit about your background and training.
I’m originally from Sri Lanka, but grew up, trained (in both general practice and sports medicine) and worked in London for many years. After moving to Singapore in 2015, I’ve been involved with several local and international sports events and teams and have looked after amateur and professional athletes at various stages of their career. I have an interest in medical education, research, event medicine and also musculoskeletal ultrasound with minimally invasive procedures.
What type of medicine do you specialise in, and what conditions do you treat?
As a consultant in Sports, Exercise and Musculoskeletal medicine I provide same day musculoskeletal and other forms of investigation for patients with a wide variety of musculoskeletal, sports, pain and performance issues. I also offer alternative treatments including minimally invasive ultrasound guided interventions and biomechanics analysis for sports injuries. Additionally, I support patients with screening, exercise and weight management programmes.
Three words to describe what you love about your job.
Regenerative, restorative and rewarding.
Where would we find you outside clinic hours?
Usually, I can be found in the gym, playing tennis, cycling or swimming. I’m a die-hard Arsenal fan and try to never miss a game. I have two boys and often I enjoy a jamming session with my older son – although he always complains that I lose the beat on the drums! More recently, I’ve taken on my third kid – a foster dog called Tigger. It’s been great getting to know him and hopefully he will decide to stay.
Check out my website for more information: sportdoctor.sg.
Dr Babu
Tell us a bit about yourself and your journey.
I’ve been passionate about interventional procedures since 1993, working across cardiology, general medicine, radiology, and vascular and interventional radiology during my career. I became a specialist in Vascular and Interventional Radiology in 2004 after having higher training in Interventional Cardiology, General Medicine and Interventional Radiology.
Over the years, I’ve focused on minimally invasive treatments – often referred to as “pinhole surgery” – and I love passing on my experience by training other doctors in this art. I wouldn’t change an inch of this journey which has been rewarding and fulfilling, thanks to all my patients, colleagues, teachers and family.
What type of medicine do you specialise in, and what conditions do you treat?
Orthopaedic conditions I treat include all painful joints, particularly the spine for herniated (“slipped”) discs. In addition, I’ve dedicated my practice to providing advanced, minimally invasive treatments, making contributions to the field of interventional radiology in the UK, Canada and Singapore. I specialise in vascular interventions, non-vascular interventions, interventional oncology, pain relief in interventional radiology and neurointerventional procedures. My treatment menu includes complex vascular interventions like EVAR and carotid stenting, cancer focused procedures like tumour ablation, non-vascular marvels like spinal repairs, biliary drainage and more.
Three words to describe what you love about your job.
Patients, results and making a difference.
What do you do for fun when not working?
It’s been said I don’t like to sit still. I’m a skier, diver, volunteer, golfer, cyclist, half-marathon runner, rambler, boy scout, singer, songwriter, mridangam learner, ex-Royal Navy sub-lieutenant, lecturer, pizza chef, editor, director, course organiser, ex-clinical tutor, part Melanesian, examiner, blood donor, author, editor and a perpetual student!
Find out more if you dare at drsureshbabu.com.sg!
International Orthopaedic Clinic is at #05-24 Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, 38 Irrawaddy Road.
6690 2985 | enquiry@ioc-ortho.com ioc-ortho.com
This article on sports doctors in Singapore first appeared in the February 2025 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy!
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