As the Commander of 41 Medical Unit, LTC (NS) Dr Toh Lim Kai champions building healthy connections and encouraging fitness within his unit.
Despite being only in its third year of formation, SCDF’s 41 Medical Unit (MU) clinched the title of Best Medical Unit in WY22/23 and successfully obtained the INSARAG-Recognised National Accreditation Process (IRNAP) certification in 2023. Its commander, LTC (NS) Dr Toh Lim Kai, 48, modestly credits this achievement to his team — many of whom hail from the healthcare sector. But beyond expertise, he believes that the unit’s camaraderie and spirit have fuelled its success.
“After setting clear expectations from the start, we’ve bonded very well,” he reflects. “We embody three core values: Professionalism, safety, and passion. These principles guide us as we work to achieve our objectives and most importantly, ensure that we return home safely to our families.”
LEADING THE WAY TO A MORE FULFILLING NS EXPERIENCE
For Dr Toh, who has led 41 MU since its inception, leadership extends beyond achieving operational objectives — it’s about nurturing the physical, mental and social well-being of his team. He believes that a supportive environment is essential for both the unit’s success and the personal growth of his men.
Dr Toh (wearing headband) and his NS unit prove that a team that trains together, stays together.
This approach is especially evident in the exercises the unit undertakes, such as Exercise Rambo and IRNAP. During these exercises, 41 MU provides essential medical support in urban search and rescue scenarios, working closely with 41 Rescue Unit (RU) to provide coordinated medical treatment and care.
“As medical officers and medics, our team members are well-versed in first aid and mass casualty management,” Dr Toh explains. “We triage and attend to casualties according to the severity of their injuries, working closely with the evacuation platoon to coordinate patient flow to a base hospital. In such situations, teamwork and mutual trust are crucial.”
Even amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which required strict adherence to safe distancing, the unit adapted without compromising training outcomes. Dr Toh’s guidance in navigating these challenges not only ensured a successful mission, but also reinforced the trust and teamwork among his men.
Dr Toh and his wife were awarded the COVID-19 Resilience Medal for their contributions during Singapore’s pandemic response at Celebrating Healthcare Heroes: Ties That Bind — a special carnival honouring frontliners.
Another challenge that he consistently addresses is striking a balance between flexibility and fairness in managing his team. “People come from diverse backgrounds, and some men with young families have childcare responsibilities,” he shares. “As a father of four, I understand the need for flexibility. It’s essential to uphold fairness and consistency while remaining adaptable to individual circumstances.”
Dr Toh also encourages his men to view in-camp training (ICT) as an opportunity to forge meaningful connections. After last year’s IRNAP exercise, he reminded them of the unique friendships they could build in NS. “NS friendships are unlike those you form at school, work, or through hobbies,” he notes. “You might meet an orthopaedic or vascular surgeon – people you wouldn’t ordinarily encounter unless you worked in a hospital. So value these bonds, not just for the ICT but for the lasting camaraderie they create.”
STRIDING TOWARDS BETTER HEALTH
This year’s REAL® Run saw Dr Toh’s unit (41 MU) staffing a first-aid point.
Being an avid runner, Dr Toh sees fitness as a unifier within his unit. Since 2017, he has served on the HomeTeamNS REAL® Run Organising Committee, overseeing medical support plans for the event. This year, he encouraged his unit to join the REAL® Run, where for the first time, they helped to staff a first-aid point. “There’s a different vibe at the REAL® Run – it’s about running for health, not breaking personal records,” he reflects. “It’s truly a family event for our NSmen and their loved ones.”
Beyond official events, Dr Toh often runs half-marathons with his NS colleagues, including his counterparts from 41 RU, COL (NS) Jimmy Yu, and MAJ (NS) Leonard, an ultramarathoner who introduced him to scenic routes through Singapore’s central catchment and less-urban areas.
Dr Toh and his son Sean practising sprint drills together.
His enthusiasm for fitness extends to his family too. He frequently takes his sons – Sean, 17; Howard, 15; Jayden, 11; and Henry, 9 – on leisurely runs or hikes during family travels.
As a family medicine practitioner in the Central Business District, Dr Toh sees firsthand how some busy professionals neglect their health. “I often remind them that health is something money can’t buy. It’s the best gift you can give yourself.”
In his unit, he encourages fitness through the IPPT, urging his men to see it as a measure of personal health. Having achieved a Gold IPPT rating for nine consecutive years, he understands the power of consistency. “Back in my full-time NS days, I struggled to maintain a Silver, and I wasn’t considered athletic,” he recalls. “It was only through discipline and sticking to a routine that I improved. Small, consistent efforts make a real difference over time.”
Reflecting on his fitness journey, Dr Toh emphasised: “It’s tough to push past the initial inertia, especially with life’s demands. But once you do, it gets easier. As I tell my men, health is a gift not only to yourself but to your family, allowing them to focus on life instead of worrying about you.”
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