Meet Dr. Rebecca Heywood: The Surgeon Helping Singapore Hear Better

With over two decades of experience, Dr. Rebecca Heywood brings global training, deep expertise in hearing and balance disorders, and a personal touch to every patient she sees. We sat down with her to learn more about what drives her passion for ENT and what patients can expect when they step into her consult room.

What drew you to ENT — and to specialising in ears?

“ENT is a specialty that encompasses huge variety: patients of all ages from newborns to the elderly, four of our six senses (hearing, taste, smell and balance), and a balance of medical and surgical treatments.

Pretty soon after starting my ENT career, I knew I wanted to sub-specialise in ears. The anatomy is fascinating, housed in just a few cubic centimetres are the hearing bones, the organs of hearing and balance, and the nerve that enables facial movement.

The reward in enabling people to hear again, the satisfaction of removing disease from the ear, and the technical precision of ear surgery… it hooked me early! My husband says this kind of surgery suits my personality!

Joining The ENT Clinic

“I’ve known the other surgeons at The ENT Clinic for between 10 and 20 years. We share a similar approach to patient care and teamwork. Between us, we cover almost every aspect of ENT – which means we’re able to offer our patients the very best care, whatever their needs may be.”

What’s your philosophy when it comes to patient care?

“Every person who walks into our clinic is treated as an individual. We listen carefully, work toward an accurate diagnosis, and offer a range of treatment options tailored to their lifestyle, cultural context, and personal beliefs.”

Can you share a little about your training journey?

“I studied medicine in Manchester, then completed postgraduate training in London — working at world-class hospitals like Great Ormond Street, The Royal Marsden, and the Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital.

I also spent time at the House Ear Institute in Los Angeles and the Causse Clinic in France, observing advanced ear surgery. I later completed a fellowship in skull base and advanced ear surgery in Perth, Australia.

Since 2015, Singapore has been home. I’ve worked in two busy public hospitals and now in private practice. Having worked across three countries, I really value how cultural context shapes a patient’s healthcare journey.”

What advancements in ENT are you most excited about?

“The pace of innovation in hearing technology is incredible. Cochlear and bone conduction implants have already changed lives and we’re now seeing robotic cochlear implantation and fully implantable devices on the horizon.

But what excites me most is regenerative therapy. Inner ear cell regeneration could be a game-changer for millions of people with hearing loss in the years to come.”

A moment that stands out in your career?

“Performing my first solo cochlear implant surgery and seeing the patient back in clinic after their device was switched on. Being able to restore someone’s hearing is one of the greatest privileges of my life.”

What do you do to unwind?

“With primary school-aged kids, there’s not much downtime! But I do enjoy walking the dog or winding down with a good book later in the evening.”

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone with ENT issues?

“Please don’t ignore them — and don’t self-diagnose with Google! Our ears, nose and throat play a huge role in our quality of life, and untreated issues can escalate quickly. Let’s catch things early.”

For someone considering medicine?

“Think very carefully. Medicine isn’t for the faint-hearted, and it definitely isn’t a path to prestige or quick success. It can be physically and mentally exhausting. But for me, it’s the most rewarding, stimulating and meaningful career I could’ve chosen.”

Fun Fact: The Smallest Bone in Your Body…

“The stapes, located in the middle ear is just 3mm long. It plays a crucial role in hearing by transmitting sound from the eardrum to the inner ear, where vibrations become signals to the brain. Incredible, right?”

Dr Rebecca Heywood is an ENT specialist in Singapore. She is available for consultations at Camden Medical Centre and Gleneagles Hospital.

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