FATHER & SON DOCTOR DUO
COL (Dr) (Ret) Tan Peng Hui was a pioneering figure in the SAF Medical Corps. Now, decades later, son CPT (Dr) Caleb Tan follows in his footsteps as part of the 100th Medical Officer Cadet Course.When your dad’s Singapore’s pioneer forensic dentist, and served as Commander of Military Medicine Institute (MMI), you know you’ve got big boots to fill.
Captain (CPT) (Dr) Caleb Tan, however, doesn’t let this intimidate him.
On 7 Oct, the Full-time National Serviceman followed in his father’s footsteps, graduating as part of the 100th Medical Officer Cadet Course (MOCC).
Coming full circle
What is it like going through the same course as his father, all these years later?
From running around Nee Soon Camp’s parade square as a child to training in the same camp as a cadet, CPT (Dr) Tan described this as a “full circle moment”.
“It is my goal to make my parents proud. Knowing that my dad has shared this similar experience and understands what I have gone through, has made this feeling a bit sweeter at the end of tough training sessions.”
The 26-year-old, who started his Basic Military Training (BMT) in 2018, returned after his studies at NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine to resume his National Service (NS), and took part in the MOCC this July.
His most memorable experience during the course? The end of their 16km route march at Marina Barrage.
“After completing the route march, I felt united by my batch mates’ high spirits and the overall positive atmosphere. Being able to watch the sun rise and receiving our blue berets then made it an unforgettable morning,” CPT (Dr) Tan recalled.
Past vs present
Having served in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) for 24 years, Colonel (COL) (Dr) (Ret) Tan Peng Hui naturally had plenty of advice to share with his son.
“I advised him to do physical conditioning before the MOCC, as it will help in his confidence during training and to prevent injuries. I’ve also told him to always do the right thing and to do it right.”
Now, at 61 years old, COL (Dr) (Ret) Tan is an endodontist – aka a root canal specialist – in private practice.
Hearing about his son’s experiences, he is impressed by the new changes that the cadets experience today.
“Today’s MOCC cadets receive top-notch training in locations such as the Multi-Mission Range Complex and SAFTI City, which did not exist during my time.
“The Battalion Casualty Station is also mounted on a 5-tonner now!”
Proud of you
On 7 Oct, CPT (Dr) Tan was among 86 Medical Officers and six Military Medical Experts who graduated from the milestone 100th MOCC at Nee Soon Camp.
Asked if the journey has changed his perspective of his father, CPT (Dr) Tan replied that he now has a better idea of the heavy responsibilities that his dad carried at work.
The two share many interests together – being the only durian lovers of the family, as well as being Kopites (Liverpool fans) who share moments of joy and heartaches through football.
Of course, having similar military experiences has also provided them with another common topic to talk about!
“There is so much to catch up whenever he is back from camp, but so little time,” said COL (Dr) (Ret) Tan.
“I feel we are closer now that he is serving NS. I am treasuring this and wish it would not end.”
Reflecting on his father’s achievements, CPT (Dr) Tan wants to tell him: “Thank you for always being there for us. I am proud to be your son, and you are an inspiration to me!”
