Gabriel Yan / Nicholas Ngiam
Communicable offers an engaging and insightful dialogue with Dr David Michael Allen, the visionary who established the field of Infectious Diseases in Singapore. From his roots in Texas to his formative training years in New York, the book charts his remarkable journey to Singapore in 1989, where he laid the foundation for a specialty that has since become critical to the nation’s healthcare system. Through vivid recollections of the specialty’s early days, the book reflects on the pivotal role Infectious Diseases has played in shaping the nation’s response to several pandemics that have tested its resilience. Looking ahead, the book explores the looming challenges of future infectious disease threats and offers strategies for preparedness. Interwoven with humour and candour, the narrative also delves into the obstacles facing medical training today, offering thoughtful perspectives on how to build a meaningful and enduring career in medicine. More than a memoir, Communicable shares Dr Allen’s wisdom, wit, and enduring passion for his craft, inspiring those who know him and those who have yet to meet him.
