Finding the perfect balance

In a busy hospital environment where the focus is on caring and treating patients, meaningful connections often take root in the most unexpected ways.

By Ms Elaine Kiew, CGH

Colleagues-turned-couple, Mr Jason Yang, Physiotherapist, CGH (left) met his wife, Ms Eng Hui Wen (right) when he joined CGH in late 2021.

Mr Jason Yang and Ms Eng Hui Wen, who are both physiotherapists, first crossed paths at Changi General Hospital (CGH) in 2021. Mr Yang was part of the CGH cardiorespiratory team, while Ms Eng cared for COPARI (COVID-19, Pneumonia, Acute Respiratory Infections) patients on home ground. Sharing similar values and a heartfelt passion in caring for patients, their bond extended beyond hospital walls into a blossoming romance and an eventual marital union.

Working in perfect alignment

Sharing their first impressions, Mr Yang — who had just joined the CGH Department of Rehabilitative Services in 2021 — recalls being struck by Ms Eng’s friendly and outgoing demeanour, which made the then-new workplace feel less intimidating. Ms Eng, on the other hand, initially saw Mr Yang as a serious and quiet person, who revealed his funny and sweet side as they spent more time together and grew comfortable with each other.

While they were not on the same team, the pair often bounced ideas off each other and discussed ways to help their patients. Their shared experiences and challenges enabled them to understand and empathise with each other.

“My favourite memory with Hui Wen was the first time I was called in to see a patient. She came down and waited until the session ended. Knowing she was around for support really eased my nerves,” recounts Mr Yang.

Spending long hours together in a fast-paced clinical setting can often reveal a person’s character — how they respond under pressure, how they treat others and how they stay grounded through work demands. Everyday moments like these helped Mr Yang and Ms Eng build a strong foundation of trust and companionship, and find a balance in their busy lives.

While neither could pinpoint the exact moment friendship turned into romance, Ms Eng attributed her positive feelings towards Mr Yang from the comfort and ease she consistently felt during their conversations and time spent together.

Working together in a fast-paced clinical setting provided Mr Yang and Ms Eng deep insights into each other’s character.

Where love blossomed

The pair shared many cherished moments during their time together at CGH, and decided to preserve those memories with a wedding photoshoot at the Caring General Hospital.

“One of our favourite places in CGH is the staff gym. Hui Wen and I would exercise together after work to de-stress and maintain our fitness. ” Mr Yang reveals. “It was also a place where we often hung out with colleagues. Many fond memories were made here!”

The couple cherished their daily routine of walking home after work, using it as a time to recount their days. These conversations created opportunities for them to support and encourage each other, allowing their bond to deepen.

“At the same time, we made sure not to let ‘work talk’ consume our conversations. Work is ultimately just one part of the bigger picture of life that we get to live out, ” adds Ms Eng.

The couple enjoyed de-stressing and maintaining their fitness at the gym after work.

Their path ahead

The Yangs tied the knot in April this year. (Photos: Pocketful of Us)

 While Ms Eng has since left CGH, her journey continues in the same field. Her shift has brought about new perspectives and conversations to the couple’s home life and profession. However, their shared dedication to their role in healthcare remains a common thread.

Now part of the CGH orthosurgical team, Mr Yang provides rehabilitation and therapy for ward patients who have orthopaedic or surgical-related medical issues. He assesses patients and their therapy needs, with the goal of improving mobility, promoting self management, and improving quality of life.

Mr Yang and Ms Eng’s story demonstrates how personal connections and professional boundaries can be navigated with a thoughtful approach. Despite Ms Eng’s initial reservations against workplace romances, their connection proved strong enough to warrant careful consideration, “We had a long talk to ensure that we were on the same page going into this relationship, and I am very thankful it worked out,” she shares.