'Down-to-earth and gentle': Doctor, 54, dies of pneumonia three years after beating cancer
Emily Pwee's flu-like symptoms turned out to be pneumonia, which claimed her life.
A family doctor who successfully battled ovarian cancer three years ago has died of pneumonia just a week after falling ill.
According to Shin Min Daily News, Emily Pwee, 54, developed a fever and a cough on Oct 10, which was later diagnosed as pneumonia.
She succumbed to the illness on Oct 17, leaving behind her husband and three children.
A senior physician at Raffles Medical Group, Dr Pwee had a 20-year career as a family doctor and graduated from the National University of Ireland's medicine faculty, where she met her husband Jimmy Teo, also 54.
Dr Teo is a senior consultant and head of the nephrology department at National University Hospital. He told Shin Min that Pwee initially thought her symptoms were just the flu.
"She stayed home to monitor her condition, but it worsened, and she was hospitalised four days before her death."
Devoted to her patients
The couple met while studying in Ireland in 1992. After graduating, they returned to Singapore and got married. Pwee accompanied her husband to the United States in 2000 for his studies and returned in 2005 to begin a two-decade career at Raffles Medical Group.
The couple have two sons, both born in the United States. Pwee devoted her life to raising them, even returning to Singapore a year early to ensure their schooling went smoothly.
Dr Teo described Pwee as a devoted wife, caring mother, and dedicated doctor who was "down-to-earth and gentle."
"Even when angry, she never raised her voice. Her colleagues were deeply affected by her death, which shows how beloved she was," he said.
Dr Pwee was inspired by her father, a nephrology specialist, and always aspired to follow in his footsteps.
"She truly loved being a doctor," Teo said. "Even during her battle with cancer, she stayed home for only a year to recuperate. After that, unable to bear the thought of leaving her patients, she insisted on returning to see them."
Ovarian cancer survivor
Three years ago, Pwee was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
Dr Teo reduced his workload after her diagnosis. He also took advantage of business trips to travel with her, hoping to create more cherished memories.
"You never know what tomorrow will bring, so cherish the time with your family," he said.