Member of the Month | Dr. Sanja Cook of International Medical Clinic

1. Could you share a little about your medical background and what brought you to join International Medical Clinic (IMC)?

I was born in Macedonia and grew up in New Zealand, where I completed my medical degree at The University of Auckland. My early training took me through a wide range of specialties; surgery, paediatrics, obstetrics, psychiatry, before I spent several years working in Emergency Medicine across rural Australia and later in London as an Emergency Medicine Registrar at The Royal Free Hospital.

After returning to New Zealand and transitioning into General Practice, I realised how much I loved the continuity of care: following people through the ups and downs of real life, not just the emergencies.

Moving to Singapore felt like the right next chapter, and joining IMC was an easy decision. The clinic has a truly supportive, collegial environment and a very high standard of care. It’s a great place to work, patient-centered, international, and aligned with the values that matter to me as a GP.

2. What areas of health or medical practice are you most passionate about, and why?

I’m passionate about acute care, my emergency background means I’m comfortable making quick decisions and managing urgent or complex presentations.

Dermatology and skin cancer screening is another key area for me. I’ve completed additional training in dermoscopy and skin cancer management, and it’s also personally meaningful, as I’ve had family members with skin cancers in the past. Early detection really does save lives.

Mental health is close to my heart too. It’s one of the areas where meaningful conversation, empathy, and evidence-based treatment can change someone’s life trajectory. Helping people re-frame, heal, or feel understood is incredibly rewarding.

3. IMC has a strong reputation among expat families. What do you think makes IMC’s approach to patient care stand out?

IMC is truly patient-centered. We take time with our consultations, listen carefully, and approach each patient as an individual rather than a checklist of symptoms. The team spans many nationalities and clinical backgrounds, which means we collaborate well and draw on a wide range of expertise. Families tell us they feel heard, supported, and respected, and I think that’s what sets us apart.

4. What is one common health concern you see among expats or working professionals in Singapore, and how do you usually advise them?

Travel health is a big one; vaccinations, travel preparedness, and managing tropical exposures. We also see a steady stream of coughs, colds, and respiratory infections year-round, alongside dermatology concerns like fungal infections. Health screenings are another major part of our practice.

My advice is always: don’t delay seeking help, especially in a fast-moving environment like Singapore. Prevention and early treatment make everything easier.

5. What are your top three “must-dos” for maintaining good health in Singapore’s fast-paced environment?

• Regular exercise; even short, consistent routines make a difference.
• Meditation or mindfulness; 15 minutes a day can reset the nervous system.
• Good sleep; the most underestimated but powerful tool for long-term health.

6. Is there a health misconception you often encounter that you wish more people understood?

A big one is the belief that using medication for obesity is “cheating.” Weight loss is incredibly difficult from a biological, psychological, and metabolic perspective. Obesity is a serious health condition, not a personal failure. Evidence-based tools, including medication, can be life-changing and should not be stigmatised.

7. What’s one thing you wish every patient knew before stepping into a GP consultation?

I always want to give each concern the attention it deserves. When a long list of issues comes all at once, it can dilute the quality of care. Focusing on one or two priorities allows me to think clearly, work thoroughly, and offer you the best possible advice.

8. Can you share a memorable or meaningful moment in your career that reaffirmed your passion for medicine?

For me, it’s the everyday moments: getting to know people, meeting their families, and becoming part of their community. When patients feel comfortable enough to share their worries, joys, and milestones, it stops feeling like “work” and becomes something much more meaningful.

9. What services or upcoming initiatives at IMC would you like our Chamber community to know about?

IMC continues to expand its offering in areas such as dermatology, mental health support, travel health, and chronic disease management. Our multidisciplinary team is always developing new ways to support families, professionals, and newcomers to Singapore with comprehensive, accessible care.

10. Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing to recharge, and does Singapore have a favourite spot you love to unwind in?

I love walking my dog at sunrise along East Coast Park, it’s the best way to start the day. I also enjoy cycling to dinner with my husband and exploring Singapore’s incredible food scene. There are so many wonderful places to eat, unwind, and enjoy a bit of calm amid the busyness.