Meet your new O&G, Dr Geetha Visvalingam!

We sat down with Dr. Geetha Visvalingam, the newest member of Thomson Medical’s Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O&G) team, to learn more about her journey into women’s health, her passion for O&G, insights into her daily work and approach to patient care.

Background

Dr Geetha Visvalingam is a General Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Thomson Women's Clinic (Katong). She provides comprehensive care in both pregnancy management and a wide range of general gynaecological conditions. She also offers sexual health screening, counselling, and treatment for common sexually transmitted infections, ensuring a holistic and patient-centred approach to women’s health.

Dr Geetha graduated from Trinity College Dublin, Ireland in 2004 and subsequently obtained her master’s qualification in O&G from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (MRCOG) in the UK in 2010.

Prior to joining Thomson Medical, Dr Geetha served as a Consultant at KK Women's and Children's Hospital (Singapore).

Q&A

1) What inspired you to specialise in O&G?

My journey into O&G began during my first clinical rotation in medical school in Dublin, Ireland. I still vividly recall delivering my first baby. Watching the newborn take its first breath, turn from grey to pink, and cry out brought tears to my eyes. That moment of witnessing new life was so powerful—it was when I knew I wanted to be part of this beautiful journey for both mother and child.

O&G offers a unique blend of medicine, surgery, and emotional connection. The specialty allows me to care for women across every life stage—from adolescence to their reproductive years and beyond. I’ve always been drawn to moments of both celebration and vulnerability, and O&G embodies both.

2) What do you find more rewarding about working in women's health?

Supporting women through some of the most significant milestones of their lives is incredibly fulfilling. Whether it’s managing a healthy pregnancy, treating conditions like PCOS or endometriosis, or guiding someone through menopause, the opportunity to walk alongside my patients is something I cherish.

What’s especially rewarding is building long-term relationships—empowering women through education, shared decision-making, and evidence-based care. That sense of trust and partnership is the foundation of everything I do.

3) What is a typical day like for you as an O&G specialist?

Gee! No two days are the same! I usually start my mornings with ward rounds—checking in on postpartum mothers, post-operative patients, and those in active labour.

Some days are dedicated to outpatient clinic sessions, while others are operating theatre days where I perform gynaecological surgeries or caesarean sections. At any time, if one of my patients goes into labour or an emergency arises, I will be activated immediately.

This dynamic balance of clinic work, surgery, and labour ward care keeps me fully engaged. It’s challenging at times, but also deeply rewarding.

4) How is it like working with expectant mothers? Is there a particular part of the pregnancy journey you love most?

I love being there for every stage of the pregnancy journey—from the excitement of a positive pregnancy test to hearing the first heartbeat and finally, delivering the baby. Those early visits are especially meaningful, as they build trust and allow me to guide first-time mums through what can be an overwhelming experience.

Each pregnancy is unique, and I enjoy tailoring care to each woman’s needs—whether it’s managing symptoms like nausea or supporting her birth plan preferences. Emotional and mental well-being are just as important as physical health, so I also focus on creating a safe, open space for all my patients.

My favourite moment? The 20-week anomaly scan. It’s often the point where the pregnancy feels “real” for many families, and I love showing them the baby’s curved spine, and tiny fingers and toes. These days, I make sure not to accidentally reveal the baby’s gender unless requested—so I neatly seal it in an envelope for their gender-reveal parties!

5) What is the most common misconception people have about O&G?

Many think they only need to see an O&G when they are pregnant or trying to conceive. But O&G care extends far beyond that.

Annual well-woman visits are important for early detection of issues like fibroids, ovarian cysts, or hormonal imbalances. We also provide cancer screenings, contraception counselling and menopause support.

O&G is not just about pregnancy - it’s about walking with women through every life stage, from adolescence to menopause and empowering them to take charge of their health through education and early intervention.

6) Reflecting on your career, what has been your most rewarding or memorable experience so far?

There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing both a healthy mother and baby at the end of a pregnancy journey—and the joy when patients return for their next pregnancy.

One particularly moving experience involved two patients who, a few years apart, had both suffered second-trimester miscarriages. I supported them through the grief and healing process, encouraged them to take time for emotional recovery, and guided them when they returned with healthy pregnancies months later.

Their second journeys were filled with care, caution, and close monitoring. When I handed them their healthy newborns, it was a deeply emotional moment for all of us - tears of joy, relief, and triumph.

Success after loss is incredibly powerful and sharing that journey was one of the most meaningful moments of my career.

7) What advice would you give to women about their reproductive and overall health?

Be proactive. Attend regular checkups, stay updated on screenings and vaccinations, plan your reproductive goals, even if you are not actively trying to conceive.

Your physical, mental, and sexual health are all interconnected, and it’s important to nurture each aspect. Track your menstrual cycles, note any changes, and advocate for yourself. Ask questions, seek second opinions, and speak up when something doesn’t feel right.