Dr Susan Lim – Surgeon and Philanthropist

Dr Susan Lim is a pioneering surgeon, scientist, and philanthropist from Singapore, known as the first medical practitioner in Asia to successfully perform a liver transplant. Dr Lim has won several awards in her field, and is the founder of two innovative surgical technologies: a robotic general surgery, and a significantly less intrusive procedure for breast biopsies. In addition to several other illustrious titles Dr Lim is also the founder of the Centre for Robotic Surgery, and the driving force behind the da Vinci Robotic General Surgery Program.

Education

After graduating with first class honours from Monash University in Australia, Dr Susan Lim was presented with the David Rosenthal Memorial Prize in recognition of her exceptionally high aggregate marks during her pre-clinical years. She went on to receive several fellowships in Asia and the UK, before pursuing further studies in science. Dr Lim earned a PhD in transplantation immunology at the University of Cambridge in the UK and then explored the US with a travelling scholarship that involved cell and pancreas transplantation programs.

Career Highlights

Upon her return to Singapore, Dr Lim held academic positions at the National University Hospital and the National University of Singapore. In 1990 she made history after successfully performing the earliest cadaveric liver transplant in Singapore and Asia. Dr Lim continued her academic association in a research capacity, with a special interest in diabetes and cancer. Her celebrated career also features a lecture about cell transplants on TED Talks under the category of ‘inspiring’.

Philanthropy

In collaboration with her husband Deepak Sharma, and their friend Satpal Khattar, Dr Susan Lim started the Indiapore Trust. The organization was launched with the aim of helping disadvantaged children access education. In a personal capacity, Dr Lim has also given bursaries and scholarships for young people through various initiatives.