Overview: A Veteran Doctor’s Suspension for Inappropriate Hormone Treatments
A veteran physician in Singapore, Dr Wong Yoke Meng, has been suspended from practice for 36 months after being found guilty of professional misconduct by a disciplinary tribunal of the Singapore Medical Council (SMC). The case centers on the inappropriate prescription of hormone replacement therapies (HRT) to 18 patients who, according to the tribunal, had normal hormone levels and did not exhibit symptoms requiring such treatment.
What Happened: The Charges and Findings
The SMC charged Dr Wong with 40 counts under the Medical Registration Act (MRA). Eighteen of these charges relate to the improper administration of HRT to 18 patients between 2013 and 2015. The remaining charges concerned inadequate record-keeping for these patients and four others. Central to the tribunal’s ruling was the finding that Dr Wong frequently failed to conduct proper physical examinations, take thorough patient histories, or wait for blood test results before initiating HRT.
Gender and Therapy Concerns
Medical experts noted that several therapies used by Dr Wong were not supported by solid clinical evidence for the populations treated. Specifically, three men received progesterone replacement (via a cream), a hormone typically associated with female physiology. Four women were given testosterone replacement therapy through injections or topical cream, a practice not commonly recommended for women except in rare cases of hypoactive sexual desire disorder according to international guidelines. Ten patients received more than one hormone, amplifying potential risks from drug interactions and side effects.
Evidence of Harm and Risk
Independent experts testified that the hormone interactions under Dr Wong’s regimens were uncertain and could cause adverse effects, with it being unclear which hormone caused any particular side effect. The tribunal noted tangible harm in at least three cases: a female patient experienced hand tremors, while two male patients showed elevated testosterone levels beyond the normal range. Such outcomes underscore concerns about patient safety when unproven therapies are employed outside standard medical practice.
The Tribunal’s Judgment
In its 162-page grounds released on October 8, the tribunal described the conduct as “very egregious” and acknowledged the breadth of patients affected. While a total strike-off from the medical register could have been appropriate given the severity and recurrence of misconduct, the tribunal opted for a 36-month suspension—the maximum allowed under the MRA for a disciplinary action in this category. The decision also referenced Dr Wong’s prior convictions in 2011, 2015, 2024, and 2001, framing the case as part of a troubling pattern of professional breaches.
Motivation and Misconduct
The tribunal’s assessment suggested Dr Wong’s actions were financially motivated, pointing to a high-priced wellness program—$12,000 per year for some patients, with medication costs billed separately. It concluded that the purported anti-ageing and wellness rationale did not align with established medical consensus or Singaporean practice norms, and indicated that the only clear beneficiary of the program appeared to be Dr Wong.
Defence and Counterpoints
Dr Wong defended his actions by arguing that no patient suffered actual harm due to low hormone doses, and that his aim was to optimize hormone levels to prevent deterioration of health. He contended that the therapies were not aimed at treating specific symptoms. He also called two experts to support his approach; however, the tribunal noted one expert’s admission that anti-ageing medicine is a relatively new field lacking comprehensive guidelines, and raised questions about the independence of the foreign expert who had links to a Hong Kong clinic.
Aftermath and Industry Implications
The SMC emphasized that prescribing hormones for anti-ageing or wellness is not an accepted practice in Singapore and remains debated globally. The tribunal’s decision signals a strict stance toward therapies lacking robust evidence and underscores the primacy of patient safety, proper record-keeping, and rigorous clinical assessment in medical practice. The case also highlights ongoing concerns about credentialing and the need for vigilance during licensing inspections.
Current Status
As of the tribunal’s ruling, Dr Wong’s medical license was suspended from October 8, 2025, to October 7, 2028. Ongoing checks on the Singapore Medical Council register could determine whether he holds any valid certificate to practise in Singapore at present. The case serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of pursuing financially lucrative but scientifically unsubstantiated medical interventions.
