Our Team
Doctors and Japanese medical interpreters, caring for you as a team.
Doctors who trained at medical schools in each country and have extensive clinical experience work as a team with Japanese medical interpreters. You can fully understand even medical terms in Japanese and feel confident about your care.
Peace of mind in Japanese
Team
3 people, one consultation
A consultation abroad isn't 1-on-1 between you and the doctor. At Cotovia, a Japanese medical interpreter joins you, and the 3 of you work together as 1 team in the consultation.
Patient
Just speak in Japanese
The aim is for you to see a doctor without worrying about whether you can explain your symptoms well or understand medical terms. It's fine if your thoughts aren't well organized.
Medical interpreting
The interpreter bridges your conversation with the doctor in Japanese
This isn't everyday interpreting; it's done by staff well versed in medical terminology. Diagnoses and explanations of your medication are conveyed in Japanese you can understand.
Doctor
The doctor diagnoses you in line with local healthcare
You're seen by doctors who studied at medical schools in each country and have clinical experience locally. If needed, they refer you to a specialist facility.
Doctors
Our doctors
You're seen by doctors who trained at medical schools in each country and have extensive clinical experience.
Some doctors speak Japanese
A medical interpreter joins every Cotovia consultation, but some doctors can also see you in Japanese themselves. If you'd prefer this, please let us know when you book. It may not be possible at every location or on every date.
Dr Chan Huai Ling
Vice President / Medical Director and Head of Malaysia Operations
Malaysia
- Graduated from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya
Oversees our medical operations in Malaysia. As Chief Physician and Head of Quality, combines international medical standards with the quality of Japanese healthcare to ensure consistent service quality across all our locations.
Dr Tan Kuan Khoon
Clinic Director, West Coast Plaza
Singapore
- Received medical training at the National University of Singapore
- Completed family medicine training at the same university and is accredited as a family physician
- Gained experience across a wide range of specialties at hospitals in Singapore
Sees patients of all ages, from children to adults. In addition to acute symptoms, also manages chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
A father of two with an interest in traditional Japanese performing arts.
Dr Ong Wu Chuan
Clinic Director, UE Square
Singapore
- Earned a medical degree from the University of New South Wales (Australia)
- Completed a Graduate Diploma in Family Medicine at the National University of Singapore
Handles everything from routine check-ups to specific health concerns.
Values building long-term, trusting relationships with patients and supporting them in taking an active role in their own health.
Dr Celeste Ong
Physician (part-time since 2024)
Singapore
- Graduated from Duke-NUS Medical School
- Worked at KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH)
- Worked at National University Hospital (NUH)
Places importance on caring for both mental and physical health.
Approaches each patient's worries and concerns with compassion and sincerity.
Doctors' profiles are published for our Singapore locations. For Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand, please see each location's page or ask us on LINE.
Medical Interpreter
What medical interpreters do
Medical interpreters don't just interpret. Their role is to make sure you understand everything in Japanese, before and after your consultation too.
Interpreting during the consultation
From describing your symptoms to the doctor's explanation, diagnosis and treatment plan, everything is bridged in Japanese. If anything is unclear, you can ask right away.
Accompanying you to tests
Directions to the test room and instructions during tests are given in Japanese, so you're never left wondering what's happening.
Explaining your medication
We explain in Japanese how to take your prescribed medication and what to watch out for, and accompany you to pick it up at the pharmacy.
Help with paperwork
We help you prepare documents for your insurance company and claim forms for Japanese health insurance.
Medical interpreting is different from everyday interpreting
Handles medical terminology
Names of diagnoses, tests and medications don't come up in everyday conversation. Medical interpreting is done by staff well versed in medical terminology, so you won't leave without understanding what the doctor said you have.
Makes room for questions
It stops the conversation moving on before you've understood. Feel free to ask right away. The interpreter also checks important points with you.
Support before and after the consultation
Not just in the consultation room: we accompany you at reception, tests, payment and the pharmacy, and help with paperwork.
In Singapore, if you have eligible overseas travel insurance, medical interpreting is available at no cost to you. Otherwise, there is a fee. For other countries, please ask us on LINE.
Interpreters
Our medical interpreters
Medical interpreters are available in all 5 countries and regions, so wherever you're seen, you can receive care in Japanese.
Singapore
2staff
Malaysia
3staff
Philippines
1staff
Thailand
1staff
Hong Kong
1staff
※ Staff vary by location and schedule.
Mimura Natsuko
Malaysia
Nishioka Juri
Malaysia
Tategou Fumiko
Malaysia
Mizoe Emiko
Singapore
Kishida Konami
Philippines
Tai Yoshika
Thailand
Hara Mizue
Singapore
Hoshi Sue
Hong Kong
Receive care in Japanese with peace of mind
If you're not sure how to be seen, feel free to ask us on LINE first. We're available in Japanese 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Ask us on LINE