Dr Donald Y.H. Poon is a Senior Medical Oncologist with more than 25 years of experience caring for people with cancer. He has a special interest in gastrointestinal cancers, geriatric oncology and precision oncology. In addition, he provides personalised treatment for patients with both common and complex cancers.
Dr Poon completed his medical and specialist training in Singapore before undertaking advanced fellowship training in geriatric oncology at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Florida, USA. As a result, he combines extensive clinical experience with research-informed care. His treatment plans are guided by the latest evidence while taking into account each patient's overall health, treatment goals and quality of life. He also believes in helping patients and their families understand their diagnosis and treatment options so they can make informed decisions throughout their cancer journey.
About the Doctor
Dr Poon specialises in the medical treatment of solid tumours. In particular, he has expertise in gastrointestinal cancers, including liver, pancreatic, colorectal, stomach and bile duct cancers. In addition, he manages patients with sarcoma, melanoma, neuroendocrine tumours (NET), gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) and many other cancers.
His approach focuses on personalised cancer care. Therefore, every treatment plan is tailored to the patient's cancer, overall health and individual preferences. At the same time, he aims to balance effective treatment with quality of life, especially for older adults who may have multiple medical conditions or unique healthcare needs.
Before establishing Dr D.Y.H. Poon & Associates Medical Oncology Clinic, Dr Poon practised at the National Cancer Centre Singapore and later helped develop oncology services at Raffles Cancer Centre. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to advancing cancer care through clinical research, education and multidisciplinary collaboration.
Qualifications & Training
Dr Poon graduated from the National University of Singapore before completing specialist training in Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology.
His qualifications include:
- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), National University of Singapore
- Member, Royal College of Physicians (United Kingdom)
- Master of Medicine (Internal Medicine)
- Fellow, Academy of Medicine, Singapore
- Advanced Specialty Training in Medical Oncology
- Health Manpower Development Plan (HMDP) Award Recipient
- Fellowship Training in Geriatric Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Florida, USA
Clinical Interests & Areas of Expertise
Dr Poon manages a broad range of cancers. These include:
- Geriatric oncology
- Gastrointestinal cancers
- Liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma)
- Pancreatic cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Stomach (gastric) cancer
- Bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma)
- Sarcoma
- Melanoma
- Neuroendocrine tumours (NET)
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST)
- Precision oncology
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Cancer screening and early detection
Whenever appropriate, he incorporates molecular diagnostics, precision medicine and evidence-based treatment strategies into patient care.
Professional Contributions
Dr Poon has played an active role in advancing cancer care in Singapore through leadership, education and clinical research. He is the Founding President of the Society of Geriatric Oncology Singapore and previously served as Honorary Medical Director of the Singapore Cancer Society. He also represents Singapore as the National Representative to the International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG).
In addition, Dr Poon previously served as an Assistant Professor at Duke-NUS Medical School, where he contributed to the education and training of future doctors. Furthermore, he has participated in local and international clinical trials and has published research in medical oncology, geriatric oncology and precision cancer treatment.
Clinical Approach
Dr Poon believes that cancer treatment should be tailored to every individual. Therefore, he takes time to understand each patient's medical condition, personal priorities and treatment goals before recommending a management plan.
In addition, he works closely with surgeons, radiation oncologists and other healthcare professionals to provide coordinated multidisciplinary care. As a result, patients receive evidence-based treatment that reflects current advances in oncology. At the same time, he places strong emphasis on quality of life, supportive care and shared decision-making throughout the cancer journey.