The Unthinkable Tragedy at Formosa Fun Coast

On June 27, 2015, a catastrophic dust explosion at the Formosa Fun Coast water park in New Taipei City, Taiwan, turned a vibrant color powder party into a nightmare. Nearly 500 people were injured, with 15 fatalities reported. Among the victims was 18-year-old Singaporean Megan Loy, who suffered severe burns covering up to 80 percent of her body. The blast, caused by ignited cornstarch powder, engulfed partygoers in flames, leaving Megan fighting for her life in Taipei Medical University Shuang-Ho Hospital's intensive care unit.

Megan's parents, who were in China at the time, rushed to her side. Singaporean doctors Dr. B.K. Tan from Singapore General Hospital (SGH) and Dr. K.Y. Chew from KK Women's and Children's Hospital coordinated her airlift back to Singapore just days later, securing a spot on an International SOS medevac flight. This swift intervention marked the beginning of her remarkable recovery at SGH's renowned Burns Centre.

A Grueling Path to Physical Recovery

Megan's treatment was intense. Over four months at SGH, she underwent nine skin grafts to reconstruct her damaged skin. The pain was excruciating, with daily dressings and physiotherapy sessions pushing her limits. She developed post-traumatic anxiety and a phobia of fire, but the compassionate care from her medical team provided hope. 'As a patient, I experienced bouts of helplessness, frustration, and anxiety. But I also felt the hope and comfort that doctors can bring,' Megan later reflected.

By discharge, she was free of open burn wounds but bore scars and tender spots, requiring a pressure garment to manage skin healing. Her prior International Baccalaureate (IB) studies at Haileybury and Imperial Service College in England had been interrupted, but she scored an impressive 42 out of 45 upon completion, demonstrating unwavering determination.

From Patient to Aspiring Healer: The Spark of Inspiration

The doctors' dedication transformed Megan's perspective. At 16, she had considered medicine but opted for it 'by process of elimination' due to her science strengths and aversion to desk jobs. Her hospital ordeal crystallized her calling. Volunteering in Tanzanian hospitals, assisting in deliveries, further fueled her passion. She aimed to specialize in burns treatment or reconstructive plastic surgery to give back to patients like herself.

NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (YLLSoM) Vice-Dean (Education) Professor Hooi Shing Chuan praised her: 'Megan demonstrated maturity, resilience, and compassion during interviews and in her essay.' Her story highlighted how NUS values holistic qualities beyond academics.

Navigating NUS Medical School Admissions: A Highly Competitive Landscape

Admission to NUS YLLSoM's Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program is among Singapore's most competitive. The school admits around 280 students annually from over 2,000 applicants, shortlisting about 1,200 for assessments. This yields an overall acceptance rate of roughly 14 percent, but for top spots, it's far lower.

Eligibility requires strong performance in Singapore-Cambridge GCE A-Levels (H2 Chemistry plus Biology/Physics, AAA/A indicative Grade Profile or IGP for AY2025/2026), IB Diploma (high scores like 42+), polytechnic diplomas, or equivalent. From AY2026, a pass in Project Work is mandatory. Non-academic factors weigh heavily: Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI), Situational Judgement Tests, portfolios showcasing leadership, volunteering, and resilience.

Megan's IB excellence and compelling personal narrative exemplified the 'excellence beyond academics' NUS seeks.

Megan's Admission: Grades Meet Grit

In 2016, Megan joined 300 peers at YLLSoM. Her high IB score met academic thresholds, but her essay and interviews shone, revealing empathy forged in suffering. NUS assesses candidates on attributes like resilience, crucial for medicine's rigors. Professor Hooi noted her potential as a compassionate physician understanding patient pain intimately.

Today, Singapore's three medical schools—NUS YLLSoM (280 intake), NTU Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (160), Duke-NUS (60 MD)—total ~500 annually, regulated to meet healthcare needs amid a 5-6 year service bond post-graduation.

Thriving at NUS YLLSoM: Challenges and Triumphs

The 5-year MBBS curriculum blends preclinical sciences, clinical rotations, and research. Megan, entering AY2016/17, navigated it while managing scars and psychological scars. By 2019, a fourth-year student, she shared her story at SGH patient forums. Her resilience inspired peers, embodying NUS's holistic training.

YLLSoM ranks globally elite: 13th in THE 2026 Medical & Health, top in Asia QS Medicine 2026. Reputation stems from cutting-edge research, NUH affiliation, and alumni like Nobel laureate Sydney Brenner.

Dr. Megan Loy Today: Full Circle at SGH

By 2024, 27-year-old Dr. Megan Loy interned at SGH—the hospital saving her life. In 2026, she speaks at SGH Wound Nursing Conference's 'From Trauma to Triumph' panel, sharing her journey. Specializing in burns/plastics, she empowers patients, proving adversity forges exceptional healers.

Her story underscores medicine's transformative power in Singapore's public system.

Lessons for Aspiring NUS Med Students

Megan's path highlights key success factors:

• Academics: Top grades (AAA/A A-Levels, 38+ IB).
• Portfolio: Volunteering, leadership (Megan's Tanzania work).
• Interviews: Demonstrate empathy, resilience.
• Personal Statement: Authentic narratives stand out.

Prepare early: BMAT/UCAT not required for locals, but interviews test ethics, communication.

Singapore's Medical Education Excellence

NUS YLLSoM leads Asia, with NTU LKC, Duke-NUS complementing. Total intake regulated by MOH for ~3,500 students. Bonds ensure service, addressing doctor shortages.

Global reputation attracts talents, fostering innovation like AI diagnostics, precision medicine.

Resilience: The Hidden Key to Medical Success

Megan exemplifies how personal trials build vital physician traits. NUS seeks students with 'grit' for medicine's demands: long hours, emotional toll. Studies show resilient students excel clinically, empathize better.Learn more on NUS admissions.

Prospective applicants: Cultivate experiences proving commitment.

Photo by krzhck on Unsplash

Future Outlook: Megan's Legacy and Singapore Med Ed

Dr. Loy's journey inspires amid rising mental health challenges in med students. Singapore invests in wellbeing, innovative curricula. Her full-circle at SGH motivates: Trauma to triumph possible.

Aspiring doctors, channel adversity into purpose—like Megan.