Dr Bala is a Senior Consultant in Radiation Oncology at the National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, and Chair of the Brain and Spine Cancer Programme. He treats patients with brain and spine tumours, blood cancers, and gastrointestinal cancers, with a particular focus on high-precision techniques such as stereotactic radiosurgery and SBRT.
He graduated from the National University of Singapore on the Dean’s List, and completed his specialist training with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists, where he received the CE Eddy medal as the top candidate across Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. He went on to further fellowship training in Sydney, and in stereotactic radiosurgery at the Ottawa Hospital Cyberknife Centre – one of the few Singaporean radiation oncologists with this training. He later completed proton therapy training at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Centre in Seattle, and offers proton therapy for selected patients.
Research has always been part of how Dr Bala practises. As Research Director for the department, he leads research projects spanning RNA therapeutics for glioblastoma, radiation-friendly spine implants, and the diagnosis of radiation necrosis – work that has produced over 100 peer-reviewed publications. He remains involved in teaching, from undergraduate medical education at NUS to postgraduate examining for RANZCR, and has organised regional workshops to raise standards of care across the region.
At the heart of his practice is a simple belief – that patients and their families do best when they understand their options and are part of the decision. He aims to explain things clearly, and to walk alongside patients through the uncertainty that comes with a cancer diagnosis.
Away from the clinic, he can usually be found on his bicycle and takes part in the amateur racing scene.
Leadership Positions
Over 100 peer-reviewed publications. Citations: 5,284 | h-index: 29 | i10-index: 61 (Google Scholar)
Selected Publications
