Dr Leo Hamilton trained in the United States, with degrees in History and Religion from Auburn University, subsequently graduating from medical school in 2000 from the University of Alabama. He trained with a residency at Maine Medical Centre before continuing to complete a Fellowship at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in 2006. He became US board-certified in 2003 in the speciality of Paediatrics, and 2006 in the sub-speciality of Paediatric Hematology/Oncology. Dr Leo spent several years as a private practice Paediatric Hematologist/Oncologist before relocating with his family to Singapore in 2011.

He has since continued as a Paediatrician in Singapore. Dr Leo cares for children from newborns at delivery to teenagers. Beyond his background in Hematology/Oncology, he has an interest in asthma, behavioural issues (primarily ADHD), teen health, and modern management of routine childhood illnesses such as ear infections, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia.

He sees newborns and children in his clinic at Royal Square Novena, as well as at the private hospitals like Mount Elizabeth Novena, Mount Elizabeth Orchard, Gleneagles, Parkway East, and Thomson Medical Centre.

Dr Leo lives with his wife and numerous animals. His daughter completed high school in 2019 and is starting University in Australia. He enjoys reading, travel, and long-distance running.

Philosophy of Care

Dr Leo has a strong belief in practising modern, up-to-date medicine that minimizes interventions and medications. During his training, he learned that most of everything he knows about Paediatrics changes, hence sticking to evidence-based medicine is his guiding principle. The basic care he provided 20 years ago when he started as a Paediatrician has changed tremendously, and he knows it will continue to.

What has he learnt and changed in since he began as a Paediatrician?

• Simple middle ear infections tend to resolve without antibiotics, and most pneumonias do as well.
• Bronchiolitis and bronchitis in children do not often need treatment.
• Medications may help with sleep in coughs and colds, and make the symptoms better, but tend not to affect the duration of an illness.
• Most infants after age 1 month do not need to be hospitalised for fevers.
• Solids are safe to start after 4 months, including eggs, nuts, and shellfish.

And so much more.

Dr Leo is a strong believer that most children need few or no medications, and enjoy working with parents to determine what medicines will help, and what is unnecessary. Knowing when a test is needed is an important part of being a Paediatrician and a central part of his practice.

Every child is unique and developing a relationship with children, teenagers, and families is important to develop the care and treatment each individual needs. Knowing when to test, when to treat, and when a hospital stay is needed are instrumental in Dr Leo’s practice as a patient-centred paediatrician.