Dr Keith Kwai-Tung Chan, Senior Staff Specialist in Rehabilitation Medicine, passed away on Monday, January 13th, 2025, at the age of 58.

Keith was born in Singapore in August 1966, the eldest of three brothers, all of whom followed their parents into a career in medicine. He completed his medical training and graduated from the Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland, in 1991. Soon after, Keith served as a Captain and Medical Officer in the Singapore Armed Forces. He then pursued postgraduate training in rehabilitation medicine in the United States at the Graduate Hospital and the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, before starting as an Academic Fellow at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.

Keith was recognised as a Fellow of the Australasian Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine (AFRM) in 2004, and a Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetics Faculty of Pain Medicine in 2014. He published several academic research articles in this field between 2000 and 2006, whilst at the Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas. He was also a Clinical Senior Lecturer at the ANU Medical School.

Keith later moved to Australia, where he made a lasting contribution to the field of Rehabilitation Medicine. He had been a Staff Specialist with ACT Health since 2007. Keith was integral to the transition from the CHS Woden campus to the University of Canberra Hospital when it opened in 2018. His expertise was critical in establishing a multi-disciplinary spasticity assessment clinic. He was also responsible for the mentorship, supervision, and training of dozens of medical officers and advanced trainees throughout his career. Additionally, he trained other Fellows in procedural skills, passing on his knowledge with self-deprecation, humor, and enthusiasm.

Keith was a kind and humble physician who advocated for holistic care—not just physical recovery but emotional and psychological well-being. His clinical philosophy was centered on kindness and respect for the dignity and autonomy of his patients, as well as advocacy for a patient-centered approach. Patients had the opportunity to try, fail, try again, succeed, and ultimately thrive as a result of Keith’s advocacy, expertise, judgment, and compassion. With Keith’s support, many patients were able to regain independence, reintegrate into their homes and communities, and avoid a lifetime of dependency and institutionalization.

He has left a profound and lasting legacy through his high standard of clinical care, mentorship, leadership, and the many lives he touched. Keith is survived by his wife, Lynn; his son, Sean; and his daughter, Janine.