In the field of infectious diseases management and public health training, one name shines brightly in Singapore’s history: Dr Ivan Polunin.
As dedicated physician and tireless educator, the late Dr Polunin spent most of his working life preparing healthcare professionals for the challenges of the modern world and researching disease patterns in tribal peoples in Malaya. He was an esteemed faculty member of the School during our early days as a Dept of Social Medicine and Public Health where he started his tenure as medical lecturer in 1952, retired as associate professor in 1980, and passed on in 2010.
Donated in 2002 by Dr Polunin and colleagues, the Ivan Polunin Medal was established at the National University of Singapore to recognise outstanding students in epidemiology and public health. Dr Polunin’s generous contribution in establishing this medal reflects his deep commitment to education, research, and the betterment of society through the efforts of future healthcare leaders.
Beyond his contributions to public health education and research, Dr Polunin’s artistic flair is equally noteworthy. He was an avid documentarian and took more than 35,000 photos in his lifetime. His work was also featured in the National Geographic magazine and aired by the British broadcaster BBC.
This year, in celebration of National Day, 16 of these precious photos from 1950 to 1980 together with several minutes of black-and-white film footage are on display in August at the “Once Upon An Island: Images Of Singapore micro-exhibition”. It is held at hotel Pullman Singapore Orchard’s Atelier Lounge.
One of the aims of the exhibition is to show younger generations the Singapore of their parents and grandparents. Through Dr Polunin’s lens, a vibrant portrayal of social life in 1950s and 1960s Singapore is captured, effectively showcasing the rapid transformation that the country has undergone within a fleeting moment of history.
With the opening of “Once Upon An Island: Images Of Singapore micro-exhibition,” it is an opportunity to celebrate Dr Ivan Polunin’s legacy and contributions. In a world where medical expertise and artistic expression often seem disparate, Dr Polunin stands as a remarkable example of how one individual can seamlessly blend the two, leaving an indomitable legacy that transcends disciplines and enriches lives.