Dr Gunasekaran at the MSH Staff Awards 2024
As Director of Metro South Palliative Care Service (MSPCS) since 2022, Dr Arvind Gunasekaran's commitment to compassionate care, innovation, and leadership has made a profound impact on both patients and colleagues alike.
Dr. Gunasekaran’s journey with MSH began in 2011 when he joined as a Basic Physician Trainee at Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAH). Inspired by the PAH Palliative Care Team’s holistic approach to patient care, he pursued further training, completing Advanced Training in Palliative Medicine at MSPCS before being appointed as Director of MSPCS in 2022.
“My journey in palliative care began during my Basic Physician Training, and it was transformative. I saw firsthand the profound impact that palliative care has on patients and families facing serious illnesses. The teamwork, peer support, and emphasis on self-care made it clear to me that this was where I belonged," he said.
For his dedication to improving patient outcomes through innovative approaches, Dr. Gunasekaran was recognised as the winner of the 2024 MSH Staff Awards Gala Values Award
“As a team, we are constantly working to identify and implement strategies that improve care,”
“Our goal is always to ensure that care is compassionate, effective, and centred on the needs of our patients and their families.”
“It is an honour to be recognised, but this reflects the commitment of our entire team to embodying MSH’s ICARE2 values. We work together to provide the best possible care for our patients, and this award is a testament to that shared dedication.”
“Compassion resonates most with me,” he said.
“It is at the heart of palliative care and shapes everything we do—from how we care for patients and support their families, to how we collaborate as a team.”
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Gunasekaran carries with him a simple yet profound motto: ‘Lead with empathy.’ He believes this guiding principle shapes his approach to both work and life, reminding him to lead with understanding and compassion in every situation.
When asked about the importance of values in healthcare, he emphasised that shared values, particularly in challenging moments, act as a compass.
"In times of difficulty, values remind us to prioritise compassion, respect, and accountability,”
“At work, these values foster collaboration and excellence, which ultimately benefits our patients.”
Dr. Gunasekaran’s journey is a testament to the impact that values-driven leadership and compassionate care can have on both individuals and the greater community. Through his work, he continues to set the standard for what it means to lead with empathy and dedication in the palliative care space.