For the Doctor Who Chose Patients Over Prestige - Dr. Peter Barton-Smith

Today, on the eve of E for Endometriosis turning 13, I find myself sitting with a deep sense of gratitude and a quiet question that has lived in my heart for many years.

Dr. Peter Barton-Smith has done so much for Singapore in the area of complex gynaecological and endometriosis care, especially for patients whose conditions were severe, misunderstood, or repeatedly dismissed. From 2013 to 2016, during his time at Singapore General Hospital (SGH), he played a pivotal role in advancing minimally invasive gynaecological surgery. He was appointed to lead the Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery programme within the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and through his dedication, laid the foundations for robotic surgical services at SGH.

Much of what later became associated with robotic gynaecological surgery there, including the clinical use of the da Vinci robotic system for complex benign and endometriosis cases, was built upon the groundwork he helped establish. His work was never about adopting technology for prestige. It was about precision, ethics, and creating safer surgical possibilities for patients who had long fallen through the cracks of the system.

And yet, I have often felt puzzled by how quietly his contributions seemed to pass through our landscape.

Perhaps it is because we live in a world that is deeply attached to titles, hierarchy, and recognition. And perhaps it is precisely because Dr. Barton-Smith never chased those things. In a field where credentials often speak louder than care, he would always introduce himself simply as “Mr.” Not as a statement, but as a reflection of who he is. He was never in this field for status. He was here for patients.

Over ten years ago, he was the doctor who finally gave me a proper diagnosis. He believed me when doubt was easier. He encouraged me to speak when silence had become a form of survival. That moment did not just change my medical journey. It altered the course of my life. It planted a seed that would later grow into E for Endometriosis.

Even now, more than a decade later, I still struggle to find words that feel sufficient. And if I am honest, I have yet to encounter another specialist whose impact on my life comes close to his.

For those who may not know, Dr. Peter Barton-Smith currently practises in London, focusing on complex endometriosis and advanced minimally invasive surgery. He is listed on I Care Better, a global, patient-centred platform that curates endometriosis specialists based on depth of expertise, surgical experience, transparency, and patient-reported outcomes. It is a widely trusted resource, especially for those exploring care outside Singapore, and offers a broader view of specialised endometriosis care worldwide.

As E for Endometriosis turns 13 tomorrow, I wanted to dedicate this post to him. Not because he ever asked to be recognised. But because foundations matter. And those who lay them quietly often carry the greatest weight without ever asking to be seen.

If you have ever been under Dr. Peter Barton-Smith’s care, I invite you to share your experience in the comments. Your story matters. Remembering those who shaped our paths is also part of healing.

Thank you, Dr. Barton-Smith.

For believing when belief was scarce.

For choosing patients over prestige.

And for leaving a legacy that continues to ripple through this community, even years later. 🤍