Tar Ching Aw (1948-2017) or Ching, as he was known to many of us, was highly regarded as an excellent occupational physician and role model. He was an inspirational teacher, a selfless mentor and a great advocate for the discipline of occupational medicine. Among the lessons we can learn from Ching on how to be an excellent occupational physician are the importance of: getting the right training (including clinical training); having good teachers and role models; believing in and being passionate about one's work; delivering quality work on time; networking and being culturally sensitive; thinking of future generations and mentoring them; and having fun and a healthy work life balance.
Keywords: Mentor; occupational physician; role model; teacher.