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Episode’s Description
From Doctor to FAANG: How Dr. Terence Tan Made the Leap from Medicine to Tech
Ever wondered how a doctor transitions from clinical practice to working in FAANG (Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Netflix, Google)? The world of healthcare technology is evolving fast, and more doctors are looking to break into the tech industry-but where do you start?
In this episode of Postcall: Beyond the White Coat, Dr. Selina Chew sits down with Dr. Terence Tan, a medical doctor turned tech leader, to uncover his inspiring journey from practicing medicine to driving innovation in some of the world’s biggest tech companies.

What We Cover in This Episode
Dr. Terence Tan’s Transition from Medicine to Tech
Breaking into the tech industry isn’t easy, but Dr. Terence Tan did it by leveraging his medical expertise and entrepreneurial mindset. He shares how he moved from clinical practice to working in the fast-paced world of healthcare technology, and how his unique background gave him an edge in a competitive industry.
Lessons from Founding and Exiting Healthcare Startups
Dr. Tan isn’t just a tech leader-he’s also an entrepreneur. He dives into his experiences founding healthcare startups, the challenges he faced, and what he learned from scaling and eventually exiting those businesses. If you’re thinking about launching your own health tech venture, this episode is filled with valuable insights.
What Really Happened at Babylon Health
Babylon Health was once a rising star in the health tech space, but it didn’t go as planned. Dr. Tan provides a behind-the-scenes look at what led to Babylon’s struggles and ultimate failure-and what healthcare startups can learn from it.
How Doctors Can Break Into FAANG
Thinking about making the leap into tech? Dr. Tan shares actionable advice on how doctors can position themselves for roles at top tech companies. From developing key skills to networking with the right people, he provides a roadmap for breaking into FAANG and thriving in the digital health space.
AI in Healthcare: Friend or Foe?
Artificial intelligence is transforming healthcare, but will it replace doctors or enhance their capabilities? We discuss the role of AI in shaping the future of medicine and how healthcare professionals can stay relevant in an AI-driven world.
Key Skills Doctors Need to Succeed in Tech
Success in healthcare technology requires more than just medical knowledge. Dr. Tan highlights the essential skills doctors need to thrive in tech-ranging from data analytics to product management and leadership.
Key Takeaways
- Transitioning from medicine to tech requires strategic planning and skill development.
- Doctors have a unique advantage in health tech but must adapt to industry demands.
- Learning from failed startups can provide invaluable insights for future success.
- AI is a powerful tool that can enhance, not replace, the role of doctors in patient care.
To catch up on our previous discussion, check out our last podcast episode, where we covered ‘Tips for Doctors to Succeed in Aesthetic Medicine: Amelia Siah’s Journey.’ Also, listen on podcast related to technology, where we talk about ‘AI in Medicine: A Doctor’s Journey into Artificial Intelligence’ here. Lastly, read ‘Adopt and Adapt: Why Keeping Up With Technology In Healthcare Matters?’ here.
