From Medicine to Management. Non-clinical Careers for Doctors

From Medicine to Management. Non-clinical Careers for Doctors

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Episode Description

We’re excited to share the incredible story of Dr. Tan Hui Ling in our latest episode of “Postcall: Beyond the White Coat.” 

This episode dives deep into her inspiring journey from a motivated young girl into becoming a doctor and finally to becoming a leading figure in healthcare management.

Guest: Dr. Tan Hui Ling
Role: Managing Director of Bagan Specialist Centre, Oriental Melaka Straits Medical Centre, Oriental Nilam College, and Star Life Pharma

Dr. Tan Hui Ling’s path to medicine was sparked by her mother’s battle with cancer when she was just 13 years old. By 17, she and her family faced the heart-wrenching decision to sign a Do Not Resuscitate order for her mother. Driven by these experiences, Dr. Tan pursued her medical studies and advanced her medical career in Singapore, where she quickly became an Internal Medicine specialist. Her father’s cancer diagnosis prompted her return to Malaysia, where she took over her family’s private hospital business, transforming it through sheer determination and innovative leadership. 

In this episode, Dr. Tan shares her insights on her journey into her non-clinical career as a doctor.

  • Early Career and Motivation: The personal experiences that drew her to medicine and the challenges she faced.
  • Practicing as a doctor in Singapore: Her experience within Singapore’s healthcare system.
  • Transition to Hospital Management: The steep learning curve she encountered and how she successfully revamped Bagan Specialist Centre, managing Oriental Melaka Straits Medical Centre, Oriental Nilam College, and Star Life Pharma.
  • Impact of Hospital Management on Healthcare: How doctors in management roles can drive significant changes in healthcare delivery, improve patient experiences, and implement value-based care models.
  • Balancing Profit and Patient Care: Navigating the complexities of private healthcare while maintaining a focus on patient-centered care.
  • Recognition and Achievements: Her recognition as a top nominee for EY Entrepreneur of the Year (Women’s Category) 2023.
  • Advice to young doctors who are keen on venturing into healthcare management.

Dr. Tan’s journey from clinical practice to her non-clinical career in hospital management showcases the significant impact doctors can have in leadership roles, driving improvements in healthcare delivery and patient care.

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