Duke-NUS Medical School Welcomes Patrick Tan as New Dean for 2026

Appointment of Professor Patrick Tan as Dean of Duke-NUS

Duke-NUS Medical School, a prominent institution in Singapore, has officially appointed Professor Patrick Tan as its fourth Dean, a position he will assume starting January 1, 2026. This new leader will take over from Professor Thomas Coffman, who has held the role since 2015, significantly contributing to the institution's reputation in medical education and research. The transition marks a pivotal moment for the School, coinciding with its 20th anniversary and emphasizing its commitment to innovate healthcare education.

Professor Patrick Tan: A Catalyst for Medical Innovation

A distinguished cancer geneticist and an influential clinician-scientist, Professor Tan is currently the Senior Vice-Dean for Research at Duke-NUS. With an established history in advancing initiatives within genomics, precision medicine, and biomedical innovation, he has been instrumental in shaping the School’s research framework. His career at the School began as one of the inaugural faculty members, where he has since dedicated himself to fostering a robust research environment.

Beyond his role at Duke-NUS, Professor Tan has played a crucial part in Singapore's broader research community. He has held several key positions, including Executive Director of Precision Health Research Singapore (PRECISE) and Senior Scientific Advisor at SingHealth. His extensive work integrating pioneering science into clinical practice has positioned him at the forefront of Singapore's thriving biomedical landscape.

Vision for the Future

In his upcoming role, Professor Tan has expressed a commitment to harness interdisciplinary collaboration and engage deeply with Singapore's pressing healthcare challenges. His recognition as an exemplary leader, including awards such as the President's Science Award (Team) and the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Team Science Award, showcases his ability to instigate impactful change within the healthcare sector.

Professor Tan Eng Chye, President of the National University of Singapore (NUS), praised Professor Tan’s appointment, highlighting his remarkable vision and experience. Eng Chye emphasized the importance of Tan's leadership in ensuring Duke-NUS remains an essential contributor to Singapore's healthcare and biomedical ecosystem.

Mr. Goh Yew Lin, Chairman of the Duke-NUS Governing Board, remarked on Tan's unique capability to combine research with education, ensuring that student training aligns effectively with national strategies for research and innovation. This aspect is vital as Duke-NUS prepares its students to be not just caregivers, but also innovators capable of answering the bold questions facing the field.

Continuity and Transition

Reflecting on his future role, Professor Tan remarked on the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, filled with both significant challenges and substantial opportunities. He looks forward to deepening Duke-NUS's Academic Medicine partnership with SingHealth while leveraging the resources of both Duke University and NUS to strengthen disease understanding and develop impactful medical solutions.

As Professor Tan prepares to take on these new responsibilities, the Duke-NUS community also extends its heartfelt gratitude to outgoing Dean, Professor Thomas Coffman. His decade of leadership has not only strengthened educational and research frameworks but has also been pivotal in ensuring Duke-NUS's active response during the COVID-19 crises, notably through initiatives like rapid immune response testing.

Under Coffman's stewardship, Duke-NUS secured critical funding for vital research projects, cementing its reputation as an innovative leader in medical education and clinical care.

Conclusion

Professor Tan’s appointment heralds a dynamic future for Duke-NUS Medical School, emphasizing the blend of research excellence, innovation, and educational integrity. As he steps into the role of Dean, there is an air of anticipation surrounding how his vision will influence the next generation of healthcare professionals in Singapore and beyond. The commitment to shaping a future where medical education is intricately linked with research innovations stands tall as the School embarks on this new chapter together with its extensive network of partners and stakeholders.