We would like to extend a warm congratulations to Medical Oncologist, Dr Tan Yew Oo who has been recognised in this year’s National Day honours with The Public Service Medal.

Dr Tan has been awarded The Public Service Medal for his significant contribution to public service through his commitment to the continued development of Singapore’s healthcare standards. Dr Tan has over 40 years’ experience in oncology and was a tenured faculty staff of National University of Singapore (NUS) from 1978 to 1993. During this time, he was instrumental in setting up the speciality of medical oncology at National University Hospital (NUH) and has remained an active teacher and mentor to young oncologists. He has served on a number of national committees and advisory boards including Board of Directors of SingHealth, member of Medishield Life Council, Agency for Care effectiveness of Ministry of Health, and Board member of National Advisory Committee of Cancer.

Dr Tan, alongside Drs Whang Hwee Yong and Karmen Wong went on to establish a private oncology practice in 2006 – Singapore Oncology Consultants (SOC) continuing to advance the speciality in Singapore. In 2016, SOC, became part of Icon Group – Australia’s largest dedicated provider of cancer care with a growing reach into Asia, this saw SOC become Icon Cancer Centre. Today, with the dedication and foresight of Dr Tan, there are seven Icon clinics in Singapore delivering the best possible cancer care to people across Singapore and the wider ASEAN region via medial tourism.

Icon ASEAN CEO, Serena Wee said Dr Tan’s contribution to public service and the advancement of oncology in Singapore is deserving of this prestigious accolade.

“Dr Tan’s dedication to oncology and Singapore’s healthcare policies both within the public and private setting is inspirational. His experience and knowledge of oncology is such an important part of Icon’s and Singapore’s national healthcare landscape. It has been a privilege to work alongside him and see his contribution recognised on Singapore’s 55^th National Day.”

Throughout his career Dr Tan has seen and played a part in the evolution of medical oncology but although there continues to be change in the field of oncology, one factor remains the same – the patients. For Dr Tan providing a patient-centred approach to treatment is paramount.

“Throughout the last 46 years we have seen the treatment of cancer come a long way and I have been honoured to be able to be part of our nation’s contribution to the field of oncology but it is the patients who inspire me every day. Like any journey, if it gets rough, my role is to weather the storm and keep the spirits up with my patients. There are periods where you feel a patient’s triumph because you’ve changed their outlook on life, and that makes a lot of difference as an oncologist.”

From the entire team at Icon we congratulate Dr Tan for this national recognition.