After Dr Tan graduated from the University of Western Australia in 1968, he underwent surgical training and received scholarships for further training in USA and UK. He then became a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Dr Tan returned to work for Royal Perth Hospital and lectured at the University of Western Australia.
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After being in private surgical practice for many years, Dr Tan joined the international healthcare sector for a few years to engage in international medical enterprises. His company built the Vietnam International Hospital in Hanoi and ran a pharmaceutical company in China. He also engaged in investments in start-ups in medical sciences in partnership with Australian universities.
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He has been a doctor in General Practice for the last 13 years. He hopes to bring medical services to the people working in the city.

Other languages spoken besides English:
​Chinese and Malay