Interview with Dr Doreen Tan Su Yin

PSS offers our heartiest congratulations to Dr Doreen Tan Su -Yin, third place winner of the Young Investigator Award 2014 conferred by the Singapore Cardiac Society. Dr Tan, Pharm.D., B.C.P.S. with added qualification in Cardiology, Chief Pharmacist, Associate Consultant (Pharmacist) & Cardiology Specialist Pharmacist, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital won the prestigious award with her project titled “Clopidogrel-Prasugrel switch study in Southeast Asian ACS Patients (CLOPRA).”.

The Singapore Cardiac Society was founded in 1958 by a group of specialists with a special interest in Cardiology with the mission of advancing knowledge and practice of cardiovascular medicine in Singapore. Part of the society’s mission also includes the promotion of research and publications of medical and scientific works in the field of cardiovascular medicine. As part of the society’s commitment to their mission statement, a Young Investigator’s Award is conferred to the most promising researchers under 40 during their annual scientific meeting.

Our PSS editorial team member Jianming speaks to Doreen to discover her challenges and road to success.

Jianming: How long have you been engaged in research?

Doreen: I’ve been involved in research for as long as I can remember! As a young pharmacist, I was already involved in the anticoagulation clinic and the outcomes research that the service was involved with.

Jianming: That is an impressive history! What kind of research then excites you most?

Doreen: Outcomes research and practice research, mainly because it translates the bench-top science into benefits for patients. It gives me a chance to conceptualize new technologies and new medicines for use in our population.

Jianming: Do you have an example to share with our members?

Doreen: Of course! When I first started out on my platelet reactivity studies, the general consensus on the ground was that the study was not practical and the technique should have only been restricted to basic sciences research. One of the cardiologists in KTPH was ready to change all his patients to prasugrel. But, with the use of the tool to test platelet reactivity and lots of patience, we were able to change his mindset and prescribing habits! This resulted in more patients being prescribed the more cost effective clopidogrel.

Jianming: What an inspiring story! You must have met many challenges during your course of research. What do you find most challenging about research?

Doreen: Funds? Patient recruitment is often challenging too? But, the most challenging thing that I face in research is probably the unpredictability of the future. Many times we cannot plan for the uncertainties that arise.

Jianming: How did you feel when you won the award?

Doreen: I was initially a little disappointed in getting only third place.

Jianming: Really? Why?

Doreen: Initially I felt that my presentation was better received than other studies when I had colleagues and even one of the judges coming up to me to compliment my study.  But I am proud to be the first finalist from KTPH in the history of the award.

Jianming: What drives you to continue your research? What is the one thing that you find most satisfying about research?

Doreen: At the end of the day, it is the satisfaction of being able to introduce something into clinical practice that is useful to both doctors and patients.

Jianming: Such lofty goals! Are there any words of wisdom or quotes of encouragement that you want to give to aspiring pharmacists who want to do research?

Doreen: Always strive to achieve a state of “win-win” for all, be really thick-skinned and do not give up!