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Dr Tan Teck Choon
Rheumatologist
Key achievements
- Introduced the use of a novel myositis autoantibody test assay for the identification of inflammatory myopathies in Singapore in 2014
- Established the inaugural rheumatology, allergy and immunology division at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital in 2019
- Awarded the National COVID-19 Commendation Medal for his adoption of immunotherapeutics in treating critically ill COVID-19 patients in 2023
Experience
Dr Tan Teck Choon is a rheumatologist at Gleneagles Hospital and Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, Singapore.
His clinical interests are in clinical immunology and allergy. Dr Tan’s rheumatology expertise lies in musculoskeletal ultrasound and serological assessment of autoimmune diseases, and in the treatment of gout and inflammatory myopathies. As a clinical immunologist and allergist, he can evaluate and manage allergies, urticaria, angioedema and immunodeficiencies.
He was the former head of the division in rheumatology, allergy and immunology at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH).
Dr Tan graduated from the National University of Singapore (NUS) and trained at Tan Tock Seng Hospital in internal medicine, rheumatology, allergy and immunology. He gained membership to the Royal College of Physicians, UK. He received a Health Manpower Development Plan award and did his fellowship in musculoskeletal ultrasound and laboratory immunology at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Australia. He has been practising medicine for more than 20 years.
While at KTPH, he concomitantly held the position of assistant chairman of the medical board (manpower and medical affairs). Dr Tan is the current board chair, Section of Clinical Immunologists & Allergists, Academy of Medicine, Singapore.
His achievements include the introduction of a novel autoantibody test assay for the identification of inflammatory myopathies, which has become the standard of care. He established the inaugural rheumatology, allergy and immunology division at KTPH, as well as a gout service at the Admiralty Medical Centre.
Dr Tan has penned papers advocating drug subsidies for patients, and on appropriate care guidelines for doctors.
He has tutored undergraduates from NUS and Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, and served on the specialty examination board. He is well-published on autoantibody testing, immunodeficiency, drug allergy and desensitisation, and COVID-19 management. Dr Tan has also led in clinical governance, medicolegal disputes and conflict management.
He was awarded the National Awards (COVID-19) for his adoption of immunotherapeutics in treating critically ill COVID-19 patients.
Associated treatments
- Musculoskeletal ultrasound
Awards and honours
- 2023
The Commendation Medal (COVID-19), National Awards
Public Healthcare Clinical Special Recognition Award, Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH)
Key Talent Award, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH) - 2017
Service Champion Award, KTPH - 2009
Excellent Service Award (Silver), TTSH
Research & publications
Thong, B. Y., & Tan, T. (2011). Epidemiology and risk factors for drug allergy. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 71(5), 684–700.
Tan, T., Wansaicheong, G., & Thong, B. (2012). Acute onset of systemic lupus erythematosus with extensive gastrointestinal and genitourinary involvement. Lupus, 21(11), 1240–1243.
Tan, T. C., Gao, X., Thong, B. Y., Leong, K. P., Lian, T. Y., Law, W. G., Kong, K. O., Howe, H. S., Chng, H. H., & Koh, E. (2016). Comparison of elderly- and young-onset rheumatoid arthritis in an Asian cohort. International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases, 20(6), 737–745.
Tan, T. C., Wienholt, L., & Adelstein, S. (2015). TEST performance of a myositis panel in a clinical immunology laboratory in New South Wales, Australia. International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases, 19(10), 996–1001.
