Professor Patrick Tan Elected to Association of American Physicians

Professor Patrick Tan, Duke-NUS Medical School's Senior Vice-Dean for Research, has been inducted into the Association of American Physicians (AAP). The induction ceremony took place on April 6 during the association's joint meeting in Chicago.

Tan, a recognized cancer geneticist, was honored for his research into the molecular mechanisms and genetics of gastric cancer. His work has advanced diagnostic methods and precision medicine strategies for the disease, which remains a leading cause of death worldwide.

Through a combination of cutting-edge technology and a team science approach, Tan has achieved several scientific breakthroughs. These include early exome sequencing studies of gastric cancer that identified novel tumor suppressor genes, and the creation of the largest, highest-resolution atlas of gastric cancer. This research aids understanding of cancer cell evolution and informs clinical management strategies.

Most recently, Tan and his team have made headway in uncovering the molecular patterns of intestinal metaplasia, a pre-malignant condition. These insights could improve screening and monitoring for patients at high risk of developing stomach cancer.

Election to the AAP is a prestigious honor, limited to 70 physicians annually, recognizing outstanding credentials in basic or translational biomedical research. Professor Tan joins other Duke-NUS members of the AAP, including Professor David Virshup and Dean Professor Thomas Coffman.