What’s it like for a woman to don the hat that would usually, till this very day, be worn by a male? We had a chat last month, with Madam Tan Suet Gan, Hospital Director of Sri Kota Specialist Medical Centre, in conjuction with International Women’s Day 2021.
She’s an outstanding figure in our local medical scene who is determined to contribute her best to our healthcare industry. Here’s what we got from her!
NH: What inspired you to pursue a career in healthcare? Is it something you’ve always been passionate about?
Madam Tan: I studied accounting in college. Although I do not have a background in medical education, I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare because of my beliefs on the importance of it. Now that I have the privilege to be a Hospital Director, I feel proud to be able to contribute to the betterment of every patient’s health.
I believe that the healthcare industry is the backbone of the economy, as good healthcare results in improved quality of life and increased human capital productivity. The ongoing pandemic has shown the importance of healthcare, with doctors, nurses, and medical staff across the world working tirelessly to curb the spread of the virus.
NH: When you began your career, was it difficult to break into the business of healthcare as a young woman?
Madam Tan: My first job was as an accounts clerk for a FMCG company, but I left that role after giving birth to my first child. A year later, I decided to re-enter the workforce and that is where I landed my job as a book-keeper for a group of hospitals. I wouldn’t say that it was particularly difficult to break into the business of healthcare, as hospitals have always been a place where you see women taking up various roles.
NH: This year’s IWD theme is ‘Choose to Challenge’. How have you challenged the status quo and cultural norms throughout your career?
Madam Tan: Although it wasn’t difficult to enter the healthcare industry, it did become increasingly difficult to climb up the ranks as upper management is usually a ‘boys club’. However, I did not let that deter me as I believe that female leaders are just as capable as their male counterparts. In fact, most women are more empathetic which helps in the healthcare environment.
NH: You bring over three decades of healthcare management experience. How has the role of a hospital director evolved over the years, and what remains constant?
Madam Tan: The role of a hospital director is constantly evolving, especially in the digital age where technological advancements are changing the way we live and work. The only constant is the people I work with – the wellbeing of my staff, doctors, nurses and patients is my number one priority. I’m always searching for new ways to improve the service Sri Kota provides to our patients, whilst ensuring all my employees are not overworked.
I am a firm believer in leveraging the latest technologies. At Sri Kota, we recently purchased a new state of the art MRI machine which is designed to maximise productivity and workflow, while delivering extraordinary clinical potential. The MRI also requires a shorter scan time, and dramatically reduces the in-sound pressure levels which allow patients to have a more comfortable experience.
NH: Did you face any adversities during your pursuit to transform Sri Kota Specialist Medical Centre into an award-winning hospital? How did you overcome them?
Madam Tan: Every business faces challenges on a daily basis, and Sri Kota is no different. It is how you navigate and lead your team through these challenges, and make the best out of every situation which differentiates you from others. Working collaboratively with a team to solve problems is much better than trying to do everything alone. I am very thankful for the team that I have, we all support one another and it helps everyone maintain a positive mindset to overcome such obstacles. My team is always striving to deliver the best-in-class patient experience, and we are able to become an award-winning hospital through our collective effort.
NH: You’re a woman who wears many hats. How do you find the balance between running a hospital, and spending time with your family?
Madam Tan: At first, finding the right balance was a struggle. Over time, I learned that it is all about prioritising the things that bring me joy and fulfilment. I set my priorities and goals each day so that I can plan out my schedule to ensure I have ample time to spend with my family. If I have a busier than usual day at work, I will replace the time for my family for another day. It is a matter of working smart, not hard. I always look for the most efficient way to complete each task so that each day I go to work, so that I can be as productive as I can.
NH: What qualities should a good leader have in any organisation? How do you balance purpose and profit?
Madam Tan: A leader is someone who can motivate, inspire and bring the best out of every individual so they can perform above their own expectations. I believe that talent development and seeing the potential in others are crucial aspects of being a good leader. I am passionate about preparing the leaders of tomorrow.
To me, purpose and profit go hand in hand. Sri Kota needs to be able to make a profit in order to constantly improve the services and care we provide to our patients. That said, I am strongly against overcharging patients above the fair price, as healthcare is a right and not a privilege. Our mission is to provide an inexpensive, comprehensive and high quality specialist healthcare service to the communities we serve.
NH: What advice would you give a young man or woman considering a career in the healthcare business?
Madam Tan: Do not be afraid of failure. Learning from your failures, or what you perceive as failures is the best life experience you can gain. Failing at something should not hinder your confidence, but motivate you to do better next time. Those who are able to persevere are the ones who become
the most successful in their career, no matter the industry.
Madam Tan
Hospital Director, Sri Kota Specialist Medical Centre
