The crest of a wave is defined as the point on a wave with the maximum amount of positive or upward displacement. Meaning; the crest is the highest point of a wave. This is where Director of Clinical Laboratory Services Paul Tan finds himself approaching. On the cusp of innovation not only in his career but in his leadership, he continues through his philosophy of persistent learning.
Pursuing the passions of his childhood – math and science – Paul went on to receive his Ph.D. in Bioinformatics from the National University of Singapore and later his post doctorate degree from Johns Hopkins Medicine to research in immunology. Here, Paul gained extensive research experience in vaccinations. He had discovered clinical research as a teenager, and while he spent his early professional career in academic research, he held onto the possibility of a career in this industry. His aspirations lied in all facets of research, and he was just getting started.
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Following his time at Johns Hopkins, Paul returned back home to Singapore. After his time away, he found himself having to rebuild his professional presence. He applied to a few roles, and soon Paul joined a national forensic laboratory working to populate a DNA database for criminal investigations and proceedings. Around a year into his new role, Paul received a call from the National Public Health Laboratory offering a spot on their laboratory team. Intrigued by the proposition, he accepted and quickly dove into the world of public health. Paul set up detection methods for biological agents like anthrax and smallpox and handled Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). NGS can be a long, tedious process, and he knew that even with the technological advancements available at the time, he felt that both he and research innovations were before the crest of the wave.
As his career progressed, Paul began stepping into higher-level roles. Upon donning new leadership titles, he realized he was lacking in certain traits many of his peers held. “I do not want to perpetuate bad habits or bad experiences,” Paul explains. In an effort to lead his teams to success rather than simply entering an unhealthy cycle, he went to the library. Throughout his life, Paul would supplement his skills with resources from the library. From communication, leadership styles, presenting, and even resume writing, he taught himself the necessary skills to help boost his career and improve the environment he curated. Paul subscribes to the notion that leaders don’t need to be the smartest, rather they need the ability to assess their team and optimize their talents to achieve the goal.
With a myriad of experience, Paul was still searching for commercial opportunities. He was headhunted to join a private organization storing biological samples. His new duties included overseeing laboratories in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Indonesia. Becoming a frequent flyer among these three countries, he was rapidly gaining new experience. Unfortunately, he was also rapidly burning out. Paul took a sabbatical to rest and refocus. In coordination with much needed rest, Paul began thinking about his next career move.
Paul joined a clinical lab startup not long after where he renovated the laboratory, wrote the Quality Manual System, validated testing methods, and acquired the lab’s license from Singapore’s Ministry of Health. During his time here, he was recruited for a career in clinical research at Medpace Singapore.
The crest of the wave was rolling into view.
Learning the Ropes
“I was thrown into the deep ocean,” Paul recalls. He joined Medpace’s office in Singapore to aid in Medpace China’s laboratory relocation. Entering both a brand-new industry and a brand-new country, the open water gave Paul the perfect view of the approaching wave. In addition to learning the ropes of clinical research, Paul’s task was to help relocate and expand the Beijing lab to Shanghai. He soon became comfortable with the new set of country rules and regulations, and the laboratory moved towards their next big step. Seamlessly steering the lab towards success, Paul now had to navigate a world-halting shutdown.
The COVID-19 pandemic ceased operations around the globe. However, with the help of a team member, Paul found a way to continue the lab operations for business continuity, “We have to thank him for keeping Medpace China operational.” Following Shanghai’s relocation success not only in square footage but also in headcount, Paul focused his attention to Singapore’s team and helping them perform a larger relocation and expansion.
“You need to have your mind open like a parachute. If not, you know what happens when it’s closed, right?” Paul says. Paul’s career has been shaped by a boundless desire for learning. Emerging from a pandemic with two successful Medpace laboratory developments, Paul now finds himself sailing towards the crest of the wave. Much like waves, learning is about change. “I’ve never stopped learning,” Paul shares. “Everything is about learning, and even leadership [styles] are always changing.”
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