Dr Michelle Tan Sze Fan

Course: Bachelor of Science Honours (Microbiology), 2011 and Doctor of Philosophy (Microbiology), 2016
Nationality: Malaysian
Current role: Associate Director, Ipsos UK

If you’re currently working, please tell us about your role in your organisation.

As an Associate Director in the Global Healthcare team at Ipsos UK, I have the opportunity to collaborate with commercial teams across various disease areas at leading biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.

My role involves collecting data from healthcare professionals and patients and turning these into actionable insights that will contribute to the development of healthcare solutions that improve patient lives.

One of the more exciting aspects of my job is working on projects at the forefront of medical advancements. Currently, I'm exploring the transformative potential of new obesity medications, which could revolutionize patient care and have far-reaching implications beyond the healthcare sector. I'm also investigating how GenAI might reshape the doctor-patient relationship, paving the way for more personalized care.

What truly drives my passion for healthcare market research is the chance to use my skills to make a meaningful impact.

Why did you choose to study Science?

From a young age, I have always enjoyed studying science and have been driven by a curiosity to understand how the world works, which led me to pursue a degree in Biotechnology at Monash University Malaysia. As I progressed through my undergraduate studies, I discovered a deep appreciation for research and embarked on a PhD in Microbiology.

Monash has a renowned reputation for research excellence. I had the privilege of working with Professor Gary Dykes and Professor Sadequr Rahman, as well as collaborating with international research groups and presenting my findings at conferences. These experiences not only fuelled my passion for research but also honed my skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication, which have proven invaluable in my professional life.

Looking back, I am immensely grateful for all the opportunities and experiences studying at Monash has afforded me.

What type of opportunities did you participate in at Monash?

I had the opportunity to conduct my research in Australia for three months, during which I collaborated with experts at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and Monash University's Australian campus and had access to state-of-the-art equipment.

While the research itself was incredibly fulfilling, I must admit that the opportunity to travel and explore Australia during my free time was the cherry on top of an already amazing experience!

Did you go for any internships or work placements? If so, where and did the experience help you in terms of career preparation?

During the summer holiday of my second year, I worked as a Research Assistant at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). I assisted the lab group in designing and executing part of a PhD project focusing on investigating the relationship between diazotrophic rhizobacteria and leguminous cover crops. The hands-on experience, knowledge and skills I gained during this time laid the foundation for my PhD.

What did you enjoy most about your student life at Monash?

What I enjoyed most during my time at Monash was the great people I met and the life-long friendships I formed. I also really enjoyed the variety of activities we could participate in, for example, I went on a field trip to Mulu National Park with my Ecology class which was really fun—we learnt really cool skills, like how to spot frogs and snakes with our torchlights!

What is your biggest career goal, or what difference would you like to make?

I aspire to be a thought leader in the healthcare field, using my voice to help shape public health policies and drive advancements in healthcare. I am passionate about addressing the challenges of healthcare inequity and working towards a future where everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, has access to high-quality healthcare. Ultimately, I want to use my skills and expertise to improve patients’ lives.