​Throughout his years in SGH, Professor Tan Ser Kiat contributed in many capacities, besides being one of the more popular Orthopaedic surgeon and mentor. He was instrumental in setting up the Department of Experimental Surgery in SGH for which he was the Director from 1988 – 1994. He served as Chairman Division of Surgery from 1992 to 1998 and as Chairman Medical Board from 1998 to 2000. With the restructuring of healthcare services in 2000, he was appointed Group CEO of Singapore Health Services, the bigger of the 2 public healthcare clusters. He guided and led our hospital and the cluster through the darkness and rampage of SARS in 2003; during which he not only exhibit steadfast resolve, dedication and determination but also personal sadness and inexpressible grief at the loss of colleagues. Professor Tan was appointed CEO SGH in September 2003 till May 2008, a position he held concurrently with the Group CEO post, which he held till Jan 2012. Professor Tan will now devote more time to his clinical practice as Emeritus Consultant, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Singapore General Hospital. 

Professor SK Tan also served on numerous organizational boards of directors and trustees, and committees holding various offices. Professor SK Tan’s influence extends beyond the borders of Singapore. He is a fellow of the Philippines Orthopaedic Association, Philippines College of Surgeons, American College of Physicians, Royal Australasian College of Physicians and College of Surgeons and Medicine of South Africa.

His original scientific thinking has culminated in more than 30 peer-reviewed publications and 100 invited presentations and lectures. He is a strong advocate of quality medical education and mentoring of younger doctors. He was the Master of the Academy of Medicine Singapore from 1996 to 1999, and the Chairman of the SAB Specialist Training Committee in Orthopaedic Surgery from 1999 to 2001. He was appointed Clinical Professor in the National University of Singapore in 2001. Professor Tan is also currently appointed as the President of Singapore Medical Council from Oct 2010 to date.