RUMC Researcher's Profile

DR MAY LOONG TAN

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, PAEDIATRICS DEPARTMENT

MBBS (UM), MRCPCH (UK)

CO-DIRECTOR COCHRANE MALAYSIA, 2018 – PRESENT

VICE-CHAIR, RUMC ETHICS COMMITTEE, 2024 – PRESENT

VICE DEAN FOR RESEARCH 2020-2023

Dr May Loong Tan graduated from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya in 2001 and earned her Membership of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (MRCPCH), UK in 2007. She began her career as a Paediatrician in Ministry of Health hospitals, where she served 2009 before transitioning to academia at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) & University College Dublin (UCD) Malaysia Campus (RUMC). She is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Paediatrics at RUMC.

Dr Tan’s research focuses on breastfeeding practices and advocacy. In addition, she has extensive experience and expertise in systematic reviews and evidence synthesis. As the Co-Director of Cochrane Malaysia, the official representative of the Cochrane Collaboration in the country, Dr. Tan is dedicated to advancing evidence-based healthcare through research synthesis, training, and dissemination of trusted evidence. Her work with Cochrane involves conducting workshops on systematic review production, interpretation, and dissemination of review findings, for which she is a recognised Cochrane Trainer.

Beyond her Cochrane work, Dr Tan actively provides training on breastfeeding and kangaroo mother care to healthcare professionals in both the public and private sectors, reinforcing her commitment to improving maternal and child health.

TEACHING SUMMARY

Dr Tan’s main role at RUMC is teaching undergraduate Paediatrics, where she conducts clinical teaching, lectures, and tutorials to ensure a comprehensive learning experience for her students. In addition to her role in Paediatrics, Dr Tan serves as the module coordinator for the Evidence-Based Medicine module. She also contributes to the Foundation in Science program, delivering a unique module on communicating science, which incorporates the use of Cochrane reviews.

Dr Tan is a recognized Cochrane Trainer and conducts workshops on systematic reviews regularly both locally as well as regionally. These workshops are attended by researchers, clinicians, postgraduate and undergraduate students. In addition, Dr Tan also trains healthcare professionals in neonatal resuscitation (under the Neonatal Resuscitation Programme), breastfeeding practice and kangaroo mother care.

Research Area

CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS

Research Interest

ANTIFERROELECTRICITY,
LIQUID CRYSTALS,
LANDAU THEORY,
PHASE TRANSITIONS

MEMBER ROYAL COLLEGE OF PAEDIATRICS AND CHILD HEALTH, UK, SINCE 2007

MALAYSIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION (LIFE MEMBER)

MALAYSIAN PAEDIATRIC ASSOCIATION (LIFE MEMBER)

ACADEMY OF BREASTFEEDING MEDICINE (MEMBER), SINCE DEC 2007

KANGAROO MOTHER CARE ADVOCATES MALAYSIA (KAMY) (LIFE MEMBER)

COCHRANE (MEMBER), SINCE 19 NOV 2018

Funded Projects

  1. Tocotrienol supplementation in school going children with ADHD (TOCAT). Malaysian Palm Oil Board. 2011-2013
  2. Knowledge and belief of galactogogues consumption among breastfeeding mothers in Penang. PMC Research Grant (RC10). 2016
  3. Mothers’ breastfeeding and hygiene experiences in confinement homes in Penang compared to experiences at home. PMC Research Grant (RC17). 2017
  4. Population-based breastfeeding practices up to 6 Months in Penang, Malaysia. RUMC Research Grant (RC38). 2019
  5. Media training in evidence: Cochrane Geographic Groups Challenge Fund Award. Cochrane Collaboration. 2020-2021
  6. fWorkplace provision of breastfeeding support in Penang: a qualitative study. RUMC Research Grant (RC57). 2021
  7. Developing Indicators of a Breastfeeding-friendly city (BFCITY). RUMC Research Grant (RC89), Penang State Government. 2024

Publications

  1. Tocotrienol supplementation in school going children with ADHD (TOCAT). Malaysian Palm Oil Board. 2011-2013
  2. Knowledge and belief of galactogogues consumption among breastfeeding mothers in Penang. PMC Research Grant (RC10). 2016
  3. Mothers’ breastfeeding and hygiene experiences in confinement homes in Penang compared to experiences at home. PMC Research Grant (RC17). 2017
  4. Population-based breastfeeding practices up to 6 Months in Penang, Malaysia. RUMC Research Grant (RC38). 2019
  5. Media training in evidence: Cochrane Geographic Groups Challenge Fund Award. Cochrane Collaboration. 2020-2021
  6. fWorkplace provision of breastfeeding support in Penang: a qualitative study. RUMC Research Grant (RC57). 2021
  7. Developing Indicators of a Breastfeeding-friendly city (BFCITY). RUMC Research Grant (RC89), Penang State Government. 2024

Information is correct at time of printing / publication. RUMC reserves the right to amend the information without prior notice.