Wei Shen Tan, MD, PhD, FRCS
Assistant ProfessorCards
About
Titles
Assistant Professor
Biography
Wei Shen Tan, MD, PhD, FRCS is a urologic oncologist with expertise in the treatment of bladder, prostate and kidney cancers. He completed his Society of Urologic Oncology (SUO)-accredited fellowship at the prestigious University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX and a robotic urology fellowship at University College London Hospital, London, UK. Dr. Tan completed his urology residency through the London School of Surgery and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of England. He is also an Honorary Associate Professor at University College London, London, UK.
Dr. Tan holds a PhD in Uro-oncology, with his research focusing on genitourinary cancers. His key interests include: 1) Cancer diagnostics, 2) Novel treatments for bladder cancer, 3) Biomarker development for bladder cancer, 4) Characterization of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer and 5) Optimizing perioperative outcomes following radical cystectomy through enhanced recovery protocols and robotic surgery.
He is a co-investigator in several major clinical trials, including DETECT I & II, HYMN, BOXIT, and HIVEC-II. His work has resulted in over 100 peer-reviewed publications. Dr. Tan also serves on the editorial boards of the British Journal of Urology International and the Journal of Men’s Health.
Appointments
Urology
Assistant ProfessorPrimary
Other Departments & Organizations
- Prostate & Urologic Cancers Program
- Urologic Oncology
- Urology
- Yale Cancer Center
- Yale Medicine
Education & Training
- Fellow, Urologic Oncology
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
- Fellow, Robotic Urology
- University College London Hospitals
- Resident, Urology
- London School of Surgery
- Non Degree Program
- Royal College of Surgeons of England
- PhD
- University College London
- MD
- Cardiff University
- BSc
- University College London
Research
Overview
Medical Research Interests
Clinical Care
Overview
Wei Shen Tan, MD, PhD, is a urologic oncologist who treats bladder, prostate, and kidney cancer.
Dr. Tan says he was drawn to his specialty because of the variety of conditions and treatments it offers. “We treat patients with surgery but also with medications and other treatments,” he says. “Surgery is one of the treatment options available, particularly with urologic cancers.”
When working with patients, Dr. Tan says he customizes care to their needs. “My task is to guide patients from cancer diagnosis to giving them the information they need so that we can make a joint decision in how to approach their care and move forward,” he says. “My preferred approach if we are going with surgical treatment, is minimally invasive robotic surgery, where possible. This allows the patient to recover much quicker and get on with their lives.”
Recognizing that cancer is a difficult diagnosis for patients to accept, Dr. Tan says he makes it a priority to be frank with them and offer realistic expectations. “I make sure I fully explain their treatment options and customize the information for them,” he says.
Dr. Tan’s research focuses on bladder cancer, including optimizing ways to investigate patients for cancer, characterization of cancer to allow a personalized approach, and novel therapies. “I’m interested in tailoring treatments appropriately to minimize overtreatment and provide the best care for them,” he says.
Clinical Specialties
Fact Sheets
Bladder Cancer
Learn More on Yale MedicineProstate Cancer
Learn More on Yale MedicineKidney Cancer
Learn More on Yale Medicine
Board Certifications
Urology
- Certification Organization
- Royal College of Surgeons of England
- Original Certification Date
- 2022