Meet Dr. Mickey Koh – the globe‑trotting cell‑therapy wizard on WHO’s bright roster
In the world of medical science, some people are born with a double‑dose of talent and a passport that’s practically a passport stamp collector. Dr. Mickey Koh is that rare breed – a 56‑year‑old cell‑therapy mastermind who splits his time between London and Singapore, all while heading two mega‑impactful departments.
Two Jobs. Two Continents. One Doctor’s Life
- London stint: Heads the Haematology Department at St George’s University Hospital & his team tackles bone‑marrow transplants.
- Singapore duty: Runs the cutting‑edge cell‑therapy programme at the Health Sciences Authority.
- He spends a solid six weeks in London, then returns to Singapore for a week & a half, keeping the momentum flowing.
This bi‑continental juggling act isn’t just a quirky hobby – it’s the backbone of a profession that’s reshaping how we treat everything from cancers to chronic infections.
Officially on the WHO’s “Best of the Best” List
In May, Dr. Koh was hand‑picked to sit on the WHO Expert Advisory Panel on Biological Standardisation – a prestigious group that works out the rules for making, licensing, and standardising everything from vaccines to cell‑based therapeutics. The panel has about 25 hand‑selected members and reports straight to the World Health Assembly.
His four‑year term is a direct appointment by the WHO director‑general, and it came with a nod from the British government.
Why Regulation Rocks (In a Good Way)
When Dr. Koh talks to The Straits Times, he’s not just being pedantic – he’s warning us about a glitter‑laden “stem‑cell” market that sells miracle cures with no evidence, especially for things like aging or strokes.
He emphasises how unregulated play can lead to serious side‑effects, a risk many people are not aware of.
Cell‑Therapy – Next‑Gen Medicine
- Think biologics, but with living cells.
- It’s about harnessing the body’s own power to heal, whether that’s immune cells targeting cancer or stem cells fixing damaged tissue.
- Dr. Koh uses the superstar example of CAR‑T cells – genetically tweaked T‑cells that turn out to be super‑effective against blood cancers.
He points out that a single infusion of CAR‑T therapy can bring 70 % of relapsed acute leukemia patients into remission – a big win over conventional chemo or radiotherapy.
Beyond the Hospital – Steering Global Bone‑Marrow Efforts
As vice‑president of the Worldwide Network for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (WBMT), he assists governments worldwide in setting up transplant programmes. That umbrella organisation pulls together many societies that focus on bone‑marrow and cell therapy, making Dr. Koh a global linchpin.
Jet Lag? What’s That?
After two from‑their‑flavors of lockdowns and travel chaos, Dr. Koh says he’s lucky not to feel the usual jet‑lag. “Maybe it’s coffee,” he jokes, “or I’m just a hyper‑active person who doesn’t need much sleep.” He adds that his junior‑doctor days taught him how to manage odd hours efficiently.
Storming the Pandemic‑Padded Airwaves
In 2020, he was stuck in London, unable to return to Singapore. To keep the work moving, he did everything remotely: virtual lab meetings, emails, time‑zone‑matching schedules, and a whopping 16 hour days juggling UK, Singapore, and global duties.
He credits his team – consultants, lab directors, scientists, and quality managers – for keeping things steady while he supervised from afar.
Reflections – The Upside of a Perpetual Commuter
Dr. Koh shares that his unusual arrangement gave him deep insight into how different healthcare systems operate and how to flexibly work across borders. “It’s a lesson in adaptability, and it made me more versatile, not just clinically but administratively,” he says.
He remains committed to his dual roles, convinced that his global perspective is a key driver in advancing cell‑therapy worldwide.
Reading about this doctor reminds us that the future of medicine isn’t just about new drugs – it’s also about new horizons, new systems, and new teamwork, all happening in real time across continents.
