Meet the expert bridging modern pharmacy and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is gaining recognition worldwide as people search for more holistic ways to care for their health. But how does it blend with modern pharmacy? We sat down with Christine Chan, a pharmacist at Sunway TCM Centre, who’s doing exactly that—merging her knowledge of clinical expertise with ancient healing practices to bring the best of both worlds to patients.

1Twenty80: Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you got into TCM pharmacy?

Christine Chan: I started my journey in pharmacy through a government scholarship from the Public Services Department of Malaysia, earning my Bachelor of Pharmacy from the University of South Australia. My curiosity in integrative healthcare led me to pursue a Master of Science in Pharmacy at China Medical University in Taiwan, where I was honoured with a Student Award in 2018. Later, I completed an MBA from Veritas University, Malaysia, in 2022.

My professional journey began in 2011 at Ampang Hospital, known for its haematology centre. In 2014, I transitioned to the National Cancer Institute, where I helped establish and manage the herbal dispensary and develop the Traditional & Complementary Medicine (T&CM) Unit. That same year, I obtained my Good Clinical Practice (GCP) certification and began contributing to TCM research and guidelines.

Today, I serve as Head of Operations and Pharmacist at Sunway TCM Centre under Sunway Healthcare Group, where I work to integrate clinical knowledge, research, and business strategy to enhance patient care in TCM.

1Twenty80: What are some key milestones in your journey as a TCM pharmacist?

Christine: There have been several proud moments in my career:

• Setting up the herbal dispensary at the National Cancer Institute, integrating TCM into cancer care.
  
• Leading the implementation of key systems such as the TCM HIS system, herbal dispensing protocols, and ICD-11 for TCM.
  
• Becoming a preceptor for herbal dispensing, mentoring future TCM pharmacists.
  
• Earning the Student Award at China Medical University for my academic and research achievements.
  
• Publishing research papers and presenting findings through poster presentations.
  
• Serving as a guest lecturer at universities like UKM, CUCMS, SEGi, and others.
  
• Leading operations at Sunway TCM Centre to advance services and improve patient outcomes.
  

1Twenty80: What keeps you passionate about TCM?

Christine: What truly draws me to TCM is its holistic, root-cause approach to healing. TCM doesn’t just treat symptoms—it looks at a person’s overall constitution, lifestyle, and environment.

I’ve always enjoyed counseling patients, even during my early years in Western pharmacy. Helping people understand how to use their medication effectively and make lifestyle changes was something I loved. With TCM, I’ve expanded that approach to include herbal remedies, acupuncture, and diet therapy.

I’m also passionate about research, education, and leadership—contributing to the integration of TCM into modern healthcare systems is both exciting and fulfilling.

1Twenty80: What’s one common misconception about TCM you often find yourself correcting?

Christine: The biggest one? That TCM lacks scientific evidence.

In fact, many herbal treatments and acupuncture techniques have been studied extensively. For example, herbs like ginseng and astragalus are supported by modern pharmacological research.

Another myth is that TCM and Western medicine can’t be used together. That’s not true—when done properly, they can complement each other beautifully. Many hospitals in Malaysia, China, and Taiwan already do this, such as combining acupuncture with physiotherapy or using herbal therapies alongside chemotherapy.

Lastly, just because something is natural doesn’t mean it’s automatically safe. TCM herbs are powerful and can interact with medications or cause side effects. That’s why consulting a qualified practitioner is essential.

1Twenty80: What has been the most rewarding experience in your career so far?

Christine: One of the most meaningful moments was helping a cancer patient who had run out of conventional treatment options. Through herbal therapy and dietary support, they experienced noticeable improvement, which was incredibly fulfilling.

But it’s not just the clinical outcomes—it’s the relationships. I love hearing patients’ stories, walking with them on their health journeys, and seeing them take charge of their own wellness.

Mentoring young pharmacists is also a big highlight. It’s an honor to guide the next generation of integrative medicine professionals and help them bridge the gap between Western and traditional healing.

“…it’s not just the clinical outcomes—it’s the relationships. I love hearing patients’ stories, walking with them on their health journeys, and seeing them take charge of their own wellness”.

Christine Chan

1Twenty80: How do you keep learning in this ever-evolving field?

Christine: Continuous learning is key. I stay updated by attending conferences, engaging in research, and collaborating with both Western and TCM professionals.

For example, last year we co-organized the International Conference of Traditional and Complementary Medicine with Malaysia’s Ministry of Health. This year, we’ve been invited to co-host the 2025 Tongue Diagnosis Conference with Xiamen University, which is a great recognition of our work.

Working in TCM service development and staying connected to patient care ensures I’m always learning—both from science and real-world experiences.

1Twenty80: What advice would you give to someone curious but hesitant about trying TCM?

Christine: Healthcare shouldn’t be about choosing one system over another—it’s about finding the right balance. TCM isn’t meant to replace Western medicine, but to complement it.

If you’re curious, start small. Try herbal teas, acupuncture, or dietary changes under a trained TCM practitioner. Keep an open mind and focus on what works best for your individual health needs.

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