Dr. Peter M. Tan spent four decades in Army service, treating patients, commanding medical units and advising senior leaders at the Pentagon. On Friday, Nov. 13, he will join Holy Cross College President Marco J. Clark to talk about where that career began and what it taught him about leading with humility.
The conversation, From Humble Beginnings: An Amazing Journey,” is part of the College’s Leading the Holy Cross Way executive series. It will take place from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in Driscoll Auditorium at the College. The event is free and open to the public.
A University of Notre Dame graduate and board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Tan commanded Army dental operations in Europe and the Pacific. He also served as a civilian aide to the secretary of the Army and advised military and healthcare leaders on medical readiness, patient safety and leadership development.
Tan now chairs the board of trustees at HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital. He has also taught oral and maxillofacial surgery and mentored future healthcare professionals and military leaders. His honors include induction into the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame and the U.S. Veterans Hall of Fame.
Friday’s conversation gives students and community members a chance to hear how Tan carried lessons from military service into civilian healthcare, where he has helped oversee patient experience and crisis response. Now in its third year, Leading the Holy Cross Way brings leaders from fields including business, education, healthcare and public service to campus to discuss the experiences and decisions that shaped how they lead.