Bridging Clinics and Labs - Dr. Mark Koh

For Dr. Mark Koh Jean Aan, the world of dermatology extends far beyond diagnosis and treatment—it’s about transformation. As Head and Senior Consultant of Department of Dermatology at KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH), Dr. Koh specialises in Paediatric Dermatology and Dermatopathology and has seen the unmet needs in paediatric skin health firsthand. But it is through his decade-long partnership with the Skin Research Institute of Singapore (SRIS) that he’s been able to translate clinical gaps into scientific discovery and ultimately, into impact.

From Rare Disorders to Widespread Impact

Dr. Koh’s early collaborations with SRIS centred on rare and challenging conditions such as epidermolysis bullosa and other genodermatoses—conditions where research interest and funding can be limited. “Clinicians see problems every day,” he explains. “SRIS gave us the tools and collaborators to actually solve them.” SRIS helped bridge that gap, offering him access to research infrastructure, expert collaborators, and most importantly, a translational mindset. Over time, his focus broadened to include more prevalent skin disorders like atopic dermatitis and acne. These are not only common conditions, but also emotionally and socially impactful for young patients. 

His partnership with SRIS allowed him to lead a pioneering study which investigates the role of microbiome, metabolomics, and immune markers in the development of acne in adolescents. “It’s not just about treating pimples,” Dr. Koh shares. “It’s about predicting who will get severe acne before it starts so we can intervene early and prevent lifelong scarring.”  The project is expected to generate more than 40 research papers and potential intellectual property.  

 

Accelerating Innovation Through Collaboration

What sets SRIS apart, according to Dr. Koh, is its ecosystem of cross-disciplinary collaboration. His research projects have involved immunologists  “Each collaboration brings new perspectives and real innovation.” he says. “I’ve worked with Asst Prof Janela (Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine) on skin immunology, with Prof Olivio (A*STAR Skin Research Labs) on imaging and with other Nanyang Technological University (NTU Singapore) teams on diagnostics,”imaging specialists, engineers, and AI experts. These partnerships have enabled development of novel diagnostic tools, like microneedle-based biomarker detection platforms, and exploration of drug delivery methods for targeted skin therapies.

Beyond the science, SRIS has also provided the scaffolding for professional growth. Dr. Koh credits SRIS for helping him build stronger networks beyond KKH, with local institutions, including the Singapore General Hospital, and National University Hospital, and even internationally. His efforts have helped foster a more cohesive national dermatology research community—one that speaks across academic and clinical silos.

 

Building the Next Generation

Mentorship is a core part of Dr. Koh’s mission. He actively encourages junior consultants and medical students to spend time in SRIS labs, where they are exposed to the research process and inspired to pursue their own translational ideas. 

“Not every clinician will become a researcher but those with curiosity and drive should be supported,” he says. “SRIS makes that possible.”

 

Looking Ahead

Despite his heavy clinical administrative load reduced, Dr. Koh is now doubling down on research. He’s developing projects in paediatric dermatology, precision diagnostics, and regional skin conditions that have been under explored. He also remains committed to finding treatments for diseases that might not attract commercial interest but are no less important to the patients they affect. 

“We can use common conditions like acne as springboards to fund, to build teams, and to shine a light on conditions which are often overlooked.”

 

A Platform for Translational Excellence

“SRIS understands both the science and the bedside,” says Dr. Koh. “If you’re curious, collaborative, and committed to translational research, it’s the best place to grow.” For Dr. Koh, the lab and clinic aren’t separate worlds. They’re part of the same journey. And with SRIS as a bridge, that journey is accelerating - bringing new hope to patients, new insights to science, and a stronger future for skin health in Singapore and beyond.