Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Patrick Soon-Shiong |
| Date of Birth | July 29, 1952 |
| Place of Birth | Port Elizabeth, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African-American |
| Profession | Physician, Entrepreneur, Investor |
| Education | MBBCh (University of the Witwatersrand); MS, UCLA |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $7.8 billion (2024) |
| Notable Roles | Inventor of Abraxane, Owner of Los Angeles Times |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Children | 2 |
| Residence | Los Angeles, California, USA |
Early Life and Education
Patrick Soon-Shiong was born on July 29, 1952, in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, to Chinese immigrant parents who had fled China during World War II. Growing up in apartheid South Africa, Soon-Shiong faced racial discrimination but excelled academically. He graduated from high school at the age of 16 and earned his medical degree (MBBCh) from the University of the Witwatersrand at 23.
Eager to further his education, he immigrated to the United States, where he completed his internship and residency in general surgery at UCLA. He later pursued a master’s degree in computer science and additional studies in medical research.
Medical and Entrepreneurial Career
Soon-Shiong’s medical career began with groundbreaking research in transplantation and diabetes treatment. He performed the world’s first encapsulated human islet transplant, which enabled a diabetic patient to stop insulin injections for over a year.
In the 1990s, he turned his attention to oncology and founded Abraxis BioScience. There, he developed Abraxane, a revolutionary chemotherapy drug used to treat breast, lung, and pancreatic cancer. The drug’s success propelled Soon-Shiong into the global spotlight and earned him substantial wealth.
Soon-Shiong’s entrepreneurial ventures extend beyond medicine. He has founded several companies, including NantWorks, a network of healthcare, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence startups. His goal is to revolutionize healthcare through precision medicine and advanced technology.
Media Ownership and Philanthropy
In 2018, Patrick Soon-Shiong acquired the Los Angeles Times and The San Diego Union-Tribune for $500 million. Under his leadership, he has focused on restoring journalistic integrity and improving the publications’ financial stability.
Soon-Shiong is also a committed philanthropist. Through the Chan Soon-Shiong Family Foundation, he has donated millions to healthcare initiatives, educational programs, and social causes. He has pledged to combat global health disparities and has made significant contributions to COVID-19 research and vaccine development.
Personal Life
Patrick Soon-Shiong is married to Michele B. Chan, a former actress, and the couple has two children. They reside in Los Angeles, California. Despite his immense wealth, Soon-Shiong is known for his humility and dedication to improving lives through science and philanthropy.
Net Worth and Recognition
As of 2024, Patrick Soon-Shiong’s net worth is estimated at $7.8 billion. He has been featured on Forbes’ list of billionaires and recognized as one of the most influential figures in medicine and technology. His work in oncology and precision medicine has earned him numerous awards and accolades.
Legacy and Vision
Patrick Soon-Shiong’s legacy lies in his transformative impact on medicine, from developing life-saving treatments to pioneering new approaches to healthcare. His vision of integrating technology with healthcare continues to shape the industry, offering hope for a future where diseases are diagnosed and treated with unparalleled precision.
Conclusion
Patrick Soon-Shiong’s journey from a young boy in apartheid-era South Africa to a billionaire physician-scientist and entrepreneur is a story of resilience, innovation, and compassion. His life’s work exemplifies the power of science and philanthropy to change the world, leaving an indelible mark on medicine, media, and society.