22
October
2019
|
22:59
Asia/Singapore

Prof John Wong elected to prestigious medical academy

Prof Wong has been elected into the US National Academy of Medicine, one of the highest honours in the fields of health and medicine

NUS Senior Vice President (Health Affairs) Professor John Eu-Li Wong was elected on 21 October to the prestigious US National Academy of Medicine (NAM). Considered one of the highest honours in the fields of health and medicine, election to the academy recognises individuals who have made major contributions to the advancement of the medical sciences, healthcare, and public health.

“I am deeply honoured by this recognition from the United States of America’s National Academy of Medicine. I have been extraordinarily fortunate to have been part of the National University Health System, the National University of Singapore, Singapore’s public healthcare system and the national Health and Biomedical Science initiative these past 27 years. This recognition is very much because of them and what they have been able to do to improve the health and well-being of Singapore and the community we live in. This would not have been possible without the incredible support from my family, team, colleagues, donors and friends,” said Prof Wong, who is also the Chief Executive at the National University Health System (NUHS) and the Isabel Chan Professor in Medical Sciences at NUS.

A medical oncologist-haematologist, Prof Wong obtained his medical degree from NUS and completed his residency and fellowship at the New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center, where he was the Chief Resident in Medicine, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. He has been actively involved in the development of Health and Biomedical Sciences as a key pillar of Singapore's economy and serves as a member of the National Health and Biomedical Sciences Executive Committee.  His international contributions include being Past President of the World Health Summit, a founding member of the Association of Academic Health Centers (International), and serving on the Editorial Board of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

In his distinguished 27-year career with NUS and NUHS, Prof Wong has held many strategic leadership positions. With the re-organisation of public healthcare in 2017, Prof Wong led the expanded NUHS through excellence in care, research and education.

I have been extraordinarily fortunate to have been part of the National University Health System, the National University of Singapore, Singapore’s public healthcare system and the national Health and Biomedical Science initiative these past 27 years. This recognition is very much because of them and what they have been able to do to improve the health and well-being of Singapore and the community we live in.  This would not have been possible without the incredible support from my family, team, colleagues, donors and friends.
— Prof John Eu-Li Wong,  NUS Senior Vice President (Health Affairs)

Established in 1970 as the Institute of Medicine, the NAM is a globally influential health and science organisation. It consists of members from diverse fields including health and medicine, as well as the natural, social, and behavioral sciences. Professor Tan Chorh Chuan, University Professor, had the honour of being the first Singaporean invited to join the NAM in 2015.

“These newly elected members represent the most exceptional scholars and leaders whose remarkable work has advanced science, medicine, and health in the US and around the globe,” said NAM President Victor J. Dzau. “Their expertise will be vital to addressing today’s most pressing health and scientific challenges and informing the future of health and medicine for the benefit of us all. I am honoured to welcome these esteemed individuals to the National Academy of Medicine.”