Prof Joseph J. Y. Sung
Renowned Gastroenterologist and Academician
Position: Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University
Specialization: Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Digestive System Diseases, Medical AI Applications
Affiliation: Nanyang Technological University
Biography
Professor Joseph J.Y. Sung received his medical degree (MB BS) from The University of Hong Kong in 1983, and was conferred PhD in biomedical sciences by the University of Calgary and MD by The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) in subsequent years.
Professor Sung holds fellowships from the Royal Colleges of Physicians of Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, and Australia, the American College of Gastroenterology, the American Gastroenterological Association, the Hong Kong College of Physicians, the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine.
He is concurrently an Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering of the People's Republic of China, an Academician of the Eurasian Academy of Sciences and Founding Member of the Academy of Sciences of Hong Kong (ASHK).
Key Research Areas
- Intestinal bleeding and treatment
- Helicobacter Pylori infection and peptic ulcer disease
- Hepatitis B research and treatment
- Colorectal cancer and digestive system cancers
- Endoscopic treatment for ulcer bleeding
- Gut microbiome and digestive diseases
- Artificial intelligence applications in clinical medicine
Major Research Contributions
Professor Sung's research interests include intestinal bleeding, Helicobacter Pylori, peptic ulcer, hepatitis B, colorectal cancer, and other cancers related to the digestive system. Professor Sung and his team proved the relationship between H. Pylori and peptic ulcer diseases.
They were first in demonstrating that a course of antibiotics lasting a week can cure H. Pylori infection and successfully treat peptic ulcers and minimize their relapse. At the same time, he and his research team pioneered the use of endoscopic treatment for ulcer bleeding to reduce the need for operative surgery.
These research results have a major impact on and have changed the practice of gastroenterology worldwide. In recent years, his research portfolio has extended into studies of gut microbiome and digestive diseases. He is also exploring the use of artificial intelligence in clinical medicine.
Academic Distinctions and Honors
- Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering of the People's Republic of China
- Academician of the Eurasian Academy of Sciences
- Founding Member of the Academy of Sciences of Hong Kong (ASHK)
- Fellow, Royal Colleges of Physicians of Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, and Australia
- Fellow, American College of Gastroenterology
- Fellow, American Gastroenterological Association
- Fellow, Hong Kong College of Physicians
- Fellow, Hong Kong Academy of Medicine
Educational Background
- MB BS (1983): The University of Hong Kong
- PhD: University of Calgary (Biomedical Sciences)
- MD: The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)
Research Impact
Professor Sung's groundbreaking research on H. Pylori and peptic ulcer disease has revolutionized the treatment approach worldwide, demonstrating that antibiotic therapy can cure infections and prevent ulcer recurrence. His pioneering work in endoscopic treatment for ulcer bleeding has significantly reduced the need for surgical interventions, improving patient outcomes globally.
His current exploration of AI applications in clinical medicine represents his continued commitment to advancing medical practice through innovative technologies and methodologies.
Current Research Focus
In addition to his established research in gastroenterology, Professor Sung is actively exploring the integration of artificial intelligence in clinical medicine. This forward-looking research aims to leverage AI technologies to improve diagnostic accuracy, treatment planning, and patient care outcomes in gastroenterology and beyond.
His work on the gut microbiome and its relationship to digestive diseases represents another cutting-edge area of his current research portfolio, investigating how microbial communities influence digestive health and disease development.