Dr. Yong Yang | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Yong Yang | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Epidemiologist at Singapore General Hospital, Singapore

Dr. Yang Yong is an accomplished epidemiologist and public health researcher with extensive expertise in infection prevention, clinical epidemiology, and healthcare management. Holding a Ph.D. in Microbiology and an MSc in Clinical Science from the National University of Singapore, he has led and contributed to numerous national and international research projects, including clinical trials and epidemiological investigations on infectious diseases, tuberculosis, sepsis, and chronic conditions. His prolific publication record in reputed journals, research grants, and conference presentations reflect his scientific impact, while his leadership roles at Singapore General Hospital and Duke-NUS highlight his commitment to advancing medical science and mentoring future researchers. Recognized with multiple research awards, Dr. Yang continues to influence healthcare policy, quality improvement, and education, making him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Professional Profile

Scopus Profile

Education

Dr. Yang Yong possesses a strong academic foundation with a BMed and MMed from Shanxi Medical University, followed by advanced studies in Singapore. He completed his Master of Clinical Science at the National University of Singapore and later earned a Ph.D. in Microbiology from the same institution, establishing his expertise in infectious diseases and epidemiology. His academic journey reflects a consistent focus on clinical research and public health, supported by additional training in project management, biostatistics, epidemiological research, and advanced imaging analysis techniques. Through continuous professional development courses across Singapore and internationally, Dr. Yang has strengthened his skills in research design, medical data analysis, and healthcare policy development. His educational background has provided a robust platform for his distinguished career in medical research, teaching, and clinical epidemiology.

 Experience

Dr. Yang Yong has built an impressive professional career spanning academia, clinical research, and hospital leadership. He has served as Epidemiologist and Director of the Department of Epidemiology at Singapore General Hospital, contributing to infection prevention, outbreak surveillance, and healthcare policy. In addition, he has held academic appointments as Adjunct Assistant Professor at Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, where he co-mentored research students and participated in curriculum review. His early career included research fellowships at Tan Tock Seng Hospital and the National Neuroscience Institute, where he worked on HIV, neurology, and infectious disease projects. He also served as Honorary Academic Advisor at the Public TCM Research and Development Centre in Singapore. With decades of leadership, clinical, and academic service, Dr. Yang has consistently advanced medical science and healthcare practices through research, mentorship, and policy implementation.

Research Interest

Dr. Yang Yong’s primary research interests lie in infectious diseases, epidemiology, and public health, with a focus on hospital-acquired infections, tuberculosis, sepsis, and chronic conditions such as diabetes and autoimmune diseases. He has conducted extensive studies on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, venous thromboembolism, and viral infections, contributing to better understanding of risk factors, treatment outcomes, and healthcare burden. His research extends to clinical epidemiology of HIV, body composition changes, and the application of advanced imaging technologies in disease monitoring. Dr. Yang has also investigated occupational health, stress biomarkers, and healthcare system quality improvement. His multidisciplinary approach integrates clinical practice, epidemiological modeling, and public health strategies, bridging gaps between patient care, infection control, and policy-making. His ongoing interests aim at strengthening infection prevention systems and advancing evidence-based healthcare delivery.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Yang Yong has received several prestigious awards that highlight his contributions to research and healthcare. He was honored with Best Poster Awards at the SingHealth Duke-NUS Scientific Congress in recognition of his research on venous thromboembolism and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections. Earlier in his career, he earned the Singapore General Hospital Gold Award for improving physician compliance with clinical guidelines. His academic achievements were further recognized through research scholarships at the National University of Singapore and the National Scholarship Council in China. These honors reflect his excellence in scientific inquiry, dedication to healthcare advancement, and contributions to medical education. His recognition at both institutional and international levels underscores the significance of his work in shaping clinical epidemiology and improving patient care outcomes.

Research Skill

Dr. Yang Yong demonstrates advanced research skills across clinical epidemiology, infectious disease research, and statistical analysis. He has extensive experience in designing and managing large-scale hospital-based studies, applying SPSS, STATA, and database systems such as ACCESS for complex data analysis. His expertise includes advanced MRI and imaging analysis, body composition measurement techniques, and biomarker evaluation for infectious and chronic diseases. He has successfully led and co-investigated numerous funded projects, including international clinical trials, epidemiological studies, and quality improvement initiatives. In addition, Dr. Yang possesses strong teaching and mentoring skills, having trained medical students, researchers, and clinicians in research methodology and statistical applications. His ability to translate scientific findings into healthcare policy and clinical practice demonstrates his capacity to bridge research, education, and real-world impact effectively.

Publication Top Notes

Title: The burden of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections among hospitalised patients in Singapore
Authors: Yang Y, Ling ML, Østbye T, Tan SB, Earnest A, Ng HS
Year: 2019
Citation: Revista Eletronica Gestao & Sociedade. 13(34): 2650–65

Title: A Report of Adult Human Adenovirus Infections in a Tertiary Hospital
Authors: Kalimuddin S, Chan YFZ, Wu IQ, Tan QL, Murthee KG, Tan BH, Oon LLE, Yang Y, Lin RTP, Joseph U, Sessions OM, Smith GJD, Ooi EE, Low JGH
Year: 2017
Citation: Open Forum Infect Dis. 4(2): ofx053. doi: 10.1093/ofid/ofx053. eCollection 2017 Spring

Title: The risk of tuberculosis in SLE patients from an Asian tertiary hospital
Authors: Yang Y, Thumboo J, Tan BH, Tan TT, Fong CHJ, Ng HS, Fong KY
Year: 2017
Citation: Rheumatol Int. 37(6): 1027–1033

Title: Delays in diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis in AFB smear-negative patients with pneumonia
Authors: Zhang ZX, Sng LH, Yong Y, Lin LM, Cheng TW, Seong NH, Yong FK
Year: 2017
Citation: Int J Tuberc Lung Dis. doi: 10.5588/ijtld.16.0667. [Epub ahead of print]

Title: The effect of chronic liver disease on venous thromboembolism among medically managed patients in Singapore General Hospital
Authors: Yang Y, Zhang XZ, Ng HS, Fong CHJ, Lee LH
Year: 2015
Citation: Thrombosis Research. 136: 548–551

Title: The effect of comorbidity on hospital mortality in patients with SLE from an Asian tertiary hospital
Authors: Yang Y, Julian T, Arul E, Yong SL, Fong KY
Year: 2014
Citation: Lupus. 23: 714–720

Title: 新加坡中央医院针灸门诊的规范化管理
Authors: Cui S, Tan K, Ong BC, Huang Y, Yang Y, Xu S, Ng HS
Year: 2014
Citation: Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion. 34(2): 179–182

Title: The Effect of a Brief Low-Intensity Therapeutic Lifestyle Counselling Intervention on Weight Loss among Overweight in Primary Care: a Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Ng Lee Beng, Yang Yong, Koh Choon-Huat Gerald
Year: 2014
Citation: Proceedings of Singapore Healthcare. 23(2): 118–125

Title: Applicability of a previously validated readmission predictive index in medical patients in Singapore: a retrospective study
Authors: Tan SY, Low LL, Yang Y, Lee KH
Year: 2013
Citation: BMC Health Services Research. 13: 366

Title: Safety Culture in Acupuncture Practice in a Tertiary Hospital-The Singapore General Hospital Experience
Authors: Cui S, Tan K, Subner SH, Xu P, Lim S, Huang Y, Yang Y, Xu S, Ng HS
Year: 2013
Citation: Med Acupunct. 25(1): 61–73

Title: The burden of diabetes mellitus in elderly patients from an Asian tertiary hospital
Authors: Yang Y, Goh SY, Tan SB, Ho H, Emmanuel S, Wang P, Ng HS
Year: 2012
Citation: Eur J Intern Med. 23: e1–e4

Title: Risk factors for lower extremity amputation among patients with diabetes in Singapore
Authors: Yang Y, Østbye T, Tan SB, Ong BC, Abdul-Salam ZH, Yang KS
Year: 2011
Citation: J Diabetes Complications. 25: 382–386

Title: Clinical characteristics and outcomes of hospitalized patients with 2009 H1N1 influenza in a large, acute-care tertiary hospital in Singapore
Authors: Hsann YM, Abdul-Salam ZH, Lim V, Yang Y, Yang KS
Year: 2011
Citation: Am J Infect Cont. 39(8): e49–51

Title: Respiratory dysfunction in sepsis patients – the protective effect of diabetes mellitus
Authors: Yang Y, Abdul-Salam ZH, Ong BC, Yang KS
Year: 2011
Citation: Am J Crit Care. 20: e41–e47

Title: Bringing generalists into the hospital: outcomes of a family medicine hospitalists model in Singapore
Authors: Hock Lee K, Yang Y, Soong Yang K, Chi Ong B, Seong Ng H
Year: 2011
Citation: J Hosp Med. 6(3): 115–121. doi: 10.1002/jhm.821

Title: The effect of comorbidity and age on hospital mortality and length of stay in patients with sepsis
Authors: Yang Y, Yang KS, Hsann YM, Lim V, Ong BC
Year: 2010
Citation: J Crit Care. 25(3): 398–405. Epub 2009 Oct 15

Title: Objective assessment of facial lipoatrophy changes in a cohort of HIV infected patients taking combination antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Yang Y, Yap M, Oo Tha N, Paton NI
Year: 2008
Citation: HIV Clinical Trials. 9(6): 399–406

Title: Changes in facial fat in lipodystrophy, wasting and weight gain measured by magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Paton NI, Yang Y, Oo Tha N, Sitoh YY
Year: 2007
Citation: HIV Clinical Trials. 8(4): 227–234

Title: Validation of 3-dimensional laser scanning for the assessment of facial fat changes
Authors: Paton NI, Yang Y, Oo Tha N
Year: 2007
Citation: HIV Med. 8(8): 498–503

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dr. Yang Yong is an outstanding researcher and leader whose career exemplifies dedication to advancing medical science, healthcare quality, and public health. His strong educational background, vast professional experience, and impactful research on infectious diseases, epidemiology, and chronic health conditions reflect a lifelong commitment to improving patient care and medical knowledge. His numerous publications in high-impact journals, research grants, and recognition through academic awards highlight his contributions to global healthcare challenges. Moreover, his role in mentoring young researchers and serving in leadership positions demonstrates his influence in shaping future generations of scientists. With proven expertise, a global outlook, and a vision for improving healthcare systems, Dr. Yang is highly deserving of recognition and stands out as an exemplary candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Assist. Prof. Dr. Joseph Lo | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Joseph Lo | Medicine and Dentistry | Best Researcher Award

Senior Consultant at Woodlands Health Campus, Singapore

Dr. Zhiwen Joseph Lo is an accomplished clinician-scientist and vascular surgeon whose expertise lies in diabetic foot ulcers, wound care, and vascular health innovation. Currently Head of Vascular Surgery Service at Woodlands Health and Senior Consultant across leading hospitals in Singapore, he combines clinical excellence with impactful research. Holding a PhD from Nanyang Technological University, his studies have advanced the understanding of diabetic foot complications and informed innovative healthcare models. He has published extensively in IEEE, Scopus-indexed, and high-impact journals, contributed book chapters, and served as reviewer and editorial board member for international journals. A fellow of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons and American College of Surgeons, Dr. Lo also mentors future clinicians as Clinical Assistant Professor, exemplifying leadership, scholarship, and dedication to improving patient outcomes globally.

Professional Profile

Google Scholar | Orcid Profile

Education

Dr. Zhiwen Joseph Lo has pursued rigorous medical and academic training that integrates clinical practice with translational research. He earned his undergraduate and postgraduate medical qualifications in surgery, followed by advanced fellowship training in vascular and endovascular surgery across internationally renowned institutions in the United Kingdom and Europe. His academic journey culminated with a doctoral degree from Nanyang Technological University, where his research focused on diabetic foot ulcers and their clinical as well as economic implications. Through this work, he developed evidence-based frameworks that shaped care models and improved patient outcomes. Dr. Lo’s educational pathway reflects a balance of surgical expertise, academic excellence, and leadership development, preparing him to contribute meaningfully to both the scientific community and the advancement of patient care globally.

Experience

Dr. Zhiwen Joseph Lo has established an impressive professional career as a vascular and endovascular surgeon, combining clinical leadership with research-driven innovation. He serves as Head of the Vascular Surgery Service at Woodlands Health, where he has built integrated patient care pathways and advanced surgical services. His senior consultant roles across leading hospitals in Singapore further demonstrate his ability to apply expertise in diverse clinical settings. Beyond hospital practice, he is the Founding Clinical Director of the Wounds and Vascular Centre, a specialist clinic committed to comprehensive wound care. He also contributes as Clinical Assistant Professor at medical schools, shaping the training of future doctors. His professional journey is marked by leadership, collaboration, and a dedication to raising standards in vascular surgery and wound management.

Research Interest

Dr. Zhiwen Joseph Lo’s research interests span diabetic foot ulcers, vascular health, wound healing, and healthcare systems innovation. He is particularly dedicated to addressing the clinical and economic challenges associated with diabetic complications, exploring strategies that reduce morbidity while optimizing resource use. His work integrates data-driven models, clinical outcomes research, and patient-centered approaches to establish effective and sustainable care practices. He also focuses on health services research, emphasizing multidisciplinary collaboration and integrated care pathways to enhance accessibility and efficiency. With publications in high-impact journals and active involvement in collaborative studies, Dr. Lo continues to advance knowledge in wound care and vascular medicine. His research direction reflects a balance of academic rigor and real-world application, ensuring a direct impact on patient outcomes and healthcare delivery.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Zhiwen Joseph Lo has been recognized for his contributions through professional memberships, leadership appointments, and invitations to participate in international collaborations. His fellowship with the Royal Colleges of Surgeons and the American College of Surgeons represents global acknowledgment of his expertise in vascular surgery. He has also achieved certification with the European Board of Vascular Surgery, reflecting the depth and breadth of his surgical proficiency. Beyond qualifications, he has served as an invited speaker at conferences and an organizer of scientific congresses, affirming his leadership in the medical community. His editorial and reviewer roles for esteemed journals highlight the trust placed in his academic judgment. Collectively, these honors illustrate his reputation as both a clinician and researcher committed to advancing healthcare worldwide.

Research Skill

Dr. Zhiwen Joseph Lo possesses a diverse portfolio of research skills that bridge clinical practice and scientific inquiry. He has expertise in health services research, economic evaluation, and the design of innovative models of care. His training enables him to conduct both quantitative and qualitative analyses, ensuring robust evaluation of clinical outcomes and policy impact. He is experienced in leading collaborative projects that involve multidisciplinary teams, integrating medical, technological, and systems-based approaches to healthcare challenges. His publication record in high-impact journals, contributions to book chapters, and experience as a peer reviewer demonstrate strong academic writing and critical evaluation skills. By combining surgical expertise with research acumen, Dr. Lo consistently translates evidence into practice, strengthening the connection between medical research, patient care, and healthcare innovation.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Clinical and economic burden of wound care in the tropics: a 5‐year institutional population health review
Authors: ZJ Lo, X Lim, D Eng, J Car, Q Hong, E Yong, L Zhang, S Chandrasekar, …
Year: 2020
Citation: International Wound Journal 17 (3), 790-803, 113

Title: Clinical and economic burden of diabetic foot ulcers: a 5‐year longitudinal multi‐ethnic cohort study from the tropics
Authors: ZJ Lo, NK Surendra, A Saxena, J Car
Year: 2021
Citation: International Wound Journal 18 (3), 375-386, 112

Title: Wound assessment, imaging and monitoring systems in diabetic foot ulcers: A systematic review
Authors: KS Chan, ZJ Lo
Year: 2020
Citation: International Wound Journal 17 (6), 1909-1923, 70

Title: Clinical validation of an artificial intelligence‐enabled wound imaging mobile application in diabetic foot ulcers
Authors: KS Chan, YM Chan, AHM Tan, S Liang, YT Cho, Q Hong, E Yong, …
Year: 2022
Citation: International Wound Journal 19 (1), 114-124, 63

Title: Diabetic foot limb salvage—a series of 809 attempts and predictors for endovascular limb salvage failure
Authors: ZJ Lo, Z Lin, U Pua, LHH Quek, BP Tan, S Punamiya, GWL Tan, …
Year: 2018
Citation: Annals of Vascular Surgery 49, 9-16, 35

Title: National rates of lower extremity amputation in people with and without diabetes in a multi-ethnic Asian population: a ten year study in Singapore
Authors: T Riandini, D Pang, MPHS Toh, CS Tan, AMTL Choong, ZJ Lo, …
Year: 2022
Citation: European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery 63 (1), 147-155, 34

Title: Toe pressure in predicting diabetic foot ulcer healing: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: WL Tay, ZJ Lo, Q Hong, E Yong, S Chandrasekar, GWL Tan
Year: 2019
Citation: Annals of Vascular Surgery 60, 371-378, 32

Title: Systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysm in Asian populations
Authors: WK Chan, E Yong, Q Hong, L Zhang, P Lingam, GWL Tan, …
Year: 2021
Citation: Journal of Vascular Surgery 73 (3), 1069-1074.e1, 31

Title: Early experience in the COVID-19 pandemic from a vascular surgery unit in a Singapore tertiary hospital
Authors: GWL Tan, S Chandrasekar, ZJ Lo, Q Hong, E Yong, P Lingam, L Zhang, …
Year: 2020
Citation: Journal of Vascular Surgery 72 (1), 12-15, 30

Title: Predictors of radio-cephalic arteriovenous fistulae patency in an Asian population
Authors: ZJ Lo, WM Tay, Q Lee, JL Chua, GW Leong Tan, S Chandrasekar, …
Year: 2016
Citation: The Journal of Vascular Access 17 (5), 411-416, 30

Title: Diabetic foot in primary and tertiary (DEFINITE) Care: A health services innovation in coordination of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) Care within a healthcare cluster—18-month …
Authors: ZJ Lo, E Tan, S Chandrasekar, D Ooi, H Liew, G Ang, E Yong, Q Hong, …
Year: 2023
Citation: International Wound Journal 20 (5), 1609-1621, 23

Title: A series of 210 peripheral arterial disease below-knee amputations and predictors for subsequent above-knee amputations
Authors: JT Wu, M Wong, ZJ Lo, WE Wong, S Narayanan, GWL Tan, …
Year: 2017
Citation: Annals of Vascular Diseases 10 (3), 217-222, 23

Title: Clinical validation of a smartphone application for automated wound measurement in patients with venous leg ulcers
Authors: KY Fong, TP Lai, KS Chan, IJL See, CC Goh, S Muthuveerappa, AH Tan, …
Year: 2023
Citation: International Wound Journal 20 (3), 751-760, 21

Title: Clinical and economic outcomes of a multidisciplinary team approach in a lower extremity amputation prevention programme for diabetic foot ulcer care in an Asian population: a …
Authors: ZJ Lo, S Chandrasekar, E Yong, Q Hong, L Zhang, LRC Chong, G Tan, …
Year: 2022
Citation: International Wound Journal 19 (4), 765-773, 21

Title: Effectiveness of comanagement model: geriatric medicine and vascular surgery
Authors: S Natesan, JY Li, KK Kyaw, Z Soh, E Yong, Q Hong, L Zhang, LRC Chong, …
Year: 2022
Citation: Journal of the American Medical Directors Association 23 (4), 666-670, 21

Title: A review of arteriovenous fistulae creation in octogenarians
Authors: JC Diandra, ZJ Lo, WW Ang, JF Feng, S Narayanan, GWL Tan, …
Year: 2018
Citation: Annals of Vascular Surgery 46, 331-336, 21

Title: Review of transmetatarsal amputations in the management of peripheral arterial disease in an Asian population
Authors: MNA Tan, ZJ Lo, SH Lee, RM Teo, WLG Tan, S Chandrasekar
Year: 2018
Citation: Annals of Vascular Diseases 11 (2), 210-216, 20

Title: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on choice of central venous access device for delivery of chemotherapy
Authors: M Yeow, S Soh, R Yap, D Tay, YF Low, SSN Goh, CS Yeo, ZJ Lo
Year: 2022
Citation: Journal of Vascular Surgery: Venous and Lymphatic Disorders 10 (5), 1184 …, 16

Title: Validating the use of contrast-induced nephropathy prediction models in endovascular aneurysm repairs
Authors: EL Cheng, Q Hong, E Yong, S Chandrasekar, GWL Tan, ZJ Lo
Year: 2020
Citation: Journal of Vascular Surgery 71 (5), 1546-1553, 16

Title: Development of an explainable artificial intelligence model for Asian vascular wound images
Authors: ZJ Lo, MHW Mak, S Liang, YM Chan, CC Goh, T Lai, A Tan, P Thng, …
Year: 2024
Citation: International Wound Journal 21 (4), e14565, 14

Conclusion

Dr. Zhiwen Joseph Lo exemplifies the modern clinician-scientist who integrates surgical excellence, research innovation, and academic leadership. His educational achievements and advanced training laid a strong foundation for a career dedicated to improving patient outcomes in vascular and wound care. Professionally, he has built leadership roles in hospitals, research collaborations, and academic mentorship, demonstrating influence across clinical, academic, and community settings. His research addresses critical issues such as diabetic foot complications and health systems efficiency, reflecting both scientific rigor and practical application. Recognized by international fellowships, professional societies, and editorial boards, he is regarded as a trusted authority in his field. Moving forward, his vision and skills position him to continue making meaningful contributions to healthcare, shaping future practices and fostering innovation on a global scale.