The Late Professor Dato' Dr. Goh Khean Lee

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A Luminary in the Field of Gastroenterology

The late Professor Dato' Goh Khean Lee is globally known as an international authority and leader in gastroenterology and gastrointestinal endoscopy.

As the Head of the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and the Gastrointestinal Endoscopy unit at the University of Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Professor Dato' Goh established the division and unit as one of the best in the country with an excellent international reputation.

His expertise and contributions to the field earned him international recognition. His legacy continues to inspire and guide the field of gastroenterology in Malaysia and beyond.

Rise to professorship and doctoral honours

Professor Dato' Goh began his career as a lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, rising through the ranks to become Professor of Medicine in 1998.

During his tenure at the University of Malaya Hospital, he achieved the MRCP (UK) qualification in 1984 and pursued training stints at the Royal Infirmary, Glasgow (1987) and the Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam (1991).

His experiences in Amsterdam, particularly under the suggestion to conduct a thesis on Helicobacter pylori, culminated in earning his Doctor of Medicine (Mal) in 1997. This distinguished him as one of the few Malaysians in the medical field with a doctoral degree.

Putting the nation on the map

Inspired by his experiences in Amsterdam, Professor Dato' Goh transformed gastroenterology and endoscopy as an established sub-specialty in Malaysia.

Thanks to Professor Dato' Goh unwavering commitment and aspiration to cultivate a top-class gastrointestinal endoscopy unit, the UMMC GI Endoscopy Unit received the prestigious "Centre of Excellence" award from the World Digestive Endoscopy Organization in June 2008, making it the only centre in Malaysia and one of four in Asia with this honour. Recognised for its excellence, the UMMC unit is now a highly sought-after training centre locally and internationally.

Today, it serves as a sought-after training center for aspiring gastroenterologists and endoscopists from both Malaysia and abroad.

A commitment to sharing knowledge

In the biomedical field in Malaysia, Professor Dato' Goh has the highest number of publications and citations, with papers in high impact journals such as the American Journal of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and GUT. His prolific research output includes 196 peer-reviewed full papers, seven book chapters, and 287 published abstracts.

His expertise has garnered international recognition, positioning him as a leader in gastroenterology and gastrointestinal endoscopy. Notably, he serves as the President of the Asia Pacific Association of Gastroenterology (APAGE) and was elected Vice President of the World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO) in May 2011.

As a mentor, his impact extends to numerous successful gastroenterologists locally and abroad. The annual therapeutic endoscopy workshops at the Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Unit, initiated since 1993, serve as a testament to his commitment to knowledge-sharing.

Disclaimer:
The information in this award recipient's profile is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of the time the award was presented. Any subsequent changes, updates, or developments in the individual's life or achievements may not be reflected in this profile.

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