A Special Interview with Prof. Vincent Wai Sun Wong

On April 17, 2024, the Editorial Office of M&TOD had the privilege of interviewing Prof. Vincent Wong, Mok Hing Yiu Professor of Medicine and head of the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. With over 670 publications and nearly 70,000 citations, Prof. Wong stands as a distinguished authority in hepatology. His research, especially on viral hepatitis and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), has been pivotal in advancing non-invasive diagnostic techniques.

During the interview, Prof. Wong discussed the significant findings from his studies, including the impact of MASLD on renal function and fibrosis assessment in Asian patients. These insights have improved MASLD management strategies, catering to the specific needs of individual patients.

Notably, Prof. Wong has collaborated in the development of management guidelines for steatotic liver disease for both the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver (APASL) and the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL). These guidelines provide essential recommendations poised to enhance clinical practice worldwide.

Looking ahead, Prof. Wong anticipates advancements in precision medicine within hepatology, wherein treatments are tailored to individual genetic profiles, promising improved efficacy and reduced side effects.

As an associate editor for Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Prof. Wong upholds the highest standards of research publication through rigorous peer review processes. Additionally, he advocates for policies aimed at expediating this process without compromising quality.

Questions for this interview:

1. With over 670 articles and nearly 70,000 citations, your achievements are remarkable. Could you share your successful experience? Additionally, what do you consider to be some of the most significant contributions or breakthroughs from your research career thus far?

2. Your research has explored various aspects of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), including impaired renal function and fibrosis assessment. Could you elaborate on the key findings from your studies and their implications for managing MASLD in Asian patients?

3. As an esteemed expert in liver diseases, what emerging trends or breakthroughs do you foresee in the field of hepatology from your unique perspective?

4. As a key contributor to the steatotic liver disease management guidelines by the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver and the European Association for the Study of the Liver, what are some of the key recommendations or updates in these guidelines that you believe will significantly influence clinical practice?

5. As an Associate Editor and Editorial Board member for several prestigious medical journals, how do you approach the peer review process to ensure the publication of high-quality research in your respective fields?

6. Swift peer review is crucial for both authors and editorial teams. What effective policies do you believe can incentivize reviewers to expedite the review process?

Personal Introduction:

Prof. Vincent Wong is Mok Hing Yiu Professor of Medicine and head of the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong. His research focuses on viral hepatitis and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, particularly the use of non-invasive tests for screening and diagnosis. He is on the writing committee of the steatotic liver disease management guidelines by the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver and the European Association for the Study of the Liver. He has published over 670 publications in international medical journals, boasting a current h-index of 113. In addition to his research endeavors, Prof. Wong serves as an Associate Editor of Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics and an Editorial Board member of Journal of Hepatology, Hepatology, JHEP Reports, and Clinical and Molecular Hepatology. He held the presidency of the Hong Kong Association for the Study of Liver Diseases from 2015 to 2017 and is currently the Chairman of the Specialty Board of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the Hong Kong College of Physicians. He is also a steering committee member of the Special Interest Group in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease of the American Association for the Study of Liver Disease. Recognized for his research excellence, Prof. Wong has received research awards from the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver, Asian Pacific Digestive Week Federation, British Society of Gastroenterology, Hong Kong College of Physicians, and the Food and Health Bureau.

Editor: Jennifer Lee
Language Editor: Catherine Yang
Production Editor: Yan Zhang
Respectfully Submitted by the Editorial Office of Metabolism and Target Organ Damage