Dr. Desmond Wai

Dr. Desmond Wai is a consultant gastroenterologist and hepatologist with subspecialty expertise in liver diseases and digestive disorders. His clinical focus includes cirrhosis, viral hepatitis, liver cancer, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Helicobacter pylori infection, and diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy. \n\nPrior to entering private practice, Dr. Wai served as Consultant Hepatologist and Gastroenterologist at the National University Hospital (NUH) from 2003. He graduated with MBBS from the National University of Singapore in 1994, obtained Membership of the Royal Colleges of Physicians (MRCP, UK) and Master of Medicine (MMed) in 1998, and became a qualified gastroenterologist in 2002. \n\nHe completed a hepatology research and clinical fellowship at the University of Michigan, USA, under the mentorship of Professor Anna Lok, a globally recognized expert in liver diseases. This training strengthened his expertise in viral hepatitis, liver transplantation, and advanced hepatology care. \n\nDr. Wai is also highly active in academic research, with over 90 peer-reviewed publications in leading journals such as Hepatology, Gut, Liver Transplantation, American Journal of Gastroenterology, and Journal of Hepatology. He has authored book chapters on liver and digestive diseases and continues to contribute to clinical research in hepatology and endoscopy. \n\nBeyond clinical and academic work, Dr. Wai is an active medical writer and contributor to public health education through platforms such as the Singapore Medical Association newsletter, Straits Times Forum, TODAY commentary, and other media outlets. \n\nHis clinical excellence has been recognized with multiple awards, including the Health Manpower Development Programme (HMDP) Fellowship, Young Clinician Award, National Healthcare Group Courage Award, and the National Day Award (Overcoming SARS – Commendation Medal), among others. MBBS — National University of Singapore, 1994 MRCP (UK) — Member of the Royal College of Physicians, United Kingdom MMed — Master of Medicine, National University of Singapore Hepatology Fellowship — University of Michigan, USA (HMDP Award), 2002