Prof Yeoh Kian Hian

 

Prof Yeo Kian Hian Clinical Professor, Department of Otolaryngology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore MBBS (Hong Kong), FRCS (ENT) (Edin), FAMS (ENT)

 

Prof Yeoh started the Department of Otolaryngology in June 1987 as Chief at National University Hospital. In Oct 1991, he was appointed the Head of Department of Otolaryngology at National University of Singapore.

 

He is a pioneer in the field of Otolaryngology Allergy. He defined the role of inhalant and food allergy in causing allergic rhinitis, a very common affliction in the population. He introduced the quantification of allergy by immunosorbent tests (RAST) measuring the IgE levels to inhalants, as well as intradermal food allergen tests. There were no known tests for inhalant allergens other than skin prick tests or patch tests before the introduction of these more refined methods of investigations. His work has led to the added armamentarium in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. These include immunotherapy and diet rotation. More recently, he has also introduced sublingual immunotherapy as anterior alternative to injectable immunotherapy. Prior to this, the control of allergy has been either by medications only or by empirical means of avoidance of inhalant contact.

 

In addition, he is also pioneer in the field of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery when this was introduced to Singapore in late 1980s. Through his personal communications and professional relationships, he had brought in leading experts from the world in endoscopic sinus surgery to conduct courses in endoscopic sinus surgery for local Otolaryngology surgeons. This procedure in the treatment of recurrent chronic sinusitis is now recognized as the surgical standard of care and is a regular common procedure, superceding the open surgical approaches requiring incisions as well as prolonged hospitalization.

 

Prof Yeoh is actively involved and dedicated to teaching the undergraduates. He continues and participates as a collaborator in Allergy research as well as being a clinical reference for junior staff in the field of allergy.