Prof Yeoh Kian Hian runs a long-established successful private practice. He started at Liat Towers in 1970, later moved to Tanglin Shopping Centre, then to Mt. Elizabeth Medical Centre, then to Camden Medical Centre, and finally to Neuros @ The Biopolis where he is presently. He is currently Clinical Professor & Senior Consultant at the Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery at the National University of Singapore and National University Health System. Over the past 40 years, Prof Yeoh has established himself as a leading Ear, Nose and Throat specialist who is internationally known, especially for his expertise in Allergic Rhinitis, Sinusitis and Allergy.

A pioneer in the field of Otolaryngic Allergy in Singapore, he defined the role of Inhalant and Food Allergy as underlying causes of Allergic Rhinitis in Singapore, a common affliction of people living here. The RAST to determine inhalant allergies and the Intradermal Progressive Dilution Food Test for food allergies were introduced here by Prof Yeoh as early as the 1980s, and to date, he is the only allergist in this region offering these as a comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic package which includes allergen specific subcutaneous immunotherapy to inhalants and neutralisation to foods. Prof Yeoh’s expertise in inhalant allergy and immunotherapy is matched only by his extensive experience in food allergy and intolerance.

Prof Yeoh was responsible for the birth and development of the ENT Department at National University Hospital in 1987 where he remained as Chief until June 2002 when he retired after 15 years at the helm. As Chief, he built it into a respected academic department with a full time basic and clinical research division. From Oct 1991 – June 2002, he was appointed Clinical Professor and Head of Department of Otolaryngology at National University of Singapore. Prof Yeoh continues in an active role as Clinical Professor teaching Allergy to undergraduates, and collaborating in Allergy research with internationally renown research scientist Associate Professor Wang Deyun.

Professor Yeoh has contributed significantly to the development of Otolaryngology in Singapore, being dubbed “The Father of Modern Otolaryngology in Singapore” by his proteges. As Chief and Professor of the University Department of Otolaryngology, he was instrumental in initiating and shaping a comprehensive undergraduate and postgraduate teaching program with the assistance of Professor Alan Gibb of Dundee and Professor Jim Smith of Oregon.

He was Chairman, Otolaryngology Board, Ministry of Health Singapore and served later as Chairman, Specialist Training Committee for Otorhinolaryngology, Ministry of Health Singapore for several years. In this capacity, he was responsible for the training and certification of a generation of otolaryngologists. He has over the years been professionally consulted by numerous dignitaries.

Prof. Yeoh has presented numerous papers and lectures on ENT and Allergy locally and internationally since 1984 and has co-authored several publications. Among his more notable publications are a report on the efficacy and safety of immunotherapy in 480 patients treated by him and followed up over 12 years, as well as a placebo-controlled double blind randomised study comparing Intradermal Progressive Dilution Food Testing with skin prick and with blood testing. He has served as examiner for local and international bodies and has been a member of expert panels on ENT. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, Fellow of the American and Australasian Colleges of Surgeons as well as Fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy where he was also an examiner.

Over and above his busy clinical work, Prof Yeoh has been an active voluntary social worker since 1986. He is the founding Chairman of one of the larger Voluntary Welfare Organisations looking after 3 Homes for the Elderly and Destitute, in addition to a Neighbourhood Link, a Day Rehabilitation Centre, a Free Clinic as well as several other services.

For his contribution to Society, Prof Yeoh was conferred by the Singapore Government The Public Service Medal Award ‘PBM’ in 1991 and the Public Service Star Award ‘BBM’ in 2002. He received the Distinguished S.M.J Award from the Sultan of Johor in 1999 for his professional services.