Ka-Kit Hui

Biography and Expertise of Ka-Kit Hui

Dr. Ka-Kit Hui is a globally recognized leader whose career is dedicated to building bridges between different medical philosophies for the betterment of patient care. As the founder of the UCLA Center for East-West Medicine, he has established one of the world’s foremost institutions for integrative health, developing a model of care that is patient-centered, evidence-based, and culturally sensitive. His vision has transformed the academic and clinical landscape, demonstrating that a synthesis of medical traditions can lead to more effective and holistic health outcomes.

His work directly embodies the 3rd WCTCIM’s motto of “Knowledge Diversity,” showcasing how different systems of healing can be integrated to create a more comprehensive approach to well-being. Furthermore, Dr. Hui’s decades-long advisory role with the World Health Organization (WHO) on integrating T&CM into health services aligns perfectly with the congress’s Thematic Axis, “Integration of TCIM into Healthcare Systems.” He has been a key figure in shaping global policies and standards, including the development of standardized terminology for Traditional Chinese Medicine.

The expertise of Ka-Kit Hui in clinical pharmacology and internal medicine provides a strong scientific foundation for his work, ensuring that all integrative practices are evaluated with rigor. This commitment to evidence and safety is a core principle of the Gujarat Declaration. Therefore, his contributions are crucial for advancing a global health agenda that is both inclusive of traditional knowledge and grounded in scientific validation, promoting the creation of resilient and well-being-focused societies.

Professional Career and Global Influence

The professional trajectory of Dr. Ka-Kit Hui is marked by visionary leadership and sustained commitment to institutionalizing integrative medicine. He has excelled in clinical practice and academic research, playing a key role in shaping health policy and education globally. His career testifies to the power of creating lasting change in complex health systems.

From establishing a world-class center at UCLA to advising global health governance, his influence is deep and broad. He has helped legitimize and standardize practices once considered alternative, bringing them into mainstream evidence-based care.

• Founding Director, UCLA Center for East-West Medicine: Established and leads a premier academic center for integrative medicine, developing innovative clinical, educational, and research programs.
• Professor and Wallis Annenberg Chair in Integrative East-West Medicine: Holds a prestigious endowed chair at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, recognizing his exceptional contributions to the field.
• Advisor, World Health Organization (WHO): Since the 1990s, has provided expert guidance on critical areas such as Standard Terminology in Traditional Chinese Medicine, integrating T&CM into Health Systems, and Quality of Academic Education in Traditional Medicine.
• Consultant to National Health Agencies: Offers expertise to key U.S. bodies, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and National Institutes of Health (NIH), on complementary and integrative health.
• International Educator: Holds visiting and honorary professorships at universities globally, sharing knowledge and fostering international collaboration in integrative medicine.

Academic and Clinical Credentials

Dr. Ka-Kit Hui’s formidable academic and clinical credentials provide the bedrock for his pioneering work. His training is firmly rooted in the rigors of Western medicine, with board certifications in key specialties that underscore his commitment to the highest standards of patient care and scientific inquiry. This strong foundation allows him to explore and integrate traditional practices with credibility and authority.

This dual expertise enables him to communicate effectively with practitioners from different traditions and to design research that is respected by the broader scientific community. Therefore, his qualifications are essential to his role as a trusted leader and innovator in the field of integrative health.

• Fellow of the American College of Physicians (FACP): An honorary designation recognizing excellence and outstanding contributions to the science and practice of internal medicine.
• Board-Certified in Internal Medicine: Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge and skills in diagnosing and treating a wide range of adult diseases.
• Board-Certified in Clinical Pharmacology: Specialized expertise in the science of drugs and their clinical use, providing a critical perspective on pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions.
• Expertise in Geriatrics: Possesses specialized knowledge in the health and care of older adults, a key area where integrative approaches can significantly improve quality of life. This directly addresses the congress theme of “TCIM Across the Lifespan.”
• Doctor of Medicine (MD): Completed rigorous medical training, providing the essential foundation for his distinguished career as a physician and researcher.

Contributions to Research and Education

As an internationally acclaimed researcher and educator, Dr. Ka-Kit Hui has been a primary force in building the evidence base for integrative medicine. His work at the UCLA Center for East-West Medicine has focused on developing and testing patient-centered models of care that are both effective and cost-efficient. The research conducted under his leadership aims to understand the mechanisms and outcomes of combining traditional Chinese medicine with modern clinical practice.

A central part of his contribution has been in the realm of education. Dr. Hui developed a comprehensive, system-based curriculum in integrative medicine that has been implemented at UCLA and serves as a model for institutions worldwide. This educational framework is critical for training the next generation of healthcare providers to be fluent in both conventional and complementary approaches, a key aspect of the “TCIM Education and Training” thematic axis.

Through his extensive publications and academic leadership, Ka-Kit Hui has helped to demystify traditional practices for a Western audience while advocating for scientific rigor. His efforts ensure that the integration of medical traditions is guided by evidence, safety, and a deep respect for the origins of each practice. Consequently, his work is vital for fulfilling the principles of the Gujarat Declaration, which call for the application of science to validate and scale traditional knowledge for global health.

Prestigious Appointments and Recognitions

The career of Dr. Ka-Kit Hui is distinguished by appointments and honors that signify the highest levels of academic and professional achievement. These recognitions reflect the profound respect he has earned from his peers for his innovative spirit, scholarly contributions, and unwavering dedication to advancing a more holistic and integrated model of healthcare. They serve as powerful endorsements of his life’s work.

While a formal list of awards is extensive, two of his most prominent honors highlight his stature in the medical community. These appointments are not merely titles but represent significant trust and investment in his vision for the future of medicine.

• The Wallis Annenberg Chair in Integrative East-West Medicine: An endowed academic chair is one of the most prestigious honors a university can bestow upon a faculty member. This appointment recognizes Dr. Hui as a leading scholar and provides sustained support for his groundbreaking research and educational initiatives at UCLA.
• Fellow of the American College of Physicians (FACP): This distinguished fellowship is awarded to physicians who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in the practice of medicine, leadership, and service to their community and profession. It marks him as a leader within the field of internal medicine.

Advisory Roles and Global Health Leadership

Dr. Ka-Kit Hui’s influence extends far beyond the university campus, as he actively shapes global health policy through his advisory roles with preeminent organizations. His expertise is sought by national and international bodies to help navigate the complex process of integrating traditional and complementary medicine into modern healthcare frameworks. This work is crucial for ensuring that integration is done safely, effectively, and equitably.

His long-standing relationship with the World Health Organization is particularly noteworthy, placing him at the center of global efforts to standardize and promote the appropriate use of TCIM. Therefore, his contributions have a direct impact on the implementation of the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025-2034.

• World Health Organization (WHO): Serves as a long-term advisor in multiple strategic areas, including developing standard terminology for Traditional Chinese Medicine to facilitate global research and communication, guiding the integration of T&CM into national health systems, and establishing standards for quality academic education in traditional medicine.
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Provides expert consultation to this key regulatory agency, helping to inform its approach to products and practices related to complementary and integrative medicine.
• National Institutes of Health (NIH): Acts as a consultant to the primary U.S. agency for biomedical and public health research, contributing to the national research agenda for integrative health.
• Industry Consultant: Advises health insurance and pharmaceutical companies, helping to bridge the gap between integrative healthcare and the mainstream industry by providing evidence-based perspectives.

Connect with Dr. Hui

To further explore the pioneering work and extensive contributions of Dr. Ka-Kit Hui, you can access his official profiles and a comprehensive list of his publications. These resources offer detailed information on the innovative clinical models, research, and educational programs developed at the UCLA Center for East-West Medicine under his leadership.

Official UCLA Profile: View Professional Profile at the UCLA Center for East-West Medicine

Research Publications on ORCID: Access Published Research and Contributions