Myeong Soo Lee

Biography and Expertise of Myeong Soo Lee

Professor Myeong Soo Lee has established himself as one of the world’s most influential and prolific researchers in the field of complementary and integrative medicine. His career is dedicated to applying the highest standards of scientific methodology to the study of traditional healing practices. As a principal researcher at the Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine (KIOM), he leads initiatives that critically evaluate the efficacy and safety of therapies such as acupuncture and herbal medicine through systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

His work directly embodies the 3rd WCTCIM’s Thematic Axis, “Contributions of TCIM to Global Public Health (Evidence-Based).” Professor Lee’s research provides the robust data required by clinicians and policymakers to make informed decisions, thereby supporting the Gujarat Declaration’s call for science and evidence. Furthermore, his extensive international experience, with roles in the UK, US, and China, fosters the kind of cross-continental dialogue central to the congress’s theme of South-South collaboration and its “Knowledge Diversity” pillar.

The expertise of Myeong Soo Lee extends beyond pure research into the development of clinical practice guidelines. His leadership positions in organizations like the Guidelines International Network (G-I-N) and Cochrane demonstrate a deep commitment to translating research findings into practical, trustworthy guidance for healthcare providers worldwide. Consequently, he is a pivotal figure in the global effort to integrate TCIM into health systems safely and effectively.

Professional Career

The professional trajectory of Professor Myeong Soo Lee reflects a steadfast commitment to building a global evidence base for traditional and integrative medicine. His career began at the national level and has since expanded to encompass leadership and collaborative roles in Asia, Europe, and North America. This journey has positioned him as a central hub for international research cooperation in the field.

His appointments at some of the world’s most prestigious academic institutions have not only enhanced his own research but have also created vital bridges between different medical traditions and scientific communities. Therefore, his career path serves as a model for global collaboration in health research.

• 2005 – Present: Principal Researcher at the Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine (KIOM), leading numerous research projects on evidence-based TCIM.
• Current: Research Affiliate at the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, USA, collaborating with leading experts in integrative health.
• 2017 – 2020: Visiting Professor at Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China, fostering academic exchange.
• 2016 – 2019: Adjunct Professor at London South Bank University, UK, contributing to the academic landscape in Europe.
• 2008 – 2010: Research Fellow at the Peninsula Medical School, University of Exeter, UK, where he honed his expertise in evidence-based medicine and systematic reviews.
• He has also held adjunct and visiting professorships at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou University, and the Affiliated TCM Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University.

Academic Qualifications

Professor Myeong Soo Lee‘s academic foundation is firmly rooted in Oriental Medicine, providing him with a deep, intrinsic understanding of the traditions he now investigates with modern scientific tools. His entire formal education was completed at Wonkwang University in South Korea, a respected institution in the field. This consistent focus allowed him to develop a comprehensive knowledge base from undergraduate to doctoral levels.

Following his doctorate, he made a pivotal career choice to pursue postdoctoral training in evidence-based medicine at the University of Exeter. This specialized training was instrumental, equipping him with the rigorous methodological skills necessary to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and contemporary scientific standards. Consequently, his academic background is a perfect synthesis of two worlds.

• Postdoctoral Research: Focused on evidence-based complementary medicine at the Peninsula Medical School, University of Exeter, UK.
• 2004: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Oriental Medicine, Professional Graduate School of Oriental Medicine, Wonkwang University, South Korea.
• 2001: Master’s degree in Oriental Medicine, Wonkwang University, South Korea.
• 1999: Bachelor’s degree in Oriental Medicine, Wonkwang University, South Korea.

Research and Publications of Myeong Soo Lee

The research output of Professor Myeong Soo Lee is extraordinary, with over 600 publications indexed in the Science Citation Index Expanded (SCIE). This prolific body of work has made him one of the most published and cited researchers in complementary and integrative medicine globally. His primary focus is on conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses, which are critical for synthesizing existing evidence and identifying gaps in knowledge.

His work provides a crucial service to the global health community by evaluating the efficacy and safety of TCIM interventions for a wide range of conditions, from metabolic syndrome to restless legs syndrome. For example, his systematic reviews on adverse event reporting in acupuncture trials have significantly contributed to improving safety standards and methodological rigor in the field. This aligns perfectly with the WHO’s emphasis on safety and quality in traditional medicine.

Furthermore, the consistent high quality of his research has been recognized by the Stanford University Citation Ranking, which has listed Myeong Soo Lee among the top 2% of the world’s most-cited scientists since 2022. This recognition is a powerful indicator of his influence and the impact of his work on the scientific discourse surrounding integrative medicine. His research is, therefore, foundational to the evidence-based integration of TCIM into mainstream healthcare.

Recognitions and Global Influence

While Professor Myeong Soo Lee‘s work has earned him numerous accolades, his most significant recognitions come in the form of leadership roles within major international organizations and his quantifiable impact on his field. These honors reflect the deep respect he commands within the scientific community and his central role in shaping the future of evidence-based healthcare worldwide. His influence extends far beyond his own publications, helping to set international standards for research and practice.

This level of peer recognition underscores his status as a global leader. Consequently, his involvement in key initiatives ensures that the principles of rigor, transparency, and evidence are upheld as TCIM becomes more integrated into global health systems.

• Top 2% of Scientists Globally: Consistently listed among the world’s most-cited researchers by the Stanford University Citation Ranking (2022-present), highlighting the profound impact of his work.
• Founding Member of ISCMR: A founding member of the International Society for Complementary Medicine Research (ISCMR), a key organization dedicated to promoting high-quality research in the field.
• Leadership in Guideline Development: His role as Chair of G-I-N Asia places him at the forefront of developing and implementing clinical practice guidelines across the continent.
• Pioneer in Evidence Synthesis: As the lead for Cochrane Complementary Medicine Korea, he champions the “gold standard” in evidence synthesis through systematic reviews.

Board and Committee Activities

Professor Myeong Soo Lee dedicates significant time to advancing the field through active participation on editorial boards and steering committees. His involvement ensures that the quality of scientific literature and clinical guidelines in integrative medicine remains high. This work is crucial for building a trustworthy evidence base that clinicians, researchers, and patients can rely on.

By serving in these capacities, he shapes the scientific discourse and promote best practices internationally. His contributions are instrumental in the professionalization and standardization of traditional and complementary medicine research and practice.

• Chair, Guidelines International Network (G-I-N) Asia: Leads the Asian regional community of a global network dedicated to the promotion of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines.
• Lead, Cochrane Complementary Medicine Korea: Directs the Korean branch of the global Cochrane network for complementary medicine, focused on producing high-quality systematic reviews.
• Editor-in-Chief, Integrative Medicine Research: Guides the editorial direction of a key journal in the field.
• Editorial Board Member: Serves on the editorial boards of more than 30 other Scientific Citation Index (SCI) journals, helping to uphold standards of peer review.
• Steering Group Member, RIGHT Group: Contributes to the RIGHT (Reporting Items for Practice Guidelines in Healthcare) working group, which develops standards for guideline reporting.
• Founding Member, International Society for Complementary Medicine Research (ISCMR): A key figure in the establishment of the leading international society for researchers in the field.

Connect with Prof. Lee

To further explore the extensive research and academic contributions of Professor Myeong Soo Lee, you can access his detailed professional and publication profiles through the links below. These resources offer a comprehensive overview of his work, affiliations, and significant impact on the field of traditional and integrative medicine.

Official Profile at Harvard Medical School: View Harvard/Osher Center Profile

Google Scholar Profile: View Publications and Citations

Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine (KIOM): Visit Institutional Website