Lionel Chong, BS

Mission Statement

I believe every patient deserves care that is thoughtful, personal, and guided by a commitment to excellence. I am devoted to life-long learning, meaningful collaboration, and fearless exploration in medical research, especially in cardiovascular medicine, to push the frontiers of innovation, challenge what is possible, and help build a healthier future for everyone.

My Academic & Research Journey

My first introduction to research began when I worked as an academic associate in the emergency department at Stony Brook University Hospital. After earning my degree in biology at Stony Brook University, I joined the Spine & Pain Institute of New York as a research assistant, investigating innovative spinal cord stimulation therapies for chronic low back pain. This experience opened my eyes to how patient-centered care and research can work hand in hand to transform quality of life.

I began medical school at the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, where I joined Dr. Qiangrong Liang and Dr. Satoru Kobayashi’s lab in the biomedical sciences department, studying autophagy in cardiomyocytes. At the same time, I became part of the research team at St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center, exploring how optical coherence tomography (OCT) can improve cardiovascular interventions. These combined experiences, in both basic and clinical research, deepened my passion for discovery and innovation.

As a second-year medical student, I launched an original cadaveric study through the NYITCOM Anatomy Department’s Anatomy Lab Research Program under the mentorship of Dr. Brian Beatty. This opportunity taught me how to lead a research team and work as a principal investigator. Recognizing the limitations of cadaveric models, I built on our early results and successfully proposed a follow-up study to the American Heart Association. With their prestigious student research grant, I assembled a new team and began investigating the multi-system effects, especially on the cardiovascular system, of hypertensive and hyperglycemic diets in rodent models.

I have presented my work at regional, national, and international conferences, including the 2024 AHA Annual Scientific Sessions, the 2024 AMA Interim Meeting, the 2025 Anatomy Connected Meeting, the 2025 APSA Northeast Regional Meeting, the 2025 NYSOMS Poster Competition, and the 2024 Canadian Cardiovascular Congress, where I was honored with the Trainee Research Award. I have also contributed to peer-reviewed publications in journals such as the European Society of Medicine Medical Research Archives and the International Journal of Drug Discovery and Pharmacology.

I joined the elite team at St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center as a research scholar, where I am currently involved in cutting-edge, industry-shifting research in interventional and structural cardiology. As I continue my journey as a future physician, I remain committed to delivering truly patient-centered care, fostering meaningful collaboration, and driving innovative research that will shape the future of medicine.

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