Lionel Chong, BS

DO, MBA Candidate.

Research Scholar.

Photographer.

Mission Statement

I believe exceptional patient care begins with compassion and a commitment to excellence. Through continuous learning and meaningful collaboration in cardiovascular research, I aim to push the frontiers of discovery and contribute to a healthier, more hopeful future for every patient I serve.

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 various national and international conferences, including the ACC Annual Scientific Session & Expo, the TCT Annual Conference, the AHA Annual Scientific Sessions, the AMA Interim Meeting, and the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress, where I was honored with the Trainee Research Award. I have also published in journals such as the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC) 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.