Please tell us your name, degree, where you currently work, and position.
My name is Shih-Min Wang, and I hold both MD and PhD degrees. Currently, I serve as Secretary of Medical Affairs & Spokesman at the College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, where I’m also a professor in both the Center of Infectious Disease and Signaling Research and the School of Medicine. Additionally, I’m the Convener for the Committee of BSL-3 Laboratory at National Cheng Kung University Hospital and work as an Attending Physician at the Center for Infection Control there in Tainan, Taiwan.
Where did you do your training?
My educational journey started with a BS in Medical Technology from Kaohsiung Medical College in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. After that, I earned my MD from the Department of Medicine at National Cheng Kung University’s College of Medicine and completed my PhD at the Institute of Clinical Medicine at the same university in Tainan.
Briefly, what is your research about?
My research centers on clinical diagnosis, pathogenesis, therapeutics, and vaccine development for various viral infectious diseases. Enterovirus studies have become a particular passion of mine after some significant clinical experiences during my residency. At National Cheng Kung University Hospital, I diagnosed the first fatal case of fulminant hepatitis caused by coxsackievirus B1, and also identified the first case of hand-foot-mouth disease with brain stem encephalitis and pulmonary edema caused by enterovirus 71. These cases really shaped my research direction, and now I focus on exploring the pathogenesis, immunoregulatory advantages, and treatment strategies for enterovirus 71 and coxsackievirus B infections.
Tell us your thoughts about ICIS: how has being involved in the Cytokine Society helped your career?
When I first started exploring how cytokines and immune cells contribute to enterovirus 71 and coxsackievirus B infections, ICIS became an invaluable resource. The society’s official publications and annual meetings have consistently provided solid support and fresh insights for my work. Understanding the immune-regulatory mechanisms between different cytokines during various therapeutic treatments has been a key part of my research, and ICIS has been instrumental in advancing this knowledge.
Are there any particular friendships or collaborations that came specifically out of Cytokines meetings?
While I’m also a member of ASM, ESCMID, and ISV, conferences provide great opportunities for meaningful connections through direct communication and various media platforms. One memorable invitation came in 2009 to the 3rd Ditan International Conference on Infectious Diseases hosted by Beijing Ditan Hospital, where I shared experiences about enterovirus 71 infection. Between 2006 and 2012, I also had the privilege of working as a visiting scholar at Children Hospital No.1 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, sharing diagnostic and management approaches for enterovirus 71 infection on behalf of both National Cheng Kung University Hospital and National Health Research Institutes, Taiwan.
What Cytokines meeting(s) have been your favorites? Tell us about any special memories or anecdotes.
So far, I’ve attended two ICIS annual conferences – Cytokines 2014 in Melbourne, Australia, and Cytokines 2024 in Seoul, Korea – to share my work on enterovirus 71 and coxsackievirus B infections. Both cities were wonderful venues for ICIS conferences, even though they’re separated by such a vast distance across the globe.
What do you like to do when not in the lab?
Around my neighborhood, I love driving and taking in the changing scenery during the day. When it comes to relaxation, I enjoy drinking, eating, playing, and buying things – basically embracing any style that brings joy to life. One thing I particularly value is having free conversations with young people, students, and research assistants, sharing experiences from all different perspectives.
What is the best life/career advice you’ve ever received?
Words from Pope Francis really resonated with me: “Build a bridge, not a wall” – even though I’m not Catholic, this philosophy has guided much of my approach to work and life.
What book or TV show are you reading/watching right now that you recommend?
Right now I’m really enjoying the TV series “Doctor X.” The main character, Daimon Michiko, is a freelance surgeon with flashy clothes and a unique attitude. She provides a nice counterbalance to the conscientious and careful nature of lab work – watching her makes life more joyful.
What is your favorite cytokine?
Every cytokine – and any novel cytokine X that might be discovered – that plays a role in my diagnosis and treatment of enterovirus 71 and coxsackievirus B infections holds special significance for me.
Contact Information:
• Email: pedwang@mail.ncku.edu.tw; pedwangsm@gmail.com
• Line: WangShihMin