Dr. Howard T. Lee is a gastroenterologist, transplant hepatologist, and assistant professor of medicine and surgery at Baylor College of Medicine. Originally from Taiwan, Dr. Lee completed his internal medicine, gastroenterology, and transplant hepatology training at Duke University. His academic interests span viral hepatitis (including HIV co-infection), steatotic liver disease, liver transplantation, medical education, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), with a special emphasis on the LGBTQIA+ population.
Dr. Lee has been actively involved in various LGBTQIA+ affinity groups. He is a founding member of the LGBTQ Task Force of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) and Rainbows in Gastro. Currently, he serves as the chair of the AASLD LGBTQ Task Force and the communications director for Rainbows in Gastro. He is also a member of the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access to Life (IDEAL) Committee of the American Society of Transplantation (AST).
Dr. Lee has authored several LGBTQIA+ related manuscripts in high-impact journals such as JAMA, Gastroenterology, Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology, and the American Journal of Transplantation. His work advocates for the collection of sexual orientation and gender identity data and promotes equitable access to gastroenterological and hepatological care for LGBTQIA+ individuals. He has been invited to present at national and international conferences, including Digestive Disease Week (DDW), The Liver Meeting (TLM), the American Transplant Congress (ATC), and Canadian DDW. Additionally, Dr. Lee has delivered grand rounds at leading institutions such as the University of Washington, Emory University, Duke University, Mayo Clinic Arizona, and Montefiore, focusing on health disparities and digestive diseases in the LGBTQIA+ population.