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Clin Assoc Prof George Goh Boon Bee — Hepatologist (Liver Specialist) in Singapore

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Clin Assoc Prof George Goh Boon Bee is a Senior Consultant in the Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology at Singapore General Hospital, with clinical interests spanning hepatology, viral hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, liver transplantation and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. He also performs diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy. He holds academic appointments including Clinical Associate Professor at Duke-NUS Medical School.

Clinical focus

Hepatology (fatty liver / NAFLD).

Qualifications (as publicly listed)

MBBS, MRCP (UK), M Med (Int Med), FAMS (Singapore).

Where they practise

Getting to the clinic

Clin Assoc Prof George Goh Boon Bee practises in the Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology at Singapore General Hospital on the Outram campus. The closest station is Outram Park MRT (EW16 / NE3 / TE17), an interchange linking the East-West, North-East and Thomson-East Coast lines, so it can be reached from most parts of Singapore. From the MRT, sheltered walkways and the free SGH internal shuttle bus connect to the specialist outpatient blocks across the site.

Public buses stop along Outram Road and nearby. If you come by car or taxi, the campus has several visitor carparks and signposted drop-off points at the main entrances, and ride-hailing services can drop you there. As SGH is a large teaching hospital, check your appointment letter for the correct block and clinic level, and allow extra time to navigate and park. Help and wheelchair assistance are available at the main lobbies.

What hepatology covers

Hepatology is concerned with the liver and bile system, and Prof Goh’s stated focus is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), alongside viral hepatitis, cirrhosis and liver transplantation. Fatty liver disease is the build-up of excess fat in liver cells, often linked to being overweight, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. It has become one of the most common liver conditions and is frequently found incidentally on scans or blood tests.

In many people fatty liver causes no symptoms, but in some it progresses to inflammation (steatohepatitis), scarring and eventually cirrhosis, and it can increase the risk of liver cancer. Assessment focuses on how much fat and scarring is present, often using blood tests and non-invasive measures of liver stiffness. Management centres on the underlying drivers, such as weight, diet, physical activity, diabetes and cholesterol, supported by monitoring and, where appropriate, treatment of associated conditions. Diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy may also form part of care. Because fatty liver so often sits alongside conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and raised cholesterol, management usually takes a whole-person view, coordinating care of these related problems rather than treating the liver in isolation, and tracking progress over time to see whether liver fat and any inflammation are improving.

What to expect at a consultation

A first consultation usually begins with a detailed history covering your symptoms, weight, diet, alcohol intake, medicines, and conditions such as diabetes or high cholesterol, followed by an examination. Because fatty liver overlaps with metabolic health, the specialist will often look at the whole picture rather than the liver alone.

Investigations commonly include blood tests of liver function and metabolic markers, viral hepatitis screening, and imaging such as ultrasound. Tests of liver stiffness may be used to estimate fibrosis without a biopsy, though a biopsy is occasionally needed. The specialist will explain the findings, the likely diagnosis and a management plan, which may combine lifestyle changes, treatment of related conditions, monitoring and, where relevant, screening for complications.

Preparing for your appointment

  • Photo identification and any GP or polyclinic referral letter.
  • Recent blood results, including liver, glucose and cholesterol tests if available.
  • Previous scan reports or images and any discharge summaries.
  • A full list of medicines and supplements, including over-the-counter and traditional remedies.
  • Details of diet, alcohol intake, weight changes and any diabetes or cholesterol problems.
  • A written list of symptoms and the questions you would like to discuss.

After your consultation and follow-up

You may be given a plan for blood tests, imaging or stiffness measurement, with a review to discuss results. Fatty liver disease is usually managed over time, with periodic checks to track liver health and metabolic markers and, in higher-risk cases, surveillance for scarring or liver cancer.

Lifestyle measures are central, so follow-up often includes support with weight, diet and activity as well as management of diabetes and cholesterol. Keep appointments even if you feel well, since liver damage can advance silently. You may seek a second opinion if you wish. Seek urgent care for yellowing of the eyes or skin, vomiting blood, black stools, confusion or rapidly swelling abdomen.

Booking, referrals and fees

As SGH is a public hospital, a GP or polyclinic referral is generally needed and can help you access subsidised rates if eligible. Appointments are booked through the specialist outpatient system. MediSave, MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plans may apply to eligible procedures and hospital stays within set limits, while routine consultations are usually out of pocket. Costs depend on the tests and treatment required, so confirm fees and subsidy with the hospital in advance.

Common questions

What is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease?

It is a build-up of fat in the liver not caused by alcohol, often linked to weight, diabetes and cholesterol, which can range from harmless to progressive scarring.

Does fatty liver cause symptoms?

Often not. It is frequently found on scans or blood tests done for other reasons, which is why assessment of scarring is important.

Can fatty liver improve?

In many people, weight loss, dietary change, exercise and good control of diabetes and cholesterol can reduce liver fat and inflammation.

Do I need a referral?

For a public hospital clinic a GP or polyclinic referral is usually required and may help you qualify for subsidised rates if eligible.

Related guides

Selected research & publications

Goh Boon Bee George has contributed to peer-reviewed research in gastroenterology. A selection of published work:

Sources & verification

See also: our editorial directory of gastroenterologists in Singapore and our shortlist of gastroenterology clinics.

Also listed in our directory of hepatologists (liver specialists) in Singapore.

This is an independent, factual profile compiled from the public sources listed above — not a paid listing, advertisement or endorsement. Details can change; always verify a doctor’s current registration on the Singapore Medical Council public register and confirm specifics directly with the clinic. This page is general information, not medical advice or a recommendation of any individual practitioner. See our editorial policy.

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