Adj Assoc Prof Jonathan Lee Wei Jie is a Senior Consultant in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at National University Hospital, where he heads the Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Unit at the National University Centre for Digestive Health. His clinical interests include Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, gastrointestinal cancer screening, gastroscopy and colonoscopy, and faecal microbiota transplant.
Clinical focus
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Qualifications (as publicly listed)
BSc Hons, MBBS Hons (UNSW), MRCP (UK), MCI (NUS), FAMS (Gastroenterology), PhD (NUS).
Where they practise
- Clinic / practice: Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, National University Hospital — Kent Ridge
- Hospital / training affiliation(s): National University Hospital (NUH)
Getting to the clinic
Adj Assoc Prof Jonathan Lee Wei Jie practises in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at National University Hospital (NUH) on the Kent Ridge campus, where he heads the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Unit at the National University Centre for Digestive Health. The nearest MRT is Kent Ridge (CC24 on the Circle Line), which connects directly to the hospital, making the journey by train straightforward and largely sheltered from the station to the hospital.
The Kent Ridge area is also served by bus routes, and taxi or ride-hailing drop-off is available at the hospital entrances — convenient if you are attending for a procedure such as a colonoscopy and prefer not to drive afterwards. As a public hospital, NUH has visitor carparks for those who drive. The campus is large, so allow time to find the correct clinic, and follow the signage or ask staff at the information counters, who can direct you to the Digestive Health centre and the right clinic area on arrival.
What inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) covers
The clinical focus here is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a group of long-term conditions in which the digestive tract becomes inflamed. The main forms are:
- Crohn’s disease — inflammation that can affect any part of the digestive tract.
- Ulcerative colitis — inflammation affecting the large bowel (colon) and rectum.
IBD can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea, blood in the stool, fatigue and weight loss, and it tends to follow a relapsing and remitting course. Care also includes gastrointestinal cancer screening, gastroscopy and colonoscopy, and faecal microbiota transplant. Managing IBD involves controlling inflammation, monitoring for complications, and supporting long-term wellbeing. Because it is a chronic condition, ongoing specialist care and regular review are central to keeping symptoms under control and maintaining quality of life. The aim of treatment is not only to settle a flare but to keep the disease in remission over the long term, which can reduce the risk of complications and the need for hospital admission. Faecal microbiota transplant is one of the areas covered, alongside endoscopic assessment and cancer surveillance, since people with long-standing colitis may need periodic checks of the bowel lining. Care often draws on a wider team, including dietitians and specialist nurses, so that the physical, nutritional and practical aspects of living with IBD are all supported.
What to expect at a consultation
A visit usually begins with a detailed discussion of your symptoms, their pattern and severity, your bowel habit, diet, weight and any family history of digestive disease. A physical examination is commonly performed. Depending on the situation, investigations may include blood tests, stool tests such as faecal calprotectin, imaging, and endoscopic procedures such as colonoscopy or gastroscopy to assess the bowel directly and take biopsies. The doctor will explain the findings, confirm the diagnosis where possible, and discuss a management plan, which for IBD often combines medication with monitoring and lifestyle advice. Because IBD treatment can involve medicines that affect the immune system, the consultation often covers how these work, how they are monitored, and what to watch for, so that you understand the plan and feel able to take part in decisions about it.
Preparing for your appointment
To help your consultation, it is useful to bring:
- Photo identification and any GP, polyclinic or specialist referral letter.
- Previous test results, scans, endoscopy reports and histology results.
- A current list of medications and supplements, including any IBD treatments you are taking.
- A written list of your symptoms and questions.
- A symptom diary noting bowel frequency, any bleeding, pain and flares, which is particularly useful in IBD.
After your consultation and follow-up
After the appointment you will usually have a clear plan. If endoscopic procedures or tests are recommended, the team will explain the preparation, such as bowel preparation for a colonoscopy, and arrange a date. Results of biopsies are reviewed at a follow-up visit. Because IBD is a long-term condition, regular review is important to monitor disease activity, adjust treatment and check for complications, and continuity of care helps manage flares. You are welcome to seek a second opinion. Seek urgent attention for severe abdominal pain, persistent bleeding, high fever, signs of dehydration, or a significant worsening of symptoms.
Booking, referrals and fees
As this is a public hospital service, a referral from a GP or polyclinic is usually needed to attend, and a referral may help with subsidies for eligible patients. For eligible procedures such as colonoscopy, MediSave, MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plans may contribute within the limits that apply, while consultations may be subsidised or paid out of pocket depending on your status. As coverage and subsidy eligibility vary, confirm the details and any estimates directly with the hospital before treatment.
Common questions
Is IBD the same as IBS?
No. IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) involves inflammation of the digestive tract and is different from IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), which is a functional disorder without that inflammation. The two are assessed and managed differently.
Can IBD be cured?
IBD is a long-term condition that is managed rather than cured, with treatment aiming to control inflammation, reduce flares and maintain wellbeing over time.
Why is a colonoscopy recommended?
Colonoscopy lets the specialist examine the bowel directly and take biopsies, which helps diagnose IBD, assess its activity and screen for complications.
Do I need a referral to be seen here?
As a public hospital service, a referral from a GP or polyclinic is generally needed, and it may also help with subsidy eligibility.
What is a flare and what should I do during one?
A flare is a period when IBD symptoms become more active, such as increased diarrhoea, bleeding or pain. It is best to contact your care team for advice, as treatment may need to be adjusted; seek urgent care for severe symptoms.
Related guides
Sources & verification
See also: our editorial directory of gastroenterologists in Singapore and our shortlist of gastroenterology clinics.
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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