Lee Named Professor Emeritus of Internal Medicine

After 35 years of distinguished service marked by exceptional contributions to clinical care, education, and research, William Lee, M.D., has been appointed Professor Emeritus of Internal Medicine. 

Dr. Lee joined the faculty in 1990 after serving at Columbia University and the Medical University of South Carolina, where he directed the Gastroenterology Division. Internationally recognized for groundbreaking research, Dr. Lee transformed understanding of acute liver failure, drug-induced liver injury, and chronic viral hepatitis. He conceived and led a landmark NIH-supported multicenter study on acute liver failure, coordinating efforts across 25 sites nationwide—a project that fundamentally changed the field’s approach. He also directed NIH-funded studies on hepatitis B and drug-induced liver injury, alongside numerous industry-sponsored clinical trials.

A dedicated mentor, Dr. Lee trained generations of residents, fellows, and junior faculty, many now serving at UT Southwestern. His leadership and professionalism earned widespread recognition, including the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases Distinguished Clinician Educator/Mentor Award, Columbia University’s Alumni Gold Medal for Clinical Excellence, and the Dallas Historical Society’s Award for Excellence in Community Service. 

“Will has left an indelible mark on hepatology, as a pioneer of clinical care in our division, prolific investigator with multiple NIH grants, and extraordinary mentor to housestaff and faculty,” said Amit Singal, M.D., M.S., Professor and Interim Division Chief of Digestive and Liver Diseases. “We are excited about his emeritus status and continued engagement with the division and institution.” ■

Dr. Singal is a Dedman Family Scholar in Clinical Care and holder of the Willis C. Maddrey, M.D. Distinguished Chair in Liver Disease.