Ian Tsang

Director of Traditional Chinese Medicine Research, MD, FRCPC

Appointments

Clinical Professor Emeritus, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia
Arthritis Research Canada Scientist Emeritus

Research Interests

Rheumatology
Traditional Chinese Medicine

A respected rheumatologist, Dr. Tsang was recruited by Arthritis Research Canada to create a special division investigating the use of traditional Chinese medicine to treat arthritis and rheumatic diseases.

Dr. Tsang graduated with a bachelor of medicine degree from the College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, in 1963, immigrating to Canada the same year. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Deer Lodge Hospital and Winnipeg General Hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and, after six years in private practice, and a year as Head of the Department of Medicine at Brandon General Hospital, moved to Vancouver.

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Dr. Tsang has been associated with the University of British Columbia, Division of Rheumatology since 1977, and with Arthritis Research Canada since 2000. His extensive professional service includes Associate Dean and Director of Continuing Medical Education at UBC’s Faculty of Medicine; Chief of Staff, Holy Family Hospital in Vancouver; Member and Governing Director of the National Research Council for two three-year terms; and Member of the NRC’s Executive Committee of the Board of Governors. He has also contributed considerable time to community service organizations ranging from President of the Richmond Chinese School and President of the Richmond Chinese Calligraphy and Painting Club to Member of the Human Rights Tribunal Panel of Canada, and involvement with the Buddhist Compassion Relief Fund.

Dr. Tsang’s research into Traditional Chinese Medicine incorporates the Chinese philosophy and approach towards health and awareness, and he is developing valuable partnerships with universities in China and Hong Kong.

Research studies underway include an assessment of Tai Chi in managing fibromyalgia, and evaluating traditional Chinese medicine in determining the risk for osteoporosis in menopausal women.