Run Wang

What inspired you to work in sexual medicine?

I was inspired to work in sexual medicine by two exceptional mentors: Dr. Wayne Hellstrom and Dr. Ronald Lewis. During my andrology fellowship at Tulane University, I was introduced to the field and quickly recognized its profound impact on patients’ quality of life. Later, during my urology residency at the Medical College of Georgia, I saw firsthand how restoring sexual function could help individuals regain not only physical well-being, but also emotional health and relationship harmony. The guidance and encouragement from these giants in the field paved the way for me to dedicate my career to advancing care, education, and research in sexual medicine.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your career?

The most rewarding aspect of my career is helping patients reclaim their confidence and intimate relationships through effective treatment of sexual dysfunction, especially when it results from cancer therapies. I once received an email from a patient whose sexual function I helped restore after prostate cancer treatment. He shared a touching comment from his wife: “Dear, you know I love you more than anyone in the world, but right now I’m really loving Dr. Wang.” Moments like that remind me how deeply our work can affect lives. Equally fulfilling is mentoring the next generation of specialists and witnessing their growth and success. Whether in the clinic or in academia, making a meaningful, lasting impact on people’s lives is what drives me. Serving as past president of the Sexual Medicine Society of North America (SMSNA) and now as president of the International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM) has allowed me to play a vital role in advancing and witnessing the global growth of our field.

What is something most people don’t know about you? 

Most people don’t know that I completed full urology training twice — first in China, and then again in the United States. This unique journey taught me resilience and adaptability, and it has given me a deep appreciation for the diversity of global medical education and practice.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

“Never stop learning — your patients depend on it,” and “Get involved in society activities,” are two pieces of advice from my mentors that have profoundly shaped my path. These words continue to guide me and fuel my passion for education, research, leadership, and clinical excellence in sexual medicine.

What would your ideal vacation be?

My ideal vacation would be a nature adventure, such as a peaceful mountain retreat with family and friends, where I could relax, enjoy hiking, and unwind over card games. It’s the perfect way to recharge both body and mind. One of my most unforgettable moments was being just one foot away from a female grizzly bear and her two cubs in the wilds of Alaska. A close friend from SMSNA joked afterward that I survived because the bear wasn’t fond of “Chinese food.”