Hawaii Dermatology & Surgery founder, Dr. William K. Wong, Sr., was born in the jungles of Borneo, where his parents fled from Canton, China during the Sino-Japanese War. After hiding from the Japanese advancement during WWII, he was able to immigrate on a steamship to America at the age of 13 with his younger sister, leaving their parents and 2 younger brothers behind. They were welcomed by relatives in Los Angeles, who played a crucial role in helping them learn English and complete their high school education.

William’s academic journey continued as he pursued higher education. He enrolled at the University of Southern California, where he completed his undergraduate studies before moving on to UCLA Medical School. It was during his time in medical school that met his future wife, a beautiful Chinese girl from the Philippines who was visiting Los Angeles on her way to graduate school in Wisconsin. Their chance encounter blossomed into a romantic relationship, culminating in marriage and a new chapter of life together as they moved to Philadelphia for the now Dr. William Wong Sr’s dermatology residency at the prestigious University of Pennsylvania.

After completing his residency, Dr. Wong joined the United States Air Force Medical Corps, serving at Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines during the Vietnam War. His service had a lasting impact on military medicine; he identified the cause of Folliculitis Barbae and developed a grooming policy for African American servicemen, addressing a significant health concern and improving their quality of life.

His final duty station was Hickam Air Force Base. Upon completion of his military service in 1979, Dr. Wong founded Hawaii Dermatology & Surgery, where he quickly became a respected figure in dermatology and an influential leader in treating leprosy patients through the State Hansen’s Disease program. He was the first in the state to offer the Excimer Laser Light System, revolutionizing the treatment of conditions such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and vitiligo. His commitment to patient care extended further with the introduction of total body Ultraviolet Light (UVB-NB) therapies, providing relief to many suffering from widespread skin issues. Together with his son, Dr. William K. Wong Jr., an ophthalmologist, he introduced the Pelleve® System to Hawaii, a radio-frequency procedure designed for the safe and effective treatment of aging facial lines, Crow’s Feet, and sagging jowls.

Dr. Wong’s philosophy centered on delivering quality medical care by empowering patients to understand and actively participate in their treatment. His approach fostered strong relationships, leading to improved health outcomes and a deeper connection with those he served.

Throughout his career, Dr. Wong has made a significant impact on countless lives, reflecting his dedication to compassion, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of improving the health and quality of life of others. His story is not just one of personal achievement but also of a profound commitment to making a difference in the community he serves.

In July 2025, Hawaii Dermatology & Surgery transitioned to new ownership. Today, Dr. Emily Wong and her dedicated staff proudly continue Dr. William Wong’s legacy by providing the best dermatologic care to the people of Hawaii.