Joy Ho

Professor Joy Ho is a Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of Sydney’s Central Clinical School and a Senior Staff Specialist in Haematology at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPAH). She serves as Director of Research and Head of the Multiple Myeloma Research Unit and Thalassemia/Haemoglobinopathy Unit at the Institute of Haematology, RPAH. Her research focuses on multiple myeloma, lymphoma, thalassemia, and iron metabolism, with a strong emphasis on clinical trials and translational medicine. She has led numerous multi-centre trials, including pioneering studies on CAR-T cell therapy for lymphoma and novel therapies for myeloma.

Prof Ho’s education includes MB.BS. (Hons) from Sydney, D.Phil (Oxford), and fellowships from the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) and Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA). She has held leadership roles in major hematology organizations, including the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) and the American Society of Hematology (ASH). Her international collaborations span Singapore, Thailand, and the United States.

Her research interests include:

• Multiple Myeloma: Developing therapies targeting tumor microenvironment and immune modulation.
• Lymphoma: Pioneering CAR-T cell therapy in Australia.
• Thalassemia: Gene therapy and iron chelation advancements, including the landmark Northstar trial.
• Iron Metabolism: Investigating hepcidin and its role in transfusion-dependent anemias.

Her recent publications highlight breakthroughs in CAR-T efficacy, myeloma biomarkers, and thalassemia management. Awards include the 2019 Sydney Local Health District Clinical Trial Award and election to the International Myeloma Society Board. She has secured over $2 million in grants for cutting-edge equipment and research.

Prof Ho’s academic contributions extend to teaching and supervision, training fellows for RACP/RCPA certifications. Her leadership in national registries (e.g., Australian Haemoglobinopathy Registry) and guidelines (e.g., iron chelation protocols) underscores her commitment to advancing hematology care globally.