From 1948 to 1960, Wang completed his residency and worked as a physician at Ruijin Hospital in Shanghai. From 1960 to 1982, Wang taught at Shanghai Second Medical University (now Medical School of Shanghai Jiao Tong University), and was the dean of its pathology and physiology departments. From 1982 to 1984, Wang was the director of the Division of Basic Medicine of Shanghai Second Medical University. From 1984 to 1988, Wang was the president of Shanghai Second Medical University. From 1987 to 1996, Wang was the Director of Shanghai Institute of Hematology (SIH). Wang now is the Honorary Director of SIH.
Wang's research has led to the improved survival of patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APML). Wang is the author of more than 300 scientific papers and books.