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John Tzung-Hsun Yang MD

The Sleeping Doc has fallen asleep forever

John Tzung-Hsun Yang MD

Born
8 April 1967, Taiwan
Died
24 January 2006, Palm Springs, CA

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John was born in Taiwan. After coming to the United States at an early age, he did his undergraduate studies at University of Southern California. He was the 11th graduate from USC to be ever accepted into the prestigious Yale medical school, where he earned his MD degree.

He became an anesthesiologist after training at UC Irvine. He was someone who always made people laugh; even the surgeons. Some may have seen him as cavalier and brash, but he was always an excellent resident who took great care of his patients. John was also well liked by his colleagues and support staff because of his easy-going personality.

In the past 8 years he had administered countless number of anesthetics and helped thousands of patients. Also possibly saved many lives. His affiliated hospitals include Torrance Memorial hospital, Pacific Hospital, Kaiser Permanente Hospitals, Little Company of Mary. Since 2005, John was the chief of anesthesiology department at Shriner's hospital in Los Angeles, where disadvantaged children receive free surgeries from a team of caring orthopedic surgeons and anesthesiologists. Dr. Yang helped many children in difficult burn and orthopedic spine surgeries.

John, in his brief life, was a very special person. In a lot of ways he was the anti-doctor. He was never uptight, never pretended to be righteous, and always told people how he felt. Everywhere he went he left an impression. He would charm people with over-the-top jokes, or ingenious and super politically-incorrect comments. But this comedian could become a dedicated doctor in an instant. He would provide an 8 hour anesthetic to a sick child, refusing to leave his post. John also never disappointed a freind when needed.

With Alice, he had 2 beautiful children, Sabrina and Andrew. In the last year of John's life he had been with Katty, who is a wonderful woman and they were actually planning on getting married. He is also survived by his parents and sister Sandy. And many good friends who will miss him forever.

Photographs

All 9 photographs
John enjoying an exciting talk on peripheral nerve block at the ASA 04
John enjoying an exciting talk on peripheral nerve block at the ASA 04
Dr. Yang prepares to give anesthesia; actually he is getting ready to battle in a paintball game.
Dr. Yang prepares to give anesthesia; actually he is getting ready to battle in a paintball game.
John & Katty
John & Katty
29th birthday, with Hiko and Tom. 1996
29th birthday, with Hiko and Tom. 1996
John and best buddy Hiko. often misaken as john's lover.
John and best buddy Hiko. often misaken as john's lover.
John & daughter Sabrina 12/2001
John & daughter Sabrina 12/2001Added by Tom
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Notes and messages

All 9 notes

Dr. Yang, one of the best down to earth person i've ever met. Always happy to help especially the nurses who are in the OR room working with him. We were sad when he left us to work to another hospital...but the news about his passing is a devastating news to most of us who had a chance to get to know him and laugh with him. Dr Yang we love you and we will miss you!

2 February 2006

John is the type of person who you would meet once and would never forget. His jokes were almost always politically incorrect, yet everyone laughed, even if the joke was on them. He had a fantastic way making fun of people yet the person that he’s making fun of not only doesn’t get upset but laughs as well. He was quick witted and completely uncensored. He was never afraid to express himself or his opinions. John we miss you and will always have you in our hearts.

Emma Chen, 2 February 2006

Keepsakes

All 7 keepsakes