Fund Purpose: To support clinical research in peripheral nerve surgery, especially pediatric brachial plexus injuries.
Lynda J-S Yang, MD, PhD, FAANS FAANS (1967-2022) graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelors of Science in chemistry. Dr. Yang subsequently obtained her MD and PhD degrees from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Her PhD thesis work focused on myelin-associated glycoprotein, a major axon regeneration inhibitor in the central nervous system.
Lynda J-S Yang, MD, PhD (1967-2022) graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelors of Science in chemistry. Dr. Yang subsequently obtained her MD and PhD degrees from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Her PhD thesis work focused on myelin-associated glycoprotein, a major axon regeneration inhibitor in the central nervous system.
She pursued neurosurgical residency training at the University of Michigan with Dr. Julian Hoff. During residency training, she developed her interest in peripheral nerve surgery under the mentorship of Dr. John McGillicuddy. Her fellowship training with Mr. Rolfe Birch at the Royal National Orthopedic Hospital, UK was supported by the Congress of Neurological Surgeons/Walter Dandy Fellowship Award.
After completing her residency, Dr. Yang continued her research on improving nerve regeneration as a visiting
faculty in Dr. Ronald Schnaar's laboratory at Johns Hopkins. She also continued her clinical training as a
peripheral nerve surgeon as a visiting faculty member with Dr. David Kline and Drs. Martijn Malessy and W. J. van
Ouwerkerk in the Netherlands, specifically to treat patients with pediatric brachial plexus palsies. She returned
to the University of Michigan where she directed the multi-disciplinary Brachial Plexus and Peripheral Nerve
Program.
Dr. Yang was a member of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) and received their Walter Dandy
Fellowship Award, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), the Sunderland Society and the
American Society for Peripheral Nerve, in addition to other international peripheral nerve societies. Lynda was a
leader in the peripheral nerve community and the national neurosurgery societies. She was a force in promoting
peripheral nerve surgical education and representation.
Dr. Yang passed away unexpectedly on September 15, 2022. She is deeply missed by those who collaborated with her, trained by her and her patients. Her bright enthusiasm was infectious to all.
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