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Contribution of Taiwanese-Americans
Content
1. Ya-Yen Lee MD
2. Ju-Chin Lee, MD. PhD.
1) Ya-Yen Lee MD
As a tenured professor of radiology and world-class head and neck radiologist
at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Lee was highly respected
by his peers, and greatly loved by his patients and family.
Born in Taipei, Taiwan on January 19, 1945, Ya- Yen Lee never lost his love for
his homeland, so it is particularly poignant that he spent his last days there. He
died of pancreatitis on January 12, 1998 at Taipei Medical University Hospital.
Lee graduated from Taipei Medical College in 1970, after a one-year internship at
Mackay Memorial Hospital in Taipei. Following a year in the military and a year-and-
a-half residency at Jen-Ai Hospital, he began an internship in 1973 in South
Baltimore General Hospital in Maryland. In 1974, he completed his radiology residency
at Washington County Hospital in Hagerstown, Maryland, and in 1979, he finished a two-
year fellowship in neuroradiology at the University of Rochester, New York.
Lee came to M. D. Anderson in 1982 and was appointed assistant professor and chief of
the neuro, head and neck division. He was promoted to associate professor in 1985,
full professor in 1990, and tenured professor in 1992.
"In the daily strife to help our patients conquer their cancer, Ya-Yen was a powerful
and optimistic ally," says Helmuth Goepfert, M.D., chair of the Department of Head and
Neck Surgery. "His positive attitude inspired confidence and his assertive behavior
was the reflection of an experienced and seasoned radiologist. The reputation of the
head and neck program is due to the excellence offered by Ya-Yen."
Lee was renowned for his excellent clinical skills in radiological diagnoses for the
pathology of the brain and the spine in the head and neck. His areas of research
included following changes in tumor cells after chemotherapy and molecular changes,
as well as the recovery process after traumatic brain injuries. He published 70
academic papers.
"Ya-Yen Lee was a special person who had a strong determination to be individualistic,
and to make a contribution," says William Murphy Jr., M.D., professor of diagnostic
radiology. "He immigrated to the, United States, he trained in a new sub-speciality,
he rose to the top of a discipline, he held to his heritage, and he made a difference."
Lee remained active in the Taiwanese community, having served as the president of North
American Taiwanese Professors Association, and the leader of NATPA to Taiwan for the
Reform of Medical Education in Taiwan, the president of the Houston chapter of the
Taiwanese-American Association. In addition, he also chaired the board of trustees of
Taiwanese Heritage Society of Houston.
"Besides his great achievement in the medical area, so often he dedicated himself to
helping poor and fighting against injustice. Undoubtedly, he set a good example for
others to follow," says George Lin, President, Taiwanese Heritage Society of Houston.
Ya-Yen Lee Memorial Library
As a tenured professor and world-class head and neck radiologist at The University of
Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Ya-Yen Lee M.D., was highly respected by his peers,
and greatly loved as a leader among Taiwanese-Americans. Though a passionate advocate
for Taiwanese identity within his own community, he believed equally as passionately in
making the larger Houston community cognizant of Taiwanese-American issues and
accomplishments.
The new library, which bears his name, carries on this tradition. Featuring rotating
displays and permanent collections of cultural artifacts, photographs and books in both
Taiwanese and English, the Ya-Yen Lee Memorial Library has been, for many, an
introduction to Taiwan, and for many others, a means to learn more about a small nation
that has achieved great prominence on the world stage.
In addition, the YY Lee Memorial Library also has collections of Taiwanese American
Heritage Archive, and Taiwanese American Art Project.
Additional Contribution
*Professor Ya-Yen Lee Lecture
The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
*Professor Ya-Yen Lee Scholarship
*Professor Ya-Yen Lee Memorial Lectureship
Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
*T.B. Fund, NATPA
*Professor Ya-Yen Lee Memorial Fund
Taiwanese Heritage Society of Houston, Houston, Texas
2) Ju-Chin Lee MD, PhD
St. Joseph Regional Cancer Center names pavillion for Dr. J.C. Lee
The St. Joseph Regional Health Center honored the late Dr. J.C. Lee and his lifetime
commitment to quality health care with the naming of the J.C. Lee M.D. Pavilion of
the St. Joseph Regional Cancer Center on June 20.
St. Joseph also recognized the Lee family for donating a cornerstone commitment to
The Promise Campaign as well as to the expansion of cancer services. Their support
will benefit patients and families of the Brazos Valley for many generations to come.
Lee served as the chief pathologist for St. Joseph for 23 years, from 1976 to 1999.
Lee, and his wife Sue Lee saw a need and decided to open outpatient laboratory
facilities. Sue became a registered medical technologist and served as the lab director
while Lee was the medical director. Their work ultimately resulted in three labs
throughout the community.
The Lees raised three children: Alfred, Christopher and Belinda, who was born with
Down's syndrome. In striving to help their daughter achieve life's fullest potential,
the Lees helped others along the way as well. They were instrumental in beginning a
Challenger Little League program so that children with special needs could enjoy the
great American pastime. Lee was fond of telling his children: "You don't have to be
smart, hard work will make you go places."
In January 2001, Lee was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. He approached the diagnosis
with his usual desire for truth and relentless drive to succeed. The St. Joseph Regional
Cancer center was his choice for treatment. He and Sue understood the psychological
benefits of care close to home.
He died in June 2002.
In addtion, Taiwanese-American Centerin New York City, New York also has a
JC Lee's Memorial Classroom
to honor Dr. Lee's great contribution to Taiwanese-Americans.