Written by: Souha Farhat, MD
Meet Dr. Stephanie Yi
Dr. Stephanie Yi is a kidney and pancreas transplant surgeon and an Associate Professor of Surgery at Houston Methodist Hospital. With a deep commitment to improving transplant outcomes, Dr. Yi balances her clinical practice with research to address disparities in transplantation and enhance patient care.
A Natural Fit with the PE Lab
Dr. Yi became involved with the Patient Engagement, Diversity, and Education Research Laboratory (PE Lab) when Dr. Amy Waterman joined the transplant division. Already familiar with Dr. Waterman’s work, she was eager to collaborate and was soon involved in a grant focused on advancing transplantation technology and reducing disparities in kidney transplantation health. Dr. Yi also welcomed the PE Lab team into her clinical setting, allowing them to observe transplant processes firsthand to enhance their research. Her enthusiasm for the lab’s mission led her to recommend one of her general surgery mentees to join the PE Lab for two years as a research trainee.
Aligning Research and Clinical Practice
By its very nature, the collaboration between Dr. Yi and the PE Lab is mutually beneficial. Dr. Yi’s ongoing clinical practice, bolstered by her Master of Public Health degree, adds clinical rationale and perspectives to the PE Lab’s mission, providing invaluable real-world insight into the everyday challenges of transplant surgery. In return, the PE Lab offers an advanced collaborative research environment that complements Dr. Yi’s clinical expertise, enabling her to apply for Federal, State, and Private research funding to conduct basic and clinical research.
Contributions and Future Involvement with the PE Lab
Dr. Yi actively applies for research funding, and her involvement in research projects will only deepen. Her recent investigator-initiated proposal is expected to generate funds for a promising collaborative project with the PE Lab around evaluating deceased donor rates in Asian Americans and investigating areas of intervention. The upcoming transition of the PR Lab into a Center is expected to enhance this project’s visibility and depth, thereby increasing the likelihood of it becoming a significant and impactful contribution to the field.
What She Values Most About the PE Lab
One of the aspects Dr. Yi appreciates most about the PE Lab is the strong sense of collaboration and support among its members. Eager to grow professionally and learn, Dr. Yi has proposed and implemented various novel methodologies in her research proposals. She is particularly intrigued by the PE Lab’s innovative storytelling approach, which leverages patient narratives to drive meaningful improvements in transplantation.
Beyond Medicine: A Passion for Family and the Arts
Outside of her demanding career, Dr. Yi treasures spending time with her family, especially her two young children who keep her on her toes. She also deeply appreciates the arts, whether attending concerts or supporting piano recitals. These personal passions for arts provide a much-needed balance to her professional life and reinforce the importance of human connection—both in and out of the operating room.
Hopes for the PE Lab’s Impact
Dr. Yi believes that the PE Lab has the potential to make a lasting impact beyond research publications and grant funding. She envisions the lab continuing to pioneer innovative studies that advance academic knowledge, directly enhance patient care, and expand access to kidney transplantation.
Advice for Those Interested in the PE Lab
Dr. Yi offers simple yet valuable advice for anyone considering involvement with the PE Lab: If you’re interested, don’t hesitate to reach out! The PE Lab offers a welcoming and collaborative environment, making it an ideal setting for those eager to contribute to advanced research and innovative healthcare solutions.
Through her dedication to both clinical excellence and research, Dr. Stephanie Yi is making a profound difference in the field of transplantation, helping to ensure that all patients have access to the life-saving care they need.