Princeton University Athletics
Caroline Yao ’04 MD / Women’s Squash
City, State / Workplace / Title
Los Angeles, CA / Shriners Hospital for Children, Operation Smile Inc., / Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Director of Research, Innovation & Education
Medical Specialty / Other Degrees (MBA/MPH, etc.)
MD. MS / Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
What made you choose a career in healthcare?
As the daughter of immigrants, I have always seen healthcare in the context of equity and social justice. Also, I have always been an artist and love to be at the intersection of form and function. As a plastic surgeon, I get to fulfill all of the above.
What is the focus of your work today?
Repairing congenital deformities and injuries in children, such as cleft lip and palate, burns, and ear malformations at Shriners Hospital for Children. I also help lead a research, innovation and education team at Operation Smile, an NGO that brings cleft lip and palate surgery to children in need internationally.
How has your work changed in the face of COVID-19?
Being a Princeton student-athlete taught grit that could not have been learned anywhere else. Being challenged by other talented, driven people has helped light a fire in me that I bring to every endeavor.Caroline Yao
Families have been nervous to enter a hospital due to COVID-19. Many have been living with deformities that need repair, but are too afraid to get seen. Many of my patients also travel long distance to see me, given the niche type of work I do. I have been working with many patients and families over video conferencing, and my hospitals work with families to facilitate safe transportation. My NGO work with Operation Smile has shifted from in-person care abroad to focusing on improving our data systems and research projects. I have a team of 10 in Africa, Latin America and Asia who meet over teleconference every week to keep our projects alive.
How did being a Princeton student-athlete prepare you for the challenges you’ve faced?
Being a Princeton student-athlete taught grit that could not have been learned anywhere else. Being challenged by other talented, driven people has helped light a fire in me that I bring to every endeavor.
What keeps you inspired as you look ahead?
I look to do more good for more people. This means teaching students and trainees both in-person and virally. It means leveraging new technology such as remote learning and artificial intelligence and being a first-adopter of new systems.
Medical School / Other Affiliations
Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons
Tiger Heroes
In partnership with RWJBarnabas Health, the official health care system of Princeton Athletics, “Tiger Heroes” honors front line workers and health care leaders from our alumni community. This digital and social series highlights alumni from all 37 varsity sports programs who have risen to the challenge since the onset of COVID-19. We also recognize special Princeton friends and family. Nominations may be sent to Jess Deutsch, Princeton's Associate Director, Student-Athlete Services: jdeutsch@princeton.edu