Dr. David Yan Helps Patients as a Reconstructive Surgeon – Editor’s Note: We spoke with Dr. David Yan, a board-certified Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon with the Gulf Coast Medical Group located at 8431 Point Loop Drive in Venice. Appointments are available by calling 941-207-5355. Learn more at GulfCoastMedicalGroup.net.
Dr. Yan, how long have you lived in the area and where are you from originally?
I’ve been living in Venice since 2015. I lived in Fairfield, Connecticut previously and grew up in East Northport on Long Island.
What degrees have you completed?
I completed a degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Princeton University. I earned my Medical Degree at the State University of New York Upstate Medical University in Syracuse. I completed my
General Surgery Residency at the University of Pennsylvania and my Plastic Surgery Residency at Nassau University Medical Center.
What inspired your interest in plastic surgery?
My father was a solo practice internist and I thought I would follow a similar path. I was drawn to surgery because of the many ways it immediately helps people. I decided to focus on plastic surgery because you can operate on almost any part of the body and help people of all ages. I was also impressed with the scope and depth of the work that plastic surgeons do.
What is the scope of your surgery?
About 75 percent of my practice is focused on reconstructive surgery. That includes patients dealing with breast and skin cancer. We also take care of patients recovering from weight loss surgery, complex wounds, and traumatic injuries, such as lacerations, dog bites or facial bone fractures. The other 25 percent involves cosmetic procedures, such as breast augmentations and reductions, abdominoplasties, liposuction, and eyelid surgery.
What would you like to share about your family and other interests?
My wife is a gynecologist and we practice in the same group and office. We have two children. Our son just started high school at Venice High School and our daughter just started middle school at Venice Middle School. Our weekends often involve family pool time or going to the beach. I also enjoy golfing, fishing and photography.
What do you enjoy most about being a physician and living in the area?
I enjoy the relationships I form with my patients. By getting to see them during follow-ups, our relationship becomes more meaningful. I enjoy learning more about their lives beyond their surgery, living in Florida is an adjustment for someone coming from Connecticut. The weather here is a bonus since you can enjoy activities year-round. The pace of everyday life, although hectic at times with the kids, is slower in Florida compared to places like New York and Philadelphia.
