John Yoo

A renowned surgeon and inspiring leader, Dr. John Yoo was appointed to the role of Dean of the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University on May 1, 2020. He is Professor in the Departments of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, and Oncology.

Dr. Yoo completed his medical degree at the University of Toronto in 1991, where he stayed to complete his residency and fellowship training in head and neck oncologic and reconstructive surgery. He joined the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry faculty in 1997.

With a passion for teaching, research, and patient care, Dr. Yoo brings the right mix of values, knowledge, experience, energy and vision to effectively lead the school. Prior to being named Dean, Dr. Yoo served as Interim Chair/Chief of the Department of Paediatrics, as Fellowship Director for the Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, and as a Professor of Otolaryngology and Oncology. He previously served as Chair/Chief of the Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery from 2006 to 2017.

In his leadership roles, Dr. Yoo developed a reputation for creating a positive culture and making positive organizational changes. He has done this by being committed to developing key partnerships and collaborations, recruiting the best people, ensuring the right environment, and supporting teams by encouraging them to focus on a shared vision. Dr. Yoo was instrumental in growing the Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery during his time as Chair/Chief. Under his leadership, the department established two translational research platforms.

Today, in addition to his academic, leadership and clinical roles, Dr. Yoo serves on many regional, provincial, national and international committees and societies. He served as the Co-Chair of Cancer Care Ontario Head and Neck Cancer Disease Site for the past 8 years, is the President-elect of the Canadian Association of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology, and is an executive board member of the Canadian Society of Otolaryngology and the Asia-Pacific Society of Thyroid Surgery.

Fiercely committed to improving patient care, Dr. Yoo has led the development of standards of practice and care throughout his career. He has authored multiple treatment guidelines for Cancer Care Ontario including the Quality-based Procedures Clinical Handbook for Head and Neck Cancer Surgery for the Ministry of Health and Long-term Care.

Dr. Yoo has been consistently acknowledged for his teaching excellence and has been the recipient of numerous awards and honours for his teaching excellence. He began the Clinical Fellowship in Head and Neck Oncology & Reconstructive Surgery in 2005 and has trained surgeons from around the world.

As an academic surgeon, Dr. Yoo is internationally recognized for developing innovative techniques in reconstructive facial surgery. He has co-authored more than 120 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. His research and clinical interests include head and neck cancer, thyroid and parathyroid, reconstructive surgery, and management of the paralyzed face.