Alumnus Andrew Yuan, D.O., to speak at Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine Commencement

A prominent Connecticut physician whose life-altering accident shaped his life and career will be the speaker at the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine’s 2024 Commencement.

Andrew Yuan, D.O., graduated from the Heritage College in 1987 and currently works as a physiatrist in Fairfield, Connecticut. Physiatrists are physicians who specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Yuan primarily treats patients with disabilities, helping them overcome their physical and psychological challenges, so they can have fuller lives. 

Yuan, who was born in Hong Kong but immigrated to the U.S. with his family when he was 10, has spent more than 30 years as a physician. His mother encouraged his interest in medicine, but after he lost an arm and leg in an accident, his confidence was rattled. 

“You don’t know if you can climb from the pit we call the abyss. Thank God I was young. I never gave up my dreams. I had to reprogram, relearn and retrofit everything,” said Yuan. “My treating physician who helped me overcome my disability was an orthopedist in rehabilitation. He said, ‘Andy, if you can get into medical school, I will take you out of the match, and you will be our resident.’ It was a gift.”

Ken Johnson, D.O., Heritage College executive dean and Ohio University chief medical affairs officer, describes Yuan as a shining star in the osteopathic profession.

“I have to imagine that Dr. Yuan's message of perseverance in the face of adversity will resonate deeply with our Class of 2024, given the many obstacles they have faced over the past four years,” said Johnson. “I am beyond excited to mark their graduation from medical school with a commencement speaker who truly embodies our college's commitment to holistic, compassionate care.”

Yuan currently has a private practice and is a clinical assistant professor of internal medicine at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine and assistant clinical professor of medicine with the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University. He is also an emeritus trustee with the Connecticut Osteopathic Medical Society. He previously served as chief of physical medicine and rehabilitation at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and was named a top doctor in the state by Connecticut Magazine in 2013. 

Yuan received his B.S. from Union College and his D.O. from the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed a one-year osteopathic internship at Doctors Hospital of Stark County in Massillon, Ohio and was chief resident in the physical medicine and rehabilitation residency program at Albany Medical Center in New York.

The Heritage College’s commencement will be held May 11 at 10 a.m. at the Convocation Center in Athens, Ohio.