A Neurosurgeon, Researcher, and Advocate: Celebrating Nina Yoh, MD

Few physicians have experienced Columbia quite like Nina Yoh, MD. Her path to becoming a graduating Chief Resident in Columbia Neurosurgery spans more than a decade—from completing Columbia University's Postbaccalaureate Premedical Program to earning her medical degree at Columbia Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and ultimately training as a neurosurgical resident at Columbia University Irving Medical Center.

This summer, after thirteen years at Columbia, Dr. Yoh begins the next chapter of her career as the Mass General Brigham Endoscopic Pituitary and Skull Base Fellow, where she will receive advanced training in endoscopic skull base surgery and the treatment of complex pituitary and cranial disorders.

Her journey to neurosurgery was anything but conventional. Before pursuing medicine, Dr. Yoh earned a Bachelor of Arts in Photography from Bard College, a Master’s degree in Secondary Mathematics from Pace University, and ran a Chinese opera company—experiences that reflect the curiosity, creativity, and discipline she has brought to her career in medicine.

During residency, Dr. Yoh developed a nationally recognized research portfolio focused on neuro-oncology and innovative therapies for brain tumors. In 2023, she received an NIH R25 Research Education Grant to study focused ultrasound opening of the blood-brain barrier for delivery of ONC201 in diffuse midline glioma. She was also selected as a recipient of the ASCO Conquer Cancer Young Investigator Award, recognizing her work advancing translational therapies for patients with brain tumors.

Her commitment to advancing the field extended beyond research. As Resident Committee Co-Chair of Women in Neurosurgery (WINS), Dr. Yoh has helped create mentorship, networking, and professional development opportunities for women pursuing careers in neurosurgery.

She also expanded her training internationally during her PGY-5 year through a six-month clinical elective at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery at Queen Square in London, one of the world's foremost centers for neurological care. The experience provided exposure to complex neurosurgical cases and international approaches to patient care and training.

For many faculty members, however, it was Dr. Yoh’s character, humility, and commitment to those around her that defined her time at Columbia.

“As the academic year draws to a close, we have the opportunity to reflect on our graduating chief resident Nina Yoh,” said Neil Feldstein, MD, FACS. “With her calm demeanor and strong sense of morality and attention to detail she has raised the bar for generations of residents to come. No task too menial, no opinion not worth considering and a powerful advocate for women in neurosurgery. It is with great pride that we can say we helped train her.”

When asked what she will miss most about Columbia, Dr. Yoh’s answer was simple: the people.

“The obvious thanks go to my attendings and co-residents. I cannot imagine better training,” she said. “We have the privilege of learning in an environment where world-class, cutting-edge care is delivered so often that it feels routine, despite being truly exceptional.”

She credits not only her physician mentors, but the many members of the healthcare team who shaped her development.

“It was PAs, NPs, and NICU and floor nurses who first taught me how to be a doctor, and the scrub techs, OR nurses, and anesthesiology teams who also became like family as I learned to be a surgeon,” she said.

After thirteen years on campus, she says she will miss the unique community of Columbia.

“We share the work of caring for patients in a landscape that never stops changing, and it helps to do that work alongside so many friends,” she said. “I will miss this community, and I am forever grateful for everything you've taught me and every moment we've shared.”

As she leaves Columbia for Boston, Dr. Yoh carries with her the lessons of the institution where she grew from student to physician-scientist and neurosurgeon. Her next chapter may take place at Mass General Brigham, but her commitment to innovation, collaboration, and compassionate patient care was shaped over thirteen years at Columbia.

We congratulate Dr. Yoh on this remarkable milestone and look forward to following her continued contributions to neurosurgery.