A Hero of Medicine; helping burn victims heal

Dr. Roger Yurt has built an impressive career to become one of the most well respected surgeons on the world, making the Upper East Side residents healthier for the past 35 years. Specializing in trauma, burn surgery, and wound healing. He currently holds the position as Chief of the Division of Burns, Critical Care and Trauma at the New York Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center, and is the FDNY Honorary Medical officer.

"I was always interested in science and wanted to be a physicist," said Yurt of his school days.

Eventually, medicine won out and Yurt received his M.D. degree at the University of Miami School of Medicine, before performing his initial residency at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas, Texas.

After receiving his degree, Yurt spent the following several years participating in postdoctoral fellowships and even served on active duty in the Army at the United States Army Institute of Surgical Research for three years.

His connection to his current home city of New York grew stronger after his experience treating victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. "The most impressive thing for me was the response after 9/11," said Yurt. Yurt's efforts during this traumatic time in New York's history drew applause not only from city residents but also from The Royal Academy of Medicine. They held an honorary dinner for the quick response and outstanding work that Yurt and his medical team displayed.

Yurt is recognized as the Johnson and Johnson Distinguished Professor of Surgery and is the Vice Chairmen of the Department of Surgery at Weill Medical College of Cornell University. His experience in education has remained an important part of his career, something Upper East Side residents have benefited from directly.

"It's the ability to interact with the community, in not just care, but prevention," said Yurt. "We go out and give lectures, go to fairs. We send out the message to prevent injuries."

Dr. Yurt has authored over 100 original manuscripts and book chapters dealing with burns and acute inflammatory response to injury. Today he is a member of the Regional Emergency Medical Advisory of New York City, previously a member of the New York State Advisory Committee. He has also written nearly 40 books, and serves as Chairman of the Physician's Advisory Committee for the Emergency Medical Society.

Time Magazine featured him as one of their Heroes of Medicine in the fall 1997 issue, has been recognized as one of the "Best Doctors in America" by the Castle Connelly, and been included in New York Magazine's Best Doctors on several occasions. He has accumulated enough life experience for two lives, benefiting the Upper East Side for more than three decades in his efforts to improve the quality of life of trauma and burn victims.