World-class patient care for endocrine disorders

Dr. Michael Yeh is an internationally reputed endocrine surgeon for diseases of the thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal glands. He believes that it is ethically imperative for surgeons to help patients to avoid surgery when safely possible, with surgery being reserved for instances when scientific evidence supports a level of benefit that exceeds the risks. In a typical year, Dr. Yeh performs approximately 500 endocrine operations, with many patients traveling from out of state or out of the country to seek his expertise. He is perhaps best known for performing complex re-operative surgery in patients who have experienced thyroid cancer recurrences, and in those who have had prior failed operations for thyroid and parathyroid disease.

Other areas of expertise include endoscopic (laparoscopic and retroperitoneoscopic) approaches to adrenal tumors, and the management of familial endocrine tumor syndromes, such as multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type 1 and type 2. As an active researcher and developer of national guidelines for best practice in endocrine diseases, Dr. Yeh brings the latest scientific evidence to every patient encounter. He is eager to listen to the stories and needs of his patients, and to engage in shared decision making with them. Having been at UCLA for 16 years as of 2023, Dr. Yeh finds the greatest satisfaction in his long-term relationships with patients and their families, and in watching his patients of all ages thrive both personally and professionally. The trust placed in him each day brings a sense of profound responsibility, inspiration, motivation, and joy.

Endocrine Tumor Board

The UCLA Endocrine tumor board, founded by Dr. Michael Yeh, is comprised of more than a dozen experts in endocrine surgery, endocrinology, head and neck oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and human genetics. The tumor board meets monthly for detailed discussion of patients who require multi-modal care for complex endocrine cancers. After a patient is discussed at endocrine tumor board, a communication of the findings is made to both the patient and all physicians involved in the patient’s care. This streamlines care coordination, enabling efficient execution of what is often a detailed and carefully sequenced action plan. This unique service is offered free of charge to our patients.