Dr. Paul Y. Liu Death and Obituary – It is with profound sadness that the medical community and Dr. Paul Y. Liu’s family announce his passing following a courageous battle with leukemia. Dr. Liu, MD, FACS, was a world-renowned plastic surgeon, pioneering researcher in wound healing, and cherished educator whose contributions spanned more than three decades.
Dr. Liu’s career was defined by a rare combination of surgical skill, scientific curiosity, and mentorship. He held prestigious leadership positions, including Chief of Plastic Surgery at Rhode Island Hospital, Chief of Surgery at Roger Williams Medical Center, and Professor of Surgery at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. Internationally recognized for his clinical expertise and innovations, Dr. Liu revolutionized treatments for complex wounds and diabetic limb salvage, integrating insights from mathematics, immunology, genetics, and surgery.
A Marshall Scholar at University College, Oxford, and a graduate of Harvard Medical School, Dr. Liu completed his internship, residency, and research fellowship at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, where he served as senior and chief resident in plastic surgery. His academic and professional accomplishments were numerous, including honors such as the Outstanding Mentor in Plastic Surgery award and the Gordon Fellowship at Lahey Clinic. Yet beyond awards, colleagues and students remember him for his humility, generosity, and unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of surgeons and researchers.
Dr. Liu’s dedication to wound healing research was unmatched. He served as president of the Wound Healing Society, program co-chair for its annual meetings, and director of the Functional Diabetic Limb Salvage and Wound Healing Foundation Conference. He also organized the Thomas K. Hunt Lecture Series, fostering collaboration and innovation across the field. His mentorship and leadership have inspired countless physicians, surgeons, and scientists worldwide.
Colleagues remember Dr. Liu as compassionate, approachable, and endlessly curious. Patients recall his surgical excellence paired with genuine empathy, reassurance, and hope. His service extended globally, participating in medical missions that brought reconstructive care to underserved communities, further reflecting his deep commitment to humanitarian work.
Though his passing leaves an irreplaceable void, Dr. Liu’s legacy endures through the lives he touched, the advancements he made in medical science, and the spirit of mentorship he instilled. Funeral and donation details will be shared by his family. Contributions in his memory to wound healing research, medical education, or charitable health initiatives are encouraged.
Dr. Paul Y. Liu will always be remembered for his brilliance, compassion, and lifelong dedication to improving patient care, educating future surgeons, and advancing medicine worldwide.