Since 2021, Sam Yoon has served as the Chief of the Division of Surgical Oncology and Vice-Chair of Surgical Oncology Research and Education at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. His expertise in sarcomas, stomach, and gastroesophageal junction cancers, and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) has positioned him at the forefront of clinical trials and international medical conferences aimed at addressing the challenges of gastric cancer. This deadly disease claims over 750,000 lives annually worldwide, with more than a million new cases each year.

Renowned for his commitment to exceptional patient care, he draws a diverse patient population across the tri-state area. His contributions to medical practice earned him recognition as one of the best doctors in America from 2010 to 2011 and 2017 to 2020. He practices at the CUIMC/Herbert Irving Pavilion in New York City, with additional offices in Bronxville, Cortland Manor, New York, and Englewood, New Jersey.

Sam obtained his undergraduate degree from Harvard University and pursued his medical degree at the University of California, San Diego. His medical training included a general surgery residency at Massachusetts General Hospital and a surgical oncology fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, a facility designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute.

Before his tenure at Columbia, he was an attending surgeon in the Division of Gastric and Mixed Tumors at Memorial Sloan Kettering. He held a professorship at Weill Cornell Medical College. He also served as an associate professor at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School before moving to his current positions in 2012.

A minimally invasive robotic surgery leader, he has performed over 300 procedures, including sophisticated robotic gastrectomies. This advanced surgical approach uses smaller incisions and the latest robotic technology to enhance surgical precision and reduce recovery times. His academic output is substantial, with over 150 original research articles, book chapters, and reviews. He is also actively involved in leading-edge research funded by organizations like Stand Up To Cancer and the DeGregorio Family Foundation for Gastric and Esophageal Cancer Research, focusing on developing early diagnostic tests and innovative treatments.

Through his clinical and research endeavors, Dr. Sam Yoon continues to impact the field of surgical oncology significantly, demonstrating unwavering dedication to improving patient outcomes and advancing medical knowledge.