It is with profound sorrow that family, colleagues, and the medical community announce the passing of Dr. Paul Y. Liu, MD, FACS, a distinguished plastic surgeon, researcher, and educator, who bravely battled leukemia.
Dr. Liu’s remarkable career spanned over three decades, during which he transformed the field of wound healing, mentored countless students and colleagues, and brought hope and healing to patients around the world.
Dr. Liu served as Chief of Plastic Surgery at Rhode Island Hospital, Chief of Surgery at Roger Williams Medical Center, and as a professor of surgery at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University.
He was internationally recognized for his clinical expertise, surgical innovation, and dedication to improving the care of patients with complex wounds. A true leader in his field, Dr. Liu combined his knowledge of mathematics, immunology, genetics, and surgery to advance novel treatments, particularly in wound healing and diabetic limb salvage.
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/chief resident in plastic surgery.
His extraordinary academic and professional achievements included honors such as the Outstanding Mentor in Plastic Surgery award and the Gordon Fellowship at Lahey Clinic. Beyond his accolades, Dr. Liu was celebrated for his generosity, humility, and the deep personal connections he cultivated with colleagues, students, and patients alike.
Throughout his career, Dr. Liu dedicated himself to advancing wound healing research. 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 was instrumental in organizing the Thomas K. Hunt Lecture Series, fostering collaboration, innovation, and knowledge-sharing in the field of wound care. His leadership and mentorship inspired a generation of physicians and researchers who continue his work.
Colleagues remember Dr. Liu as compassionate, approachable, and endlessly curious, always eager to share knowledge while supporting the growth of others. Patients recall him not only for his surgical skill but for the empathy, reassurance, and hope he brought into their lives.
His commitment to service extended globally, including participation in medical missions that brought reconstructive care to underserved communities.
Though Dr. Liu’s passing leaves a deep void, his legacy endures through the countless lives he touched, the advancements he made in medical science, and the spirit of mentorship and compassion he exemplified.
Funeral and donation details will be shared by the family. Contributions in his memory to wound healing research, medical education, or charitable health organizations are encouraged to honor his lifelong dedication to helping others.
Dr. Paul Y. Liu will be remembered always for his brilliance, kindness, and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of patients, the education of future surgeons, and the advancement of medicine worldwide.
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