Surgeon, professor, medical director, and contributor to community service, Asa G. Yancey Sr., M.D., passed away on Sunday, March 10 at age 97.
Born in Atlanta, Yancey received his B.S. degree from Morehouse College in 1937 and his M.D. degree from the University of Michigan in 1941.
Yancey’s career reached the heights of service as medical director at Grady Hospital and professor of surgery at Emory University School of Medicine, where he established the first accredited general surgery training program for Black surgeons.
Yancey has contributed numerous articles to the academic surgical community, and he has been recognized with many awards.
His articles explored issues of medical care, health care, and poverty including “Medical Education in Atlanta and Health Care of Black Minority and Low Income People,” and “The Challenge of Providing Health Care for the Poor: Public Hospital Perspective.” His book Portrayal of a Lifespan describes life as it was for him in the 21st Century.
Yancey received the Bennie Service Award in 1990 and he received an Honorary Doctor of Science from Morehouse College and Howard University. The Society of Black Academic Surgeons established a lectureship in the name of Asa G. Yancey Sr., M.D. The Emory University Health System recognized his professional contributions over the years by naming a healthcare facility, The Asa G. Yancey Health Clinic, in northwest Atlanta.
Yancey was married to the late Carolyn “Marge” E. Dunbar, and they have four children: Arthur H. Yancey II, M.D.; Carolyn L. Yancey, M.D.; Caren L. Yancey-Covington (deceased); and Asa G. Yancey Jr., M.D.
The wake will be held Friday, March 15, from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Murray Brothers Funeral Home, 1199 Utoy Springs Rd, S.W., in Atlanta. The telephone number is 404-349-3000. The funeral will be held Saturday, March 16, at 1 p.m. at Friendship Baptist Church, located at 437 Mitchell Street, SW., in Atlanta.
About Post Author
