CHOC wants its referring physicians to get to know its specialists. Today, meet Dr. Paul Yost, a pediatric anesthesiologist.
What is your education and training?
I attended medical school at Baylor College of Medicine; completed a residency in pediatrics at the University of Miami, and a second residency in anesthesiology at University of California Los Angeles.
What are your administrative appointments?
Chair of the department of pediatric anesthesiology, board member of CalOptima, secretary/treasurer of the Orange County Medical Association, and past president of the California Society of Anesthesiologists.
What are your special clinical interests?
Pediatric cardiac anesthesia, neonatal mandibular distraction, difficult airway management, pediatric pain.
Are you involved in any current research?
Yes, a study in our pediatric cardiac babies along with surgeons, neurologists, and ICU specialists, as well as working on clinical pathways for some of our more painful surgeries as well as sedation in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit.
How long have you been on staff at CHOC?
24 years.
What are some new programs or developments within your specialty?
Pediatric pain, neonatal mandibular distraction, regional anesthesia for kids (nerve blocks for post-operative pain).
What are your most common diagnoses?
Pediatric congenital heart disease.
What would you most like patients and families to know about you or your division at CHOC?
The CHOC pediatric anesthesiology faculty rival any children’s hospital anywhere in the world.
What inspires you most about the care being delivered here at CHOC?
The care and focus on children’s health, from the CEO of the hospital and throughout every department.
Why did you decide to become a doctor?
In college, my girlfriend’s father was a very special physician who was incredibly full of life and adventure. I wanted to be like him!
If you weren’t a physician, what would you be and why?
A professional sailor. Sailing and the ocean have always been my passion and my sanctuary.
What are your hobbies/interests outside of work?
Surfing, kitesurfing, sailing, tennis, and politics.
What have you learned from your patients?
Humility and respect.
