The Department of Neurological Surgery is proud to welcome new faculty member Jang Won “Jon” Yoon, MD. Dr. Yoon brings a deep expertise in complex spine surgery, endoscopic techniques, and the application of artificial intelligence to improve patient outcomes.
What drew you to spine surgery?
Like many neurosurgeons, I entered the field fascinated by the brain. My early career was actually in engineering—I worked at the FDA evaluating medical devices before medical school. That experience showed me how technology can be translated into patient care, and I was especially intrigued by devices that interface with the nervous system.
During my neurosurgery residency at the Mayo Clinic, I discovered how dynamic spine surgery is—the blend of anatomy, mechanics, and innovation appealed to both the engineer and the physician in me. I realized the field was still evolving and that there was enormous opportunity to make spine surgery safer, more precise, and less invasive.
You’re known for advancing minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques. How do these differ from traditional approaches?
Traditional spine surgery often requires large incisions and significant muscle dissection to reach the target area. Minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques use small incisions and tubular or camera-based systems to access the spine through tissue planes.
With endoscopic surgery, the light source and camera are placed directly at the surgical site, giving the surgeon a magnified, high-definition view of the anatomy. It’s ergonomically different—I operate while looking at a screen, much like in laparoscopic surgery. Patients typically experience less pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery. For many single-level problems, patients can go home the same day.
What role does artificial intelligence play in your research?
A big challenge in spine surgery—and medicine in general—is that much of our data isn’t structured for analysis. Registry data and billing codes can tell us a lot about trends, but they don’t capture the nuances that matter for individual patients.
My research focuses on using AI and natural language processing to extract meaningful clinical information from operative reports, imaging, and other unstructured data. For example, we can train algorithms to recognize specific complications like C5 palsy—a postoperative weakness that lacks a billing code and is therefore difficult to study across institutions.
By combining text data with imaging-based “radiomics,” we can create more detailed patient profiles and use predictive modeling to understand who benefits most from certain procedures. The goal is to move beyond averages and toward truly personalized spine care.
What challenges do you see in applying AI across institutions?
One of the biggest barriers is data ownership and standardization. Every hospital documents information differently—sometimes even surgeons within the same department use different language. AI models need to be fine-tuned for each environment, and that raises questions about intellectual property and privacy.
It’s a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity. Collaboration between institutions will be essential for building more generalizable, ethically trained models. I’m optimistic that academic medical centers like UCSF can help lead the way.
How would you describe your philosophy of patient care?
Every patient’s anatomy and goals are unique, so I tailor each plan individually. I try to enter every consultation without preconceptions—listening carefully to what the patient wants to achieve before looking at their imaging. My role is to recommend the least invasive approach that can safely and effectively accomplish that goal.
Even when surgery is indicated, I believe in maximizing nonoperative treatments first. The best outcomes happen when patients are fully informed and active participants in their own care.
What excites you most about joining UCSF?
UCSF has always stood out as a place that values innovation, collaboration, and education. The environment encourages people to push boundaries, whether that’s in surgical technique, data science, or patient experience.
I’m especially looking forward to working with our spine team, residents, fellows, and engineers across campus to advance the field of minimally invasive surgery. I also plan to expand our research program in AI and outcomes prediction to include collaborations across departments and institutions.
What do you enjoy outside of work?
My wife and I have two young boys—a two-and-a-half-year-old and a six-month-old—who keep us happily busy. Being a dad has changed the way I see medicine; it’s made me more patient and empathetic.
Outside of the hospital, I enjoy early morning CrossFit workouts and spending time outdoors. I recently moved from the East Coast and am excited to rediscover my love of sailing here in the Bay Area.