Get to know Dr. David Young
David Young, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor
Hospital Medicine
What is your primary professional focus as it relates to our mission areas (clinical, research and/or medical education)?
My focus is largely clinical and medical education-oriented. I worked in Chicago as an attending for six years before coming here, and there I was heavily involved in medical student education from teaching the physical exam, to identifying students needing extra coaching prior to their transition to clinicals, to being the one doing that coaching. I also got to mentor a few undergraduates and residents. I was honored with several different teaching awards from the students over the course of those six years, so I'd like to think I chose the right focus.
What drew you to UW–Madison and the Department of Medicine?
Being honest, lifestyle. Chicago is an amazing city but it's very busy, crowded, and expensive. My wife and I are expecting our first, and we wanted a house (and one with a short commuting time). That just wasn't possible in Chicago. But in Madison it was a possibility, and UW and the UW DOM have an excellent reputation and strong academic foundations where I could continue my career focus on medical education and clinical work.
What are you most excited about during your first year with the department in this role?
I'm really looking forward to exploring the med-ed opportunities that are out there. Every academic hospital system is different so I can't wait to see how this one is structured.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
I have a lot of hobbies but the ones that take up most of my time are stock trading, fantasy football, and exercise (weights, climbing, basketball, and Krav Maga mainly). I'm expecting to have to abandon most of these upon the birth of our first 🙂
Favorite piece of advice from a mentor or inspiring figure in your life?
Medicine is such a cerebral field and requires a lot of desk and study time. It's a well-known fact that staying physically active actually aids in staying mentally engaged and aids with learning and memory. So, I'll leave you with my favorite quote, via Socrates: "No man has the right to be an amateur in the matter of physical training. It is a shame for a man to grow old without seeing the beauty and strength of which his body is capable."