Couple honors physician's legacy with gift toward Nephrology Department

Throughout a 25-year career with Henry Ford, Jerry Yee, M.D. (1959 - 2022), embodied a relentless dedication to advancing patient care through research and innovation. Dr. Yee garnered a reputation as a remarkable academic leader, a compassionate clinician and mentor to many as head of the Division of Nephrology and Hypertension and Medical Director for Greenfield Health Systems. With over 200 peer-reviewed publications and numerous awards, Dr. Yee left behind a legacy of excellence in both academics and clinical care.

After Dr. Yee's passing, Chip and Sarah McClure gifted $250,000 to establish the McClure Yee Endowed Fund for Nephrology Innovation in his memory. The fund will support an annual McClure Yee Lectureship – enabling the Nephrology and Hypertension division to attract local, national and international experts in rare kidney diseases and related complex illnesses, conditions in which Dr. Yee was passionate.

“We both have had family members involved in the medical field either professionally, as volunteers, or as patients, and health care advances are very important to us,” shared Sarah. “We are so grateful to be involved in determining the specifics of how these funds could best be used to honor Dr. Yee's legacy in a meaningful way.”

In addition to lectures by esteemed clinicians worldwide, the fund supports research activities of the Nephrology and Hypertension division – furthering the impact of the endowed fund by aiding recruitment and retention of staff and faculty, as well as future residents and fellows.

“Dr. Yee's clinical expertise and dedication to lifetime learning, along with his enthusiasm for mentoring the next generation of nephrologists, made it clear that he valued quality education and training opportunities,” said Chip, who serves on the Henry Ford Health Board of Directors. “We hope he would be proud to have his name and legacy associated with this fund.”

By strengthening Henry Ford's already renowned expertise in nephrology through expanded research and education, the McClures hope this gift will support the exploration of new, innovative treatments and honor Dr. Yee's memory not only as a physician, but also as a teacher and friend to many.