Samuel S.C. Yen, 79, of La Jolla, died Tuesday, Dec. 26. Yen was internationally recognized in the field of reproductive endocrinology, professor emeritus and former chair of the department of reproductive medicine at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD).
His work has provided insight into problems such as infertility, premenstrual syndrome and menopause. Information from his 450 published research studies were compiled in the book “Reproductive Endocrinology.”
Yen was born in 1927 in Peking, China, and attended the Chee-Loo University as a pre-medical student. As a young man, he also flew C-47 supply planes for the Chinese National Airline Company.
He was a member of the HUMP Pilots Association, recognizing pilots who risked their lives flying over the Himalayan Mountains.
He continued his medical education at University of Hong Kong, where he secured a residency at Queen Mary Hospital, followed by a residency at Johns Hopkins Medical Center. He served as the chief of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Guam Memorial Hospital.
Yen obtained a fellowship at Harvard Medical School. He came to UCSD in 1970 and held several prestigious positions, including chair of the Department of Reproductive Medicine and chief of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology.
He is survived by three daughters, Carol Millen, Dolores Hickman and Margaret Yen Johnson; a granddaughter, Cameron Hickman; his former wife, Kathryn Yen; and sons-in-law Scott Millen and Eric Johnson.
Memorial services were held at El Camino Memorial Park in Sorrento Valley, 5600 Carroll Canyon Rd. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the March of Dimes, 9325 Sky Park Court, San Diego, CA 92123. For information, call (858) 576-1211.