It is with deep sadness we share the news that our colleague, Dr Michael Yung, has passed.
Michael was attacked during a home invasion at his family home in Adelaide and sustained significant injuries. He was taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital by emergency services on Monday morning. Sadly, Michael’s injuries were too great, and he passed surrounded by his family on Tuesday afternoon.
Michael was a senior, experienced, and enthusiastic paediatric intensivist who commenced as a visiting intensivist in the new paediatric ICU at Monash Children’s Hospital when it opened in 2018.
Michael’s decades of experience and can-do spirit were part of the building blocks that shaped the new PICU unit, and his weeks visiting Monash Children’s Hospital were cherished and eagerly anticipated.
His colleagues described him as a friendly, caring soul who led with a sharp mind and kind heart. He was dedicated and devoted to helping others and saving children’s lives, and his legacy will live on in the countless people his generosity and skill touched.
Michael was most recently working as the Medical Director of the PICU at Adelaide’s Women’s and Children’s Hospital, an examiner for the College of Intensive Care Medicine and an active member of the Australian and New Zealand PICU research collaborative.
Most importantly, he was a son, a husband and a father, a kind and supportive teacher and colleague to many at Monash Health.
Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this period of grief, and members of the Monash Health community who considered him a friend or colleague.
We understand that this news will be difficult and distressing to receive for many.
For immediate support, the employee assistance program can be reached 24/7 on 1300 687 327.
Rest in peace, Michael Yung. We thank you for the difference you’ve made in the lives of some of our most vulnerable patients, and the privilege to share in your warm demeanour and outstanding expertise.
The Women’s and Children’s Health Network Acting Chief Executive, Rebecca Graham, has encouraged those wanting to express their condolences or commemorate Michael’s life to donate to the Kathryn Browne-Yung Scholarship fund he had set up in his late wife’s honour.
The photos provided above are courtesy of the CICM paediatric examiners 2023.