Paul Liu Obituary

With characteristic tenacity and perseverance Dr. Paul Yu Liu fought leukemia until his passing on 1/26/26. Dr. Liu, MD, FACS, MA, MA ad eundum, was a world-renowned plastic surgeon, pioneering researcher in wound healing, and revered educator, whose contributions spanned more than three decades. At home, he was a cherished husband and father.

Dr. Liu's career was defined by a rare combination of surgical skill, scientific curiosity, and mentoring. He held prestigious leadership positions, including Chief of Plastic Surgery at Brown University Health, Chief of Surgery at Roger Williams Medical Center, and Professor of Surgery at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. Internationally recognized for his clinical expertise and innovations, Dr. Liu revolutionized treatments for complex wounds and diabetic limb salvage, integrating insights from mathematics, immunology, genetics, and surgery.

Born in Fort Collins, Colorado to Hsin-Kuan Liu, PhD, and Esther Tsong Tzu-Chiu Liu, EdD, he was raised from infancy by his widowed immigrant mother. Dr. Liu's faith in God was nurtured by his mother's strong belief and passionate prayers. In his youth he was recognized state-wide as a scholar, athlete, debater and musician (both clarinet and violin). After graduating from Durango High School in Durango, Colorado, he was awarded a Boettcher Scholarship, which provided a full ride to Colorado College. During college, he played violin professionally for the Colorado Springs Symphony Orchestra. After graduating magna cum laude, majoring in mathematics, he earned a master's degree in philosophy and physiology as a Marshall Scholar at University College, University of Oxford, UK. He received the distinction of an Oxford Varsity Blue on the ice hockey team (and also played rugby). Dr. Liu earned his MD from Harvard Medical School, then completed his internship, residency, and research fellowship at Harvard's Brigham and Women's Hospital, where he served as Senior and Chief Resident in plastic surgery. His academic and professional accomplishments were numerous, including an MA ad eundum from Brown University, the Louis T. Benezet Award from Colorado College, the Outstanding Mentor in Plastic Surgery Award, the Gordon Fellowship at Lahey Clinic, and the Compassionate Doctor Award. Yet beyond awards, colleagues and students remember him for his humility, generosity, and unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of surgeons and researchers.

Dr. Liu's dedication to wound healing research was unmatched. He served as president of the Wound Healing Society, program co-chair for its annual meetings, and director of the Functional Diabetic Limb Salvage and Wound Healing Foundation Conference. He also organized the Thomas K. Hunt Lecture Series, fostering collaboration and innovation across the field. His mentorship and leadership have inspired countless physicians, surgeons, and scientists worldwide.

As a rare surgeon who did basic research in addition to patient care, Dr. Liu took his focus on wound healing into the laboratory, exploring ways to optimize surgical repair by developing biologicals that could improve on the body's natural healing. He and his long-time research lab head, Dr. Xiaotian Wang, developed a novel approach, delivering a growth factor that results in faster and stronger healing of ruptured tendons. To bring this discovery to patients more rapidly, he established a biotech company, PAX Therapeutics. PAX not only is the Latin word for peace, but stands for the names of the co-founders, Paul And Xiao. PAX Therapeutics is on the cusp of starting clinical trials.

Colleagues remember Dr. Liu as compassionate, approachable, and endlessly curious. Patients recall his surgical excellence paired with genuine empathy, reassurance, and hope. He was a person motivated by deep faith to serve others. His service extended globally; he participated in medical missions that brought reconstructive care to underserved communities, further reflecting his deep commitment to humanitarian work. Dr. Liu also served with his wife in church leadership. He was uplifted by avidly researching the Bible and sharing insights with fellowship groups. He additionally enjoyed the camaraderie and joy of making music with the Warwick Symphony Orchestra.

Despite pouring so much of himself into his surgical and academic work, Dr. Liu's highest priority was his family, who will always be grateful to him for excelling as a husband and father in innumerable ways.

Mourning his loss are his wife of 37 years, SallyAnne Lund, MD, and his children, Christian Liu, JD, of Boston, MA, and Meredith Liu, MFA, of Falls Church, VA. He was the beloved little brother of Ingrid Lin, MD (Henry Lin, MD) and Margaret Liu, MD (Robert Johnson, MD-PhD), of Palos Verdes Estates and Lafayette, California respectively. Dr. Liu also leaves his dearly loved nieces, nephews, in-laws and cousins.

With his passing there is a deep void, but Dr. Liu's legacy endures through the lives he touched and people he inspired. Dr. Liu will be remembered for his brilliance, compassion, and lifelong dedication to improving patient care, educating future surgeons, and advancing medicine worldwide.

Funeral details will be shared by his family. Those seeking to make contributions in Dr. Liu's memory might donate in his name to the Wound Healing Foundation or to the Warwick Symphony Orchestra.