Meet William M. Lee, MD

Dr. Lee is a vascular surgeon at Keck Medicine of USC, who specializes in endovascular and open surgical treatments for peripheral arterial disease, carotid stenosis, hemodialysis and renal failure, varicose veins, valvular reflux and venous insufficiency.

Here’s what you won’t find on his resume.

Takeout fuels his life.

“When I was growing up, the first career I can remember wanting is that of a chef. I suppose that it’s similar to surgery in that you get to use your hands, create something, and although there is a blueprint, there’s still room for a little artistry. Unfortunately, with my current schedule, I rely on takeout too often these days!”

He loves staying physical and great TV.

“When I’m not at work, you can usually find me running, swimming or playing with my kids. Television has become so good these days that it’s easy to find a compelling show to watch, too. The hobbies that have fallen to the wayside are poker and scuba diving.”

One item will never be checked off his bucket list.

“Three items I have yet to check off my bucket list include: seeing the aurora borealis (northern lights), running a marathon and diving in the Maldives. One item I wish I could add to the list is dunking a basketball — but that will never happen.”

He wants to see the world through another lens.

“Space travel has always been a dream of mine, probably from reading too much science fiction as a child. If I could trade careers with anyone in the world, it would be with either an astronaut or one of the test pilots for SpaceX.”

Nothing rocks his ethical and moral standards.

“The best advice I have ever received was this: ‘In matters of style, swim with the current. In matters of principle, stand like a rock.’”

The results of his work are instantaneous.

“The most rewarding part of my job is the immediate feedback at the completion of a surgery — knowing that I have helped improve someone’s life.”

Shaping the future of medicine is important to him.

“I decided to work at an academic medical center, like Keck Medicine, because I get to work with and train the surgeons of tomorrow.”

View Dr. Lee’s full biography and schedule an appointment.

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