Kelly Yeong, WHNP

Biography

Going beyond patient care in the management of complex women’s cancers

After more than two decades caring for patients in a private practice, family and women’s health nurse practitioner Kelly Yeong made a choice to start sharing her knowledge and better serve the underserved.

She found that opportunity at Virginia Commonwealth University and VCU Health, where she manages complex patients undergoing cancer treatment, teaches future nurses and providers and conducts research to improve the field of gynecologic cancers.

“What is most important is that I want to help support women to be as well as they can during their treatment course,” says Yeong, an adjunct faculty member at the VCU School of Nursing and NP with the VCU Health Women’s Health team. “With all of the new research supporting healthy lifestyle while in treatment, I want to apply our knowledge to our underserved community through education and support.”

Yeong earned her nursing degree in 1993 and her master’s in nursing from VCU five years later. As a family and women’s health NP, she manages the care of patients with gynecologic cancer, those at risk due to genetic mutations and monitors individuals in post-treatment. Her expertise spans ovarian, uterine, cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancers. Beyond cancer, she is experienced in well and preventative care and obesity management. She is a member of the Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners and American Association of Nurse Practitioners, as well as the Society for Gynecologic Oncology.

In patient care, Yeong collaborates with a multidisciplinary team of physicians, advanced practice providers, residents, and researchers, leveraging her skills to coordinate comprehensive cancer care. Her role includes genetic and tumor testing, ensuring a personalized approach to treatment.

“At VCU, I personally love the network of support available to best help our patients. I am grateful that we can provide care for the uninsured and underinsured women of our community,” she says. “It is amazing to see patients far exceed the expected life span associated with these terrible conditions. We have more and more treatments that frequently can be given and provide good quality of life, thanks to the ever-evolving research that we have to offer.”

In her free time, Kelly enjoys exploring Richmond’s parks, hiking and traveling and spending time on her Hanover County land with her family and beloved pets.