Hae-Young Hawong

Hae-Young Hawong, DO, PhD is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology at Yale School of Medicine, specializing in Movement Disorders. She treats patients with various movement disorders including Parkinson's Disease, essential tremor, tic disorders/Tourette's syndrome, dystonia, ataxia, and chorea. Dr. Hawong is closely involved in the Yale Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Multidisciplinary Deep Brain Stimulation Clinic and demonstrates expertise in programming various DBS platforms including Abbot, Boston Scientific, and Medtronic systems.

• Assistant Professor of Neurology at Yale School of Medicine
• Specializes in Movement Disorders and Deep Brain Stimulation
• Expertise in DBS programming for Parkinson's disease and related conditions
• Active researcher in AAV-GAD gene therapy for advanced Parkinson's Disease

Dr. Hawong earned her DO from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine with a focus on Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. She also holds BS degrees in Mathematics and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Michigan State University. As an osteopathic physician, she believes in a whole body and mind approach to patient care, emphasizing the importance of understanding each patient's unique circumstances, support systems, and lifestyle factors.

Her research focuses on innovative treatments for movement disorders, particularly deep brain stimulation applications for Parkinson's disease and tardive dyskinesia. Dr. Hawong is actively involved in AAV-GAD gene therapy research for advanced Parkinson's Disease, continuing her earlier work with AAV-parkin genetic therapy. Her clinical expertise also includes MRI-guided focused ultrasound and botulinum toxin injection administration for movement disorder management.

Dr. Hawong speaks Korean and English fluently. Her approach to medicine is deeply influenced by her grandmother, who raised her and had Alzheimer's disease. She brings a multicultural perspective to her practice and emphasizes treating the patient rather than just the disease process. Her childhood ballet training contributed to her interest in movement disorders, while her mathematical aptitude shaped her logical approach to neurology, which she describes as 'all about logic.'