About Me

In 2010, the Pacific Northwest called to me as a place to start my career and my life. At the University of Tennessee, I finished first in my class in medical school and got to learn from some of the brightest and the best minimally invasive and open spinal surgeons in the world. This training allowed me to bring the newest technologies and most modern techniques to this region, and I have distinguished myself in providing high quality patient care. I love the landscapes, the lifestyle, the food, and the people of this part of the world. Quality spinal care for patients in the Northwest is extremely important to me because this is now my home. My patients are my neighbors, my colleagues, and my friends.

I was born in raised in Knoxville, Tennessee. My mother was a physical therapist and inspired me to become a physician. I learned about caring for people from her and the value of non-operative cares for spinal diseases. My father was an engineer and he inspired me to solve problems in new ways. I am an Eagle Scout and have always enjoyed nature and doing what’s right.

I now practice with and lead the Spine Health team at Legacy Healthcare in Portland. I perform almost exclusively minimally invasive spine surgeries, disc replacements, and tumor resections on patients in need across the Pacific Northwest and around the world. I have helped develop some of the latest technologies in spine with the goal of making spine surgery less mysterious and more predictable; pushing for better results with less risk.

If you choose to visit, you will see that I don’t rush patients; we talk one on one. You will intrepret your own MRI’s and x-rays with me. You will see your options first hand with 3D models and in some cases computer aided planning. You will help make one of the most important decisions of your life. I can promise to do my best and to deliver state of the art care.

Finally, I am a person just like you. I’ve had a herniated disc myself and know what nerve pain is. I go by David, not Dr. Yam, and I look forward to meeting you should you choose to visit.

Need to be seen?

Contact Us

Phone: 503-944-6300
Fax: 503-413-4470

Legacy Spine Clinic
24900 SE Stark St, Suite 109
Gresham, OR 97030
Map / Get Directions

We take self referrals as long as your insurance doesn’t require a referral.

Your doctor can refer you directly and this can be helpful for coordinating imaging close to home.

We see patients teenagers and older.

We can provide second opinions remotely or in person.