Gertrude YingYu LI, MD

Specialty: Orthopedic Surgery
Title: Clinical Professor
4.8/5
See All Ratings

To request an appointment call

734-936-5780
Gertrude YingYu LI, MD
Orthopedic Surgery
  • About
  • Areas of Practice
  • Expertise
  • Locations
  • Insurance
  • Education & Training
  • Research Overview
  • Patient Ratings & Comments
  • Manage Your Profile

  • About

    Dr. G. Ying Li is a Clinical Professor and Chief of Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at University of Michigan Health. She completed her undergraduate training at Dartmouth College. She received her medical degree from Wake Forest University School of Medicine and graduated with AOA recognition. Dr. Li did her residency training in orthopaedic surgery at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. She went on to complete a pediatric orthopaedic surgery fellowship at Children’s Hospital Boston. She joined the faculty at the University of Michigan in 2011 at the completion of her fellowship. Dr. Li is Board Certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.

    Her clinical interests include:

    • Spinal deformity (including scoliosis, kyphosis, and spondylolisthesis)
    • Hip disorders (including hip dysplasia, SCFE, and Perthes)
    • Lower extremity disorders
    • Pediatric orthopaedic trauma

    Dr. Li’s research focus is on pediatric spinal deformity and she has numerous publications on this topic. She is a Principal Researcher and a member of the Research Council of the Pediatric Spine Study Group. Dr. Li is an active member of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America and the Scoliosis Research Society, and has held leadership positions in both societies. Dr. Li completed the American Orthopaedic Association/University of Southern California APEX Leadership Program from 2020-2021 and the Scoliosis Research Society L.E.A.D. Program in 2024.

    Areas of Practice

    Spinal deformity (including scoliosis and spondylolisthesis), hip disorders (including hip dysplasia), lower extremity disorders, pediatric orthopaedic trauma

    Locations

    • Orthopaedic Surgery Clinic | Brighton Center for Specialty Care 7500 Challis Rd
      Entrance 1, Level 1
      Brighton, MI 48116-9416
      Get Directions
    • Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery Clinic | C. S. Mott Children's Hospital 1540 E Hospital Dr
      Floor 3 Reception C
      Ann Arbor, MI 48109-4213
      Get Directions

    Insurance Accepted

    University of Michigan Health participates with most health insurance plans.

    See our insurance details

    Education & Training

    Medical School or Training

    Wake Forest University School of Medicine, 2005

    Residency

    Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, Orthopaedic Surgery, 2010

    Fellowships

    Children's Hospital of Boston, Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery, 2011

    Board Certifications

    Orthopedic Surgery

    Professional Organizations

    American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons 
    American Medical Association
    Michigan Orthopaedic Society
    Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America 
    Scoliosis Research Society 
    American Orthopaedic Association

    Research Overview

    • Pediatric spinal deformity: early onset scoliosis, scoliosis and patient-reported outcomes, titanium levels in early onset scoliosis patients with growth-friendly instrumentation
    • Pain control after posterior spinal fusion for idiopathic scoliosis
    • Pediatric trauma: adolescent clavicle fractures

    Click here for my bibliography

    Patient Ratings & Comments

    Visit our Physician Ratings & Comments page to learn more about how patient ratings are collected, calculated, and updated to help you make an informed decision when choosing the right physician for your care.

    Patient Ratings

    147 Patient Ratings

    Patient Comments

    January 7, 2026 - "Dr. Li was kind and spoke directly to my daughter as she understood what was happening with her [...]"

    January 3, 2026 - "Dr. Li was nice, but I felt like she was being dismissive with me. I could tell that she felt I was wasting her time."

    October 20, 2025 - "Dr. Li seemed only moderately engaged. [...] It's good that she thinks everything will be fine and she is the most expert person we have consulted. Still it would have been more reassuring if she hadn't simply dismissed the other information we've received."

    October 20, 2025 - "Dr. Li was excellent. I brought up everything I wanted to cover and didn't feel foolish with her. All concerns covered. [...]"

    October 15, 2025 - "Dr. Li has worked with my daughter for about [...] years and performed surgery on her [...] about [...] years ago. She is always very helpful and explains things clearly. We are very pleased with her care."

    October 11, 2025 - "We are always so appreciative of Dr. Li's care. She is kind, knowledgeable, and caring. Thank you Dr. Li!!"

    October 5, 2025 - "We are thrilled to confirm the successful conclusion of our son's treatment for his [...] issue. Dr. Li has expertly managed the majority of his care, and we are incredibly pleased with the excellent results. While we are sad that Dr. Li will no longer be a regular presence in our lives-she truly felt like part of our family-we are deeply grateful for her service. She has been an outstanding doctor to our son. Thank you, Dr. Li, for all your expertise, warm compassion, and professionalism."

    September 3, 2025 - "Dr. Li made [...] and parents feel so comfortable throughout the whole visit!"

    August 4, 2025 - "Dr. Li is excellent ! She listens to us and answers all our questions."

    June 21, 2025 - "Dr. Li and [...] have gone above and beyond to make sure we could get the care she needed. I can't express enough how grateful I am for everyone taking care of her, and helping me with referrals, primary care appointments, and everything in between. Each and every person I encountered was kind, patient, helpful, and supportive!"

    Featured News & Stories

    Health Lab

    Rare neuromuscular condition doesn’t stop teen from track & field dream

    Michigan teen Jake Juip becomes 100-meter Michigan state high school champion in adaptive track and field race using adaptive equipment designed to meet the needs of his rare neuromuscular condition.