DANDY LEE, M.D.
NOVEMBER 12, 1963 – MAY 24, 2023
BELOVED PHYSICIAN, COLLEAGUE, MENTOR AND FRIEND
Dr. Dandy Lee served at Tri-City Medical Center (TCMC) as an anesthesiologist for more than 22 years. He was a beloved physician, colleague, mentor and friend to those who served alongside him at TCMC. Dandy was also a treasured son, brother, husband, father, uncle and nephew to his family.
Dr. Lee was born in Jakarta, Indonesia to Ping and Ansy Lee. In 1970 he immigrated to the United States with his parents and two sisters and grew up in the Los Angeles area. In 1990, Dr. Lee married Hanneli Hidalgo and they settled in Rancho Santa Fe. In the years to follow they would welcome two wonderful sons, Austin and Justin.
After attending the University of California, San Francisco and obtaining his Doctor of Pharmacy in 1987, Dr. Lee further pursued his education and received his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Michigan in 1991. Prior to his residency, he joined the Navy where he served as the Medical Officer on the U.S.S. New Orleans. Dr. Lee completed his residency at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego and became a full-time staff member.
In 1999, Dr. Lee joined Anesthesia Services Medical Group (ASMG) in San Diego and became a full-time Cardiac Anesthesiologist on staff at TCMC. He practiced at TCMC for more than 22 years, serving as the Anesthesia Chair from 2005 – 2007 during which time he revamped the department and elevated the quality of care with his visionary leadership. In 2015, Dr. Lee was asked to serve as Medical Director of the Operating Room, and single-handedly streamlined Peri-Operative services into an efficient and cohesive team of nurses, doctors, technicians and aides. In 2022, Dr. Lee changed his anesthesia practice from TCMC to Scripps Green Hospital.
Dr. Lee was widely known for his great efficiency, precision and tireless work ethic, which resulted in phenomenal care for his patients. His peaceful and calming demeanor, even during the most challenging circumstances or cases, was admired and valued by his colleagues and his patients alike. Although Dr. Lee worked many hours, his love and dedication for his family always came first. He was incredibly supportive and selfless when it came to helping others, but most of all his wife and sons. His consistent generosity, kindness, compassion, respect, loyalty, humility and love will be missed by all.
Rest in Peace, Dr. Dandy Lee. You are missed by every life you touched at TCMC.
