30 years of caring for Waco hearts

For nearly three decades, Donald “Jeff” Young, MD, has provided compassionate, personalized heart care to patients in the Waco community, bringing advanced cardiothoracic expertise home to the place that first inspired his calling to medicine.

Dr. Young joined Ascension Providence in 1996, marking a meaningful return to his hometown and the beginning of a long-standing commitment to caring for neighbors and families across Central Texas. From a young age, he knew he wanted to become a surgeon. “Being able to come back to my hometown and practice here was a really memorable moment,” he said. “I’d always aspired to be a surgeon, and the good Lord was able to guide me through all the training and give me the opportunity to come back home.”

That training took Dr. Young to Houston, where he completed his general surgery residency, followed by advanced cardiothoracic and vascular training at the Texas Heart Institute. There, he trained under Dr. Denton Cooley, a leading heart surgeon recognized for performing the world’s first artificial heart transplant.

“Training with Dr. Cooley was a real blessing and an honor,” Dr. Young said. “Learning from someone who helped shape the field of heart surgery was an incredible privilege, and it continues to influence how I care for patients every day.”

After completing his training, Dr. Young returned to Waco to join the cardiac surgery program at what was then Providence Hospital—now Ascension Providence. The program was originally founded in 1973 by the late Dr. Robert Crosthwait and his father, whose leadership helped establish the first advanced heart care program for the Waco community. Dr. Young joined the practice alongside Dr. Crosthwait and Dr. Robert T. Angel—both of whom performed the first heart surgery in Waco—helping continue a legacy of excellence in cardiovascular care.

“I joined them in ’96, and that in itself was a real blessing,” he said. “It truly felt like coming full circle—learning from those who built the program and then helping carry it forward for the community.”

Throughout his career, Dr. Young has seen significant advancements in cardiothoracic surgery. What has never changed, however, is the responsibility and trust placed in the surgeon by every patient and family. The transition from residency to independent practice was a defining moment in his medical career journey.

“Once you become the surgeon and you’re no longer surrounded by all the extra layers of support, things get real,” he explained. “You understand the seriousness of heart surgery. While we work closely with trusted care teams and physician partners, you realize the responsibility ultimately rests with you.”

That sense of accountability, paired with collaboration, compassion and faith, has guided Dr. Young throughout his years at Ascension Providence. His long-standing presence in the Waco market has allowed him to care for multiple generations of families, building relationships rooted in trust, respect and personalized care. Dr. Young’s philosophy of care is rooted in treating the whole person, not just the condition. He takes the time to understand each patient’s unique health needs, prepares thoroughly for even the most complex procedures and communicates every step with clarity and compassion, giving patients confidence, comfort and trust throughout their care journey.

Today, Dr. Young’s nearly 30 years of service reflect his deep commitment to Ascension’s Mission of providing compassionate, personalized care to all. For patients in Waco and throughout Central Texas, his legacy is measured not just in years of service, but in lives touched, hearts healed and care delivered close to home.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Young at Ascension Providence today.