Yife Tien is founder and chancellor of Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine. He is the son of Paul Tien, founder of the American University of the Caribbean, and is the current chancellor of the school. Yife Tien sits on the board of the International Association of Medical Colleges and has served as its treasurer.
Tien was a contributor to the 2008 campaign of Mitt Romney for U.S. president.
Tien is married to Lucy Chua, M.D.. The couple have one son named Christopher and reside primarily in Coral Gables, Florida.