Dr. Tong Joo (TJ) Gan, MD, MBA, MHS, FRCA

Tong Joo (TJ) Gan, MD, MBA, MHS, FRCA is an anesthesiologist based at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, recognised internationally for work in perioperative medicine, enhanced recovery and postoperative nausea and vomiting. He holds the position of Division Head of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, and Helen Shafer Fly Distinguished Professor.

Dr. Tong Joo Gan was previously Professor and Distinguished Endowed Chair of the Department of Anesthesiology at Stony Brook University from 2014 to 2022.

Anesthesiologists are physicians who keep patients safe, comfortable and stable before, during and after surgery or another procedure. Within that specialty, Dr. Tong Joo Gan is best known for perioperative medicine, enhanced recovery and postoperative nausea and vomiting.

Dr. Tong Joo Gan Professional Profile

• Full Name And Credentials: Tong Joo (TJ) Gan, MD, MBA, MHS, FRCA
• Specialty: Anesthesiology
• Subspecialty Focus: Perioperative medicine, enhanced recovery and postoperative nausea and vomiting
• Current Position: Division Head of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, and Helen Shafer Fly Distinguished Professor
• Institution: The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
• Location: Houston, Texas
• Previous Appointments: Previously Professor and Distinguished Endowed Chair of the Department of Anesthesiology at Stony Brook University from 2014 to 2022

Academic Background Of Dr. Tong Joo Gan

The training record below is drawn from the institutional and society sources listed at the end of this profile.

• Medical Degree: MD, University of London, 1987
• Residency: Anesthesiology, University College Hospital, London
• Fellowship: Fellow of the Royal College of Anaesthetists, United Kingdom, and of the College of Anaesthetists of Ireland
• Further Degrees: MBA and MHS, reflecting training in healthcare management and clinical research
• Board Certification: American Board of Anesthesiology

Dr. Tong Joo Gan Scope Of Practice

Published professional sources describe the clinical and academic work of Dr. Tong Joo Gan as centred on:

• Postoperative nausea and vomiting prevention and treatment
• Enhanced recovery after surgery pathways
• Goal-directed hemodynamic therapy
• Anesthesia for cancer surgery
• Anesthetic pharmacology and perioperative outcomes

What Dr. Tong Joo Gan Leads

• Division Head, Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, MD Anderson Cancer Center, since 2022
• Helen Shafer Fly Distinguished Professor, MD Anderson Cancer Center
• Founding President, American Society for Enhanced Recovery
• Past President, International Society for Anaesthetic Pharmacology
• Former Chair and Distinguished Endowed Chair, Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook University
• Former Vice Chair for Clinical Research and Faculty Development, Duke Anesthesiology
• Primary author of the international consensus guidelines on the management of postoperative nausea and vomiting

Dr. Tong Joo Gan Awards And Distinctions

• Lead author of four successive editions of the international consensus guidelines on postoperative nausea and vomiting
• Internationally recognised for research in perioperative outcomes and anesthetic pharmacology
• Founding leadership of the enhanced recovery movement in the United States

Practice Location And Affiliation Of Dr. Tong Joo Gan

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Houston, Texas. Clinical commitments at this institution are arranged through its departments and preoperative services. Confirm the current street address, department and telephone number with the institution before travelling, because academic appointments and clinic sites change.

Understanding Enhanced Recovery

Perioperative medicine looks at the whole surgical journey rather than the hours in theatre alone, from preparing a patient beforehand to recovery weeks later. Large randomised trials in this field test which drugs, fluids, temperatures and blood pressure targets genuinely improve survival and recovery. Findings from this work shape routine practice in hospitals worldwide.

Related Doctors In Enhanced Recovery

If you are comparing specialists, these anesthesiologists work in closely related areas:

• Dr. Andrea Kurz, perioperative outcomes research at Medical University of Graz
• Dr. Bernd Saugel, haemodynamic monitoring at University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Center of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine
• Dr. Daniel Sessler, perioperative outcomes research at UTHealth Houston
• Dr. Duminda Wijeysundera, perioperative medicine at University of Toronto and St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto

Browse the full anesthesiologist directory for more specialists.

Arranging A Consultation With Dr. Tong Joo Gan

Anesthesiologists are usually brought into a patient’s care by a surgeon, a hospital preoperative clinic or a pain service rather than through direct booking. Insurance participation varies by hospital and by plan, and it changes over time. Check coverage with both the institution and your insurer before scheduling, and ask whether the named anesthesiologist will personally be involved in your care.

Answers To Common Questions About Dr. Tong Joo Gan

Is Dr. Tong Joo Gan board certified?

American Board of Anesthesiology. Patients and referring clinicians should confirm current licensure and certification status directly with the relevant medical board or hospital.

What position does Dr. Tong Joo Gan hold?

Dr. Tong Joo Gan is Division Head of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, and Helen Shafer Fly Distinguished Professor, based at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

What does an anesthesiologist do?

An anesthesiologist is a physician who plans and manages anaesthesia and pain control, and who monitors breathing, heart function, circulation and comfort during surgery and recovery. The role also covers preoperative assessment and critical care.

What is enhanced recovery?

Enhanced Recovery is the area of anesthesiology concerned with perioperative medicine, enhanced recovery and postoperative nausea and vomiting. Clinicians working in this area, including Dr. Tong Joo Gan, aim to make surgery and recovery safer and more comfortable.

Has Dr. Tong Joo Gan received professional recognition?

Yes. Lead author of four successive editions of the international consensus guidelines on postoperative nausea and vomiting. Further awards and distinctions are listed above.

Does Dr. Tong Joo Gan hold leadership roles in the specialty?

Yes. Division Head, Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, MD Anderson Cancer Center, since 2022. A fuller list of appointments appears above.

References Supporting This Dr. Tong Joo Gan Profile

• MD Anderson Cancer Center faculty profile
• MD Anderson Division of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine
• American Society for Enhanced Recovery

Editorial Review And Last Update For Dr. Tong Joo Gan

This profile was compiled from the public professional sources listed above, including institutional faculty pages, hospital provider directories and specialty society records. Credentials, appointments and awards were checked against at least two independent sources where available. Last reviewed on 30 October 2026.

Update note: Previously Professor and Distinguished Endowed Chair of the Department of Anesthesiology at Stony Brook University from 2014 to 2022.

Found something out of date? Contact the Find MD Health editorial team and we will review the entry.

Important Disclaimer About Dr. Tong Joo Gan

Information only, not medical advice. Location, specialty, insurance and availability change, so confirm details with The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.