Alumni stories

Gregory A. Chinn, MD, PhD

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I came to UCSF for residency after completing my MD/PhD at UC Irvine, drawn by the combination of rigorous clinical training, a vibrant research environment, and a culture that deeply values mentorship and collaboration. I feel incredibly fortunate to have learned from anesthesia pioneers like Drs. Ted Eger, George Gregory, and John Severinghaus through their lectures and presence within the department, while training directly under outstanding clinicians such as Drs. Marty Bogetz, Peka Talke, and Kathryn Rouine-Rapp during residency. Their expertise, professionalism, and commitment to teaching have had a lasting impact on how I approach patient care, mentorship, and research.

As part of the Research Scholar Track during residency, I was given protected time to pursue basic science questions in developmental neurobiology. Under the mentorship of Dr. Jeff Sall, I investigated anesthetic neurotoxicity in the developing brain, identifying critical windows of vulnerability and exploring strategies to mitigate long-term effects. Jeff has been an exceptional mentor—supportive, generous, and encouraging of my growth from trainee to independent investigator and colleague.

Following residency, I stayed at UCSF as a T32 research fellow and shifted my focus to the neurodevelopmental impact of early-life cannabinoid exposure. My current work uses rodent models and molecular techniques to study behavioral and transcriptomic consequences of exposure to compounds like CBD. With support from FAER, the UCSF RAP program, and strong departmental backing, I have laid the foundation for an independent research program and continue to pursue NIH funding to advance this work.

Clinically, I spend most of my time at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital (ZSFG), a place that has become central to my professional identity. ZSFG’s mission-driven culture and commitment to serving vulnerable populations make it an incredibly meaningful place to work. I especially enjoy mentoring residents as they step into leadership roles, and it is deeply rewarding to watch them grow into confident, capable anesthesiologists.

In my role as Director of Resident and Fellow Research, I help support and guide trainees interested in academic careers. I have enjoyed recruiting and mentoring talented residents who are passionate about research and watching them find their voices as investigators while balancing the demands of clinical training.

I am grateful for the unwavering support of our departmental leadership. Dr. Judith Hellman, Vice Chair for Research, has been a tireless advocate for my development as a physician-scientist. Drs. Mervyn Maze and Michael Gropper, as past and current department chairs, have built an environment that champions mentorship, innovation, and academic growth, making UCSF an ideal place to launch and sustain a career in academic anesthesiology.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife and kids, whether we are hiking, biking, gardening, or navigating the ever-evolving routine of soccer practices, ballet classes, and piano lessons. Raising a family in the Bay Area has been a joy and a grounding counterbalance to academic life. After more than a decade at UCSF, I continue to feel fortunate to be part of a community that values excellence, mentorship, and purpose in both clinical care and scientific discovery.

Gregory A. Chinn, MD, PhD
Class of 2018

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