Gregory Chinn, MD, PhD

Gregory Chinn, MD, PhD is a board-certified anesthesiologist and research scientist at the University of California, San Francisco, where he serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care. His clinical practice is based at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, where he provides anesthesia care in the operating rooms, labor and delivery, trauma, and regional anesthesia services.

His research focuses on neuroplasticity and how the brain adapts to challenges across development and illness. He investigates cannabinoids and their effects during critical periods—including the neonatal and adolescent stages, as well as during times of stress such as critical illness and surgery. By integrating animal behavioral assays, genomic analyses, and neuronal ultrastructural techniques, his work seeks to identify sensitive windows of vulnerability and resilience, advancing both the safety profile of cannabinoid use and the fundamental understanding of brain plasticity.

In addition to his clinical and research roles, Dr. Chinn serves as Director of Resident and Fellow Research for the UCSF Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care. In this role, he is committed to mentoring and supporting junior researchers, fostering collaboration, and building a vibrant research community within the department. He takes pride in seeing trainees succeed, supporting them in their goals, and advocating on their behalf, while cultivating an environment where colleagues lift each other up and grow together.