Edward Chan, MD

Provider is directly employed by MedStar Health

Edward Y.H. Chan, MD, FACS, is the Chief of Thoracic Surgery at MedStar Washington Hospital Center and sees patients at MedStar Washington Hospital Center and MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. Dr. Chan is double-board certified and specializes in general thoracic surgery. He treats patients for lung cancer, esophageal cancer, benign esophageal diseases (such as acid reflux/hiatal hernia and achalasia), and mediastinal tumors.

Dr. Chan is a highly experienced specialist in minimally invasive procedures, such as robotic surgery, EBUS, navigational bronchoscopy, and esophageal stenting, as well as lung transplantation. His clinical interests include lung cancer, malignant and benign esophageal diseases, and robotic and laparoscopic surgery. Passionate about preventative cancer care, he promotes and encourages eligible patients to be screened for lung cancer.

Prior to his appointment at MedStar, Dr. Chan held several academic and leadership positions. At Weill Cornell Medical College, he was an Associate Professor of Surgery and Cardiothoracic Surgery. In his clinical practice at the Houston Methodist Hospital Department of Surgery, he also held the roles of Program Director of the American College of Surgeons AEI simulation and education fellowship and Associate Program Director of the General Surgery residency program.

He received his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston and completed his general surgery residency at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. During his residency, he completed a research fellowship in cardiothoracic surgery at Columbia University Medical Center. He then graduated from his cardiothoracic surgery fellowship at the University of Washington in Seattle.

Dr. Chan has received numerous awards for his teaching and medical practice. In 2018 and 2024, he received the Graduate Medical Education Annual Faculty Teaching Award from Houston Methodist Hospital. From Mount Sinai School of Medicine, he twice received the Arnold P. Gold Humanism and Excellence in Teaching Award and was awarded membership to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. Most recently, he was awarded the 2024 Houston Methodist Department of Surgery Faculty Teaching Award.

He is an active member of and serves on numerous committees for several professional societies, including the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer, the Western Thoracic Surgical Association, the Southern Thoracic Surgical Association, the Association for Surgical Education, the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation, and the Association of Program Directors in Surgery.

A native Bostonian and an avid Boston sports fan, Dr. Chan is excited to return to the East Coast and serve his community.

Philosophy of Care

“My approach to medical care is deeply personal and compassionate. I believe in treating my patients with the same care and attention, I would give to my own family. It’s an honor to guide and support individuals through their healthcare journeys, offering a comforting presence during challenging times. I create a welcoming space where questions and concerns are met with patience and understanding, and I take the time to explain medical information in plain language, ensuring patients leave informed and confident in their health decisions. Together, we navigate their path to wellness with empathy and collaboration so that patients feel heard and empowered.”