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We would like to give our followers the opportunity to get to know the medical team here at Upper GI Surgery a little bit better. We recently asked one of the bariatric surgeons, Dr Daniel Chan, to participate in a quick interview to get to know him a little better. From why he became involved in upper gastrointestinal surgery in the first place, to what his favourite film is, we hope today’s blog gives you a deeper insight into the life of one of the team.
Let’s start at the beginning Dan, how long have you been doing this?
I completed my training in General Surgery and attained my FRACS in 2019. Since then, I have been undertaking subspecialty training in upper GI surgery and have been practising in the field since then. My experience includes working in both public and private hospitals across Australia and overseas.
What is your role and how do you contribute to part of the team?
I am a Consultant Surgeon at St George Hospital, St George Private, and East Sydney Private Hospitals, specialising in upper gastrointestinal, bariatric, and hernia surgery. I work closely with multidisciplinary teams to provide personalised, evidence-based care, while also mentoring junior staff and contributing to clinical governance.
Why did you get into the upper gastrointestinal field?
It was the last year of my fellowship at St George Hospital, and we were doing a lot of bariatric work. It seemed to be a fertile field with many improvements to be made and plenty of unknowns. Knowledge was far from complete, and there was a real curiosity about how the obesity epidemic had come about. I figured that if I stayed in the field long enough, I might be able to help work it out.
What excites you about the future of upper GI surgery?
Advances in surgical technology, including robotics and AI integration, are transforming the way we approach complex procedures. I’m particularly excited about the increasing role of precision diagnostics and personalised care pathways in improving long-term outcomes.
Do you do anything outside of work towards UGIS care? Conferences? Research?
Yes – I’m an active researcher and am currently completing my PhD, focusing on the objective assessment of oesophageal hiatus pathology. I regularly present at national and international conferences, supervise research projects, and peer-review for several surgical journals.
Other than bariatric UGIS, what other types of surgery do you perform?
In addition to bariatric procedures, I perform anti-reflux, hiatus hernia, and benign and malignant gastric and oesophageal surgery, as well as complex abdominal wall hernia repairs. My military surgical experience has also included emergency trauma and general surgery in austere environments.
We understand you speak multiple languages, tell us more.
Born and raised in Sydney to parents from Hong Kong, I speak English, Cantonese and Mandarin. This has helped bridge communication with patients and colleagues in multicultural settings both locally and abroad.
What’s it like working at UGIS?
It’s a dynamic, supportive environment with a strong focus on collaboration and patient-centred care. There’s a real culture of research and excellence that makes it rewarding to be part of the team.
What’s your favourite part of the day?
The early morning theatre brief and first cases of the day – when the team is focused and energised. It’s also a moment to teach, troubleshoot and align for the day ahead.
What do you do when you’re not being a surgeon?
I serve as an Army Reservist and am involved in veteran and community organisations. When time allows, I recharge by running, listening to audiobooks and exploring new culinary spots.
Where’s your favourite place to travel?
Asia – I love the blend of tradition and innovation, the food, and the calmness of nature in various places across China and Japan in particular.
Favourite movie?
It’s hard to pick a favourite, but if I had to, then probably The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, and that whole trilogy really.
What sort of music do you like?
A bit of everything – from chilled classics to pop, and I tend to listen in music in both English and Chinese (Cantonese/ Mandarin).
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