Daniel I. Chu MD MSPH is Professor of Surgery, Director of the Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery, and the Selwyn M. Vickers Endowed Chair in the Department of Surgery at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). He trained at Yale (college), Johns Hopkins (medical school), Boston University (general surgery), and the Mayo Clinic (colorectal fellowship). Dr. Chu is a double board-certified academic colorectal surgeon. His clinical practice covers the full spectrum of colorectal diseases including complex inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer.

In addition, Dr. Chu leads a research team focused on identifying, understanding, and eliminating surgical disparities. A past-recipient of an AHRQ K12 and NIH K23, Dr. Chu’s lab has been continuously funded since 2014 with over $14.5-million in external funding including as PI/mPI on two R01s and one U01. His research addresses disparities through a novel intersection of health literacy, enhanced recovery programs, and patient engagement technologies. Dr. Chu has published >100 peer-reviewed papers and 12 book chapters. His work has been presented at >150 international/national meetings with over 18 research awards. He has been further recognized with international travel awards including the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Japan Traveling Fellowship and the James IV Association of Surgeons Traveling Fellowship.

Dr. Chu is also a dedicated mentor and teacher. He has mentored over 60 trainees since joining UAB and been recognized with honors including the 2016 Marshall M. Urist Junior Faculty Teacher and the 2023 Mark H. Deierhoi Faculty Mentor awards. Dr. Chu also serves in national leadership roles including as secretary of the Society of Asian Academic Surgeons (SAAS) and director of international courses for the Association of Academic Surgeons (AAS). He is an active member of 18 major surgical societies and editorial board member of the Journal of Surgical Research and the American Journal of Surgery.