Thomas H. Shin, MD PhD

Dr. Thomas Shin is a physician-scientist and bariatric surgeon whose career bridges cutting-edge research in surgical innovation and artificial intelligence. He received his MD/PhD at Boston University, where his graduate work explored the role of inflammation in oncogenesis and bone metabolism. After completing his General Surgery residency at the Cleveland Clinic, he pursued advanced training through a fellowship in Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

Currently, Dr. Shin is the Principal Investigator of a translational research lab at the University of Virginia. His team investigates the role of inflammation in recurrent weight gain and severe obesity, while also examining immune response changes following bariatric surgery and their implications for oncogenesis. By integrating basic science and clinical insights, his work aims to develop innovative therapeutic strategies that improve patient outcomes.

Dr. Shin’s research also extends into artificial intelligence, where he explores its applications in surgical education and outcomes research. He is particularly focused on developing Objective Performance Indicators (OPIs) as predictors of perioperative outcomes and metrics for surgical skill acquisition. Additionally, he is advancing the use of AI-augmented cross-sectional body imaging to quantify metabolic health and evaluate responses to bariatric surgery. His work further includes applying large language models to analyze postoperative outcomes, underscoring his commitment to leveraging technology to enhance surgical care.

At CAMA, with a deep commitment to innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration, Dr. Shin’s work continues to shape the future of medicine, contributing to improved surgical outcomes and transformative approaches to patient care.