Crystal Wright
Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Division of Anesthesiology, Critical Care Medicine, and Pain Medicine
About Dr. Wright
Dr Crystal Wright is the Executive Director of Faculty Academic Life in Academic Affairs/ CAO, overseeing faculty recruitment and onboarding. In addition, she is the Director of the Center for Professionalism Support & Success in the Academic Affairs Office of the Chief Academic Officer. The Center for Professionalism Support & Success is a resource for faculty and staff to decrease escalation in lapses in professionalism. CPSS aims to drive a culture of professionalism through education and research, promoting accountability and self-reflection, and recognizing best practices throughout the organization.
Present Title & Affiliation
Primary Appointment
Executive Director, Academic Affiars, Chief Academic Office, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
Professor, Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, MD Anderson, Houston, TX
Director, Center of Professionalism Support & Success, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Clinical Interests
Dr. Wright is a professor in the Division of Critical Care Medicine, Anesthesiology, and Pain Medicine
Education & Training
Degree-Granting Education
| 2002 | Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, US, MD |
Postgraduate Training
| 2006-2007 | Clinical Fellowship, Cardiothoracic Anesthesia, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas |
Licenses & Certifications
| 2006 | Texas Medical Board |
Experience & Service
Administrative Appointments/Responsibilities
Learning Community Senior Advisor, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 2014 - 2016
Director Baylor College of Medicine Learning Community, Undergraduate Medical Education, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 2011 - 2016
Director Medical Student Education, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 2010 - 2016
Other Professional Positions
Learning Community Department of Undergraduate Medical Education Advisor, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 2008 - 2012
Extramural Institutional Committee Activities
Member, MD Anderson’s Science, Technology and Research Compliance Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2023 - Present
Co-Chair, MD Anderson Cancer Center Division of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2021 - 2023
Co-Chair, MD Anderson Cancer Center Division of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine Division Head Search Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2021 - 2021
Chair, MD Anderson Cancer Center Division of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine Professionalism Focus Group, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2018 - 2021
Member, Baylor College of Medicine Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges BCM Institutional Effectiveness Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2014
Member, Baylor College of Medicine Liaison Committee on Medical Education Accreditation Site Visit, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2012 - 2014
Member, Baylor College of Medicine Curriculum Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2011 - 2014
Member, Baylor College of Medicine Student Affairs Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2008 - 2016
Member, Baylor College of Medicine Graduate Medical Education Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2008 - 2010
Member, Baylor College of Medicine Department of Anesthesiology Substance Abuse Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2008 - 2010
Editorial Activities
Guest Editor, Anesthesia & Analgesia, 2022 - Present
Honors & Awards
| 2021 - 2024 | Certified Leadership Coach, The Doerr Institute for New Leaders at Rice University |
| 2017 - 2024 | Fellow of the American Society of Anesthesiology, American Society of Anesthesiology |
| 2015 | Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P. Faculty Excellence Award, Teaching & Evaluation, Baylor College of Medicine |
| 2011 | American Association of Medical Colleges Medical Education Research Certificate, American Association of Medical Colleges |
Selected Presentations & Talks
Local Presentations
- 2024. Professionalism & Patient Safety. Conference. Professionalism & Patient Safety. Houston, TX, US.
- 2023. Promoting Professionalism. Conference. Promoting Professionalism. Houston, TX, US.
- 2023. Chief Academic Office Town Hall. Conference. Chief Academic Office Town Hall. Houston, TX, US.
- 2023. Promoting a Culture of Professionalism. Conference. Promoting a Culture of Professionalism. Houston, TX, US.
- 2022. Promoting Professionalism. Conference. Promoting Professionalism. Houston, TX, US.
- 2022. Power of Professionalism. Conference. Power of Professionalism. Houston, TX, US.
- 2022. Professionalism Resources. Conference. Professionalism Resources. Houston, TX, US.
- 2022. One-RO Mentoring Week Events Psychological Safety, Psychological Safety: The Secret Ingredient to Improved Mentorship and High Reliable Teams. Conference. One-RO Mentoring Week Events Psychological Safety, Psychological Safety: The Secret Ingredient to Improved Mentorship and High Reliable Teams. Houston, TX, US.
- 2022. Radiation Oncology Mentoring Week Promoting Professionalism & Psychological Safety. Conference. Radiation Oncology Mentoring Week Promoting Professionalism & Psychological Safety. Houston, TX, US.
- 2022. Leading Others Accelerate Graduation. Conference. Leading Others Accelerate Graduation. Houston, TX, US.
- 2022. Mentoring Across Differences Panel. Conference. Mentoring Across Differences Panel. Houston, TX, US.
- 2009. Anesthetic Care of the Trauma Patient. Conference. Anesthetic Care of the Trauma Patient. Houston, TX, US.
Regional Presentations
- 2023. Distinguished Service Award Introduction. Conference. Distinguished Service Award Introduction. Austin, TX, US.
- 2022. American Society of Anesthesiology Update. Conference. American Society of Anesthesiology Update, US.
- 2022. Challenges and Opportunities in Anesthesiology. Conference. Challenges and Opportunities in Anesthesiology, US.
- 2018. Anesthesia Technician’s Role in the Management of the Difficult Airway. Conference. Anesthesia Technician’s Role in the Management of the Difficult Airway. Austin, TX, US.
- 2017. Keep the Pen Flowing! The Critical Importance of Reflective Writing in Medical Education & Beyond. Conference. Keep the Pen Flowing! The Critical Importance of Reflective Writing in Medical Education & Beyond. Austin, TX, US.
- 2013. The Golden Hour of Sepsis: The Role of the Anesthesiologist in the OR. Conference. The Golden Hour of Sepsis: The Role of the Anesthesiologist in the OR. Austin, TX, US.
- Managing Conflict: Skills for Prevention Deescaltion and Resolution. Conference. Managing Conflict: Skills for Prevention Deescaltion and Resolution, US.
National Presentations
- 2025. Finding the Signal in the Noise: How Professionalism Tunes Into Patient Safety. Invited. American College of Healthcare Executives. Houston, TX, US.
- 2024. Impact of Disruptive Behavior on a Culture of Safety. Invited. American Society of Anesthesiology. Philadelphia, PN, US.
- 2024. The Importance of Promoting a Culture of Professionalism in Healthcare and Healthcare Education. Conference. Academy for Professionalism in Health Care. Philadelphia, PA, US.
- 2024. Navigating Organizational Change. Conference. American Society of Anesthesiology Practice Management Conference. Las Vegas, NV, US.
- 2023. Intentionality in the Devleopment of a Culture of Professionalism: A must for Patient Safety & Employee Engagement. Conference. American Society of Anesthesiologists. San Francisco, CA, US.
- 2023. Pathways to Leadership: Perspectives from Under-Represented Minority Leaders. Conference. American Society of Anesthesiologists. San Francisco, CA, US.
- 2023. Intentionality in Hospital Organization Professionalism. Invited. Society. for Academic Anesthesiology. San Antonio, TX, US.
- 2022. American Society of Anesthesiologists Strategic Plan: Strengthening the Specialty for the Future. Invited. New York Society of Anesthesiology. New York, NY, US.
- 2022. Addressing Behaviors that Undermine a Culture of Safety and Respect. Invited. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, US.
- 2021. A Call to Action: Why Diversity Matters for Our Specialty, Our Providers, and Our Patients, Support for Colleagues and Patients. Invited. American Society of Anesthesiologists Annual Meeting. San Diego, CA, US.
- 2021. American Society of Anesthesiologist Update. Invited. National Medical Association Meeting, US.
- 2021. Importance of Legislative Engagement and Reporting. Invited. ASA Legislative Conference. Washington, DC, US.
- 2021. Helping Organizations to Develop their "Why" D&I is Necessary. Invited. ASA Practice Management Conference. Las Vegas, NV, US.
- 2020. American Society of Anesthesiologist Update. Invited. National Medical Association Meeting, US.
- 2020. How to Report Your Engagement. Invited. ASA Legislative Conference, US.
- 2020. ASA Legislative Update. Invited. ASA Legislative Conference, US.
- 2020. Confronting Unconscious Bias, Embracing Gender Diversity: Smart Practice Management. Invited. ASA Practice Management Conference. Las Vegas, NV, US.
- 2019. American Society of Anesthesiologist Update. Invited. National Medical Association Meeting. Honolulu, HI, US.
- 2018. Resident Advocacy Breakout Session. Invited. ASA Legislative Conference. Washington, DC, US.
- 2017. Communication skills for the new healthcare advocate. Invited. American Society of Anesthesiologists Legislative Conference. Washington, DC, US.
- 2017. Communication Skills for the New Health Care Advocate. Invited. American Society of Anesthesiologists. Washington DC, DC, US.
- 2015. Learning Community Interest Group Gaining Student by in for Learning Community. Conference. Learning Communities Institute. San Diego, CA, US.
- 2014. Blood Conservation Techniques in Jehovah's Witness Parturients (Poster). Conference. American Society of Anesthesiologists. New Orleans, LA, US.
- 2013. Heaprin Induced Thrombocytopenia in the ICU..No Problem, Anticoagulation for Cardiopulmonary Bypass...Now What Do I Do?. Conference. American Society of Anesthesiologists. San Francisco, CA, US.
- 2013. Building Bridges to Establish a Longitudinal Career Counseling Program: Collaboration Between Student Affairs and Student Mentoring Programs. Conference. American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC). Philadelphia, PA, US.
- 2013. Pneumocephalus: Etiology of a Headache in an Obstetric Patient After Attempted Epidural Placement (Poster). Conference. American Society of Anesthesiologists. San Francisco, CA, US.
- 2013. Meaningful Learning Moments on the Family Medicine Clerkship: An Analysis of Student Reflections. Conference. Society of Teachers of Family Medicine Medical Student Education Annual Meeting. San Antonio, TX, US.
- 2012. A Tale of Two Curricula: The Merger of a Doctoring Course and a Mentoring Program (Poster). Conference. American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC). San Francisco, CA, US.
- 2012. Wards to Words: Using Learning Communities and Critical Clinical Events to Assist in Professional Development of Medical Students (Poster). Conference. American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC). San Francisco, CA, US.
- 2012. Heparin Alternatives for Cardiopulmonary Bypass. Conference. American Society of Anesthesiologists. Washington DC, DC, US.
- 2012. Anesthetic Management for Resection of Obstructing Tracheal Mass (Poster). Conference. American Society of Anesthesiologists. Washington, DC, US.
- 2012. Creating Opportunity for Critical Clinical Development: Lessons Learned from Student Essays. Conference. Southern Group on Educations Affairs (SGEA), Division of Medical Education of the AAMC. Lexington, KY, US.
- 2011. Management of a Cocaine-Abusing Parturient with Aortic Insufficiency and Congestive Heart Failure Undergoing Cesarean Section (Poster). Conference. Society for Obstetric and Perinatal Anesthesiology (SOAP). Las Vegas, NV, US.
- 2010. Severe Aortic Regurgitation Secondary to Endocarditis in a Parturient Requiring Urgent Cesarean Section and Cardiac Surgery (Poster). Conference. American Society of Anesthesiologists. San Diego, CA, US.
- 2009. Management of Renal Cell Carcinoma with Atrial Obliteration (Poster). Conference. American Society of Anesthesiologists. New Orleans, LA, US.
- 2008. Hypertension for Mitral Stenosis and Mitral Regurgitation (Poster). Conference. American Society of Anesthesiologists. Orlando, FL, US.
- 2008. Cardiac Torsion After Pneumonectomy (Poster). Conference. American Society of Anesthesiologists. Orlando, FL, US.
International Presentations
- 2017. Out with the Old, In with the New: The Unanticipated Difficult Airway: The new algorithm for management and predictive factors for difficulty using the video laryngoscope. Conference. Out with the Old, In with the New: The Unanticipated Difficult Airway: The new algorithm for management and predictive factors for difficulty using the video laryngoscope. Bariloche, AR.
Formal Peers
- 2023. Professionalism as a Pillar: Building Quality Care and Belonging in Healthcare. Visiting. Providence, RI, US.
- 2022. Grand Rounds Presentation, Navigating Professionalism & Cross Cultural Mentorshi. Visiting. Seattle, WA, US.
- 2021. Ethical Decision Making. Visiting. Virtual, US.
- 2016. Esenmengers Syndrome: Care of the Patient for Non-Cardiac Surgery. Invited. Houston, TX, US.
- 2013. The Golden Hour of Sepsis. Invited. Houston, TX, US.
- 2012. Perioperative Care of the Myasthenia Gravis Patient. Invited. Houston, TX, US.
- 2011. Evidence Based Medicine: A Process of Lifelong Learning. Invited. Houston, TX, US.
- 2010. Intraoperative Management of Mediastinal Mass. Invited. Houston, TX, US.
- 2009. Valvular Disease in the Parturient. Invited. Houston, TX, US.
- 2008. Learning Evidence Based Medicine: Journal Club 101. Invited. Houston, TX, US.
Selected Publications
Peer-Reviewed Articles
- Owusu-Agyemang, P, Idowu, O, Muthukumar, A, Guerra-Londono, JJ, Idowu, T, Diaz, N, Feng, L, Miller, M, Gundre, S, Wright, CC, Cata, JP. Racial and Ethnic Differences in Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting Care. Anesthesia and analgesia 141(2):276-285, 2025. e-Pub 2025. PMID: 39178159.
- Wright, CC, Triller, M, Tsao, A, Zajac, S, Segal, C, Ninan, E, Rice, JB, Cooper, WO, Hagberg, C, Clemens, MW. Strategies to Mitigate the Pandemic Aftermath on Perioperative Professionalism. Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety 50(12):827-833, 2024. e-Pub 2024. PMID: 39505609.
- Wright, CC, Tsao, A, Triller, M, Hagberg, C. Navigating professionalism challenges. Journal of Clinical Anesthesia 95, 2024. e-Pub 2024. PMID: 38447258.
- Diallo, M, Coombs A, Wright, Vetter C, T. Assuring the Groundwork for Success: Mentorship, Sponsorship, and Allyship for Practicing Anesthesiologists. Anesthesia & Analgesia 137(4):765-762, 2023. e-Pub 2023. PMID: 37712466.
- Wright A, Bailey M, Tougeeq A, Wright C, Fleming A, Zaide Z. Online faculty development for implementation and use of student portfolios. MedEdPORTAL IC, 2016. e-Pub 2016.
- Huang WY, Rogers JC, Nelson EA, Wright CC, Teal CR. Meaningful Learning Moments on a Family Medicine Clerkship: When Students Are Patient Centered. Fam Med 48(4):294-9, 2016. e-Pub 2016. PMID: 27057608.
Invited Articles
- Blanco JN, MD, Thornton L, MD, Lloyd G, MD, Straker T, MD, Wright CC, MD, Rebello E, MD. Empowering and Inspiring the Next Generation of Anesthesiologists. American Society of Anesthesiologists, 2017. e-Pub 2017.
Review Articles
- May, KA, Craven, JM, Wright, CC, Tran, B. Regional anesthesia and the acute pain service. Current opinion in anaesthesiology 35(2):224-229, 2022. e-Pub 2022. PMID: 35125395.
- Wright C. The disruptive physician and impact on the culture of safety. Curr Opin Anaesthesiol 34(3):387-391, 2021. e-Pub 2021. PMID: 33935188.
- Johnson RF, Stewart MG, Wright CC. An evidence-based review of the treatment of peritonsillar abscess. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 128(3):332-43, 2003. e-Pub 2003. PMID: 12646835.
Professional Educational Materials
- Wright C. Catching Up with Crystal Wright, MD, FASA, 2022.
- Berenstain L Wright C. Today’s Initiative, Tomorrow’s Leaders: Introducing ASA’s New Leadership Academy, 2022.
- Ehie O Toledo P Wright C Adams J. What Is the Role for Anesthesiologists and Anesthesia Practices in Ensuring Access, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion?, 2021.
- Barreto Chang O, Corsino D, Wright C. Reaching Out During Challenging Times: The first virtual doctors back to school program, 2021.
- Kataria WC, Lu T, A. Health Literacy in Anesthesia: Moving the Needle in Health Equity, 2021.
- Root, Wright J, C Sullian E. Advocacy Training in Anesthesiology Residency Training Programs, 2021.
- Wright C, Solomon L, Tollinche L. Authentic Mentorship Includes Navigating Cultures, 2021.
- Peterson M, Wright C. Anesthesiology and Health Equity: An Ongoing ASA Priority, 2020.
- Wright C, Peterson, M. Equality & Inclusion: You Commented, and We’re Listening, 2020.
- Wright C. COVID-19 Pandemic and the Digital Revolution, 2020.
- Wright CC, Amanda C. Advocacy: Our profession our responsibility. Resident Advocacy Training Module. American Society of Anesthesiologists Governmental Affairs, 2019.
- Byerly S Mesrobian J Mohammed M, Wright, C. Confronting Unconscious Bias, Embracing Gender Diversity: Smart Practice Management, 2019.
- Wright C, Rebello E. An International Conversation: The Value of Gender Equity, 2019.
- Yost P, Wright C. The Future of Resident Advocacy Education, 2019.
- Wright C. Well-rounded Education Must Include Advocacy Training for Quality Patient Care, 2018.
- Brown M, Wright C, Rebello E, Deepak S. Mentoring Impact: Implementing Quality Initiatives, 2017.
- Blanco J, Thornton L, Wright C. Empowering and Inspiring the Next Generation of Anesthesiologists, 2017.
- Wright CW, Adams JM, Rebello ER, Chandrabose R. The ASA Mentoring Program: Developing a New Generation of Leaders in the ASA, 2015.
- Adams J, Wright CW. Young Physician Heal Thyself, 2013.
- Teal CR, Stelljes L, Wright CW, Nelson EA. Creating Opportunity for Critical Clinical Development: Lesson Learned from Student Essays, 2012.
- Teal CR, Stelljes L, Wright CW, Nelson EA. Creating Opportunity for Critical Clinical Development: Lesson Learned from Student Essays. American Association of Medical Colleges, 2012.
Editorials
- Toledo, P, Wright, CC, Vetter, TR. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Anesthesia and analgesia 137(4):722-723, 2023. PMID: 37712459.
- Toledo, Paloma MD, MPH*, Wright, MD† CC, Vetter, Thomas R MD, MPH, MFA‡. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: More Than Words. Anesthesia & Analgesia 137(4):722-723, 2023.
Book Chapters
- Wright C. Hematologic Agents: Heparin & Argatroban. In: Pharmacology in Anesthesia Practice. Oxford University Press, 2013.
Letters to the Editor
- Wright C. A call to Action. A Call for Solidarity: The Impact of COVID 19 on Female Anesthesiologists. American Society of Anesthesiologists Monitor 84, 2020.
- Markan S, Youngblood S, Wright C, Palvadi RR, Porter J. Paucity of education regarding pacemakers/cardiovascular implantable electronic devices in anesthesiology training programs is a patient safety hazard. Anesth Analg 117: 746-7, 2013.
Patient Reviews
CV information above last modified July 22, 2026