Thao P. Bui, MD
Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Division of Anesthesiology, Critical Care Medicine, and Pain Medicine
About Dr. Bui
I am a Professor of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, where I have practiced for more than 30 years. My clinical interests are pediatric anesthesia, head and neck surgery, and delivering anesthesia outside the operating room. I actively collaborate within my department and with colleagues across disciplines to optimize patient safety, streamline care processes, and continually enhance outcomes. I strongly believe that supporting the well-being of every healthcare team member translates to better patient care and greater efficiency. My career has been dedicated to expanding perioperative services for cancer patients, leading quality improvement initiatives, and mentoring the next generation of anesthesiologists. I am passionate about advancing research, protocol development, and education, with ongoing involvement in multicenter clinical trials and teaching on advanced airway and sedation techniques.
Present Title & Affiliation
Primary Appointment
Professor, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Division of Anesthesiology, Critical Care Medicine, and Pain Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Dual/Joint/Adjunct Appointment
Professor, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Research Interests
none
Clinical Interests
My clinical interests lie in pediatric anesthesia, head and neck surgery, and the delivery of safe and effective anesthesia care in non-operating room (out-of-OR) settings. I am passionate about optimizing perioperative outcomes for children and adults with complex surgical needs, and I collaborate closely across multidisciplinary teams to advance protocols, enhance efficiency, and promote wellness for both patients and the healthcare team. My commitment to innovation and team well-being drives my work in streamlining clinical processes and implementing evidence-based practices that improve patient experiences and outcomes.
Education & Training
Degree-Granting Education
| 1991 | University of Texas, Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, Texas, US, MD |
| 1987 | University of Dallas, Dallas, Texas, US, BS in Biochemistry |
Postgraduate Training
| 1992-1995 | Clinical Residency, Anesthesiology, The University of Texas Health, Houston, Texas |
| 1991-1992 | Clinical Internship, Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Health, Houston, Texas |
Licenses & Certifications
| 1996 | American Board of Anesthesiology |
| 1992 | Texas Medical Board |
Experience & Service
Faculty Academic Appointments
Associate Professor, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2003 - 2010
Assistant Professor, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 1997 - 2003
Instructor, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 1995 - 1996
Locum Tenens, Anesthesiologist (On Call), Neuro Critical Care Unit, Hermann Hospital, Houston, TX, 1994 - 1995
Locum Tenens, Anesthesiologist, General and Obstetrical Anesthesia, Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital, Houston, TX, 1993 - 1994
Locum Tenens, Internist, Department of Internal Medicine, MacGregor Medical, Internal Medicine Clinic, Houston, TX, 1992 - 1993
Administrative Appointments/Responsibilities
Division of Anesthesiology, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine Wellness Division Lead, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, 2023 - Present
Chair, Sedation/Procedure Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2011 - 2016
Vice Chair, Sedation/Procedure Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2008 - 2011
Medical Director for Non-OR Anesthesia Services, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2006 - 2019
Alternate member Education Committee, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 1997 - 1999
Senator, Faculty Senate Committee, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 1997 - 2001
Other Professional Positions
Consulting Anesthesiologist, Anesthesiology, Vinmec Healthcare System, Vietnam, 2016 - 2016
Extramural Institutional Committee Activities
Member, Department of Anesthesia Non-Clinical Time Assessment Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2018 - 2020
Member, Perioperative Informatics Team, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2017 - 2020
Member, HAL (Houston Area Location Katy, Woodlands) Facility Planning for procedure with Anesthesia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2017 - 2024
Member, Radiation Oncology ACB CT HDR Brachytherapy Suite Planning for T&O for Cervical Cancer Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2016 - 2020
Member, Department of Anesthesia OOOR Focus Group Lead, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2016 - 2017
Member, Out of OR Anesthesia Pediatric Team Workgroup, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2015 - Present
Member, Out of OR Bone Marrow Anesthesia Team Workgroup, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2015 - 2019
Member, Radiation Oncology Rose Zone Main Building MRI Brachytherapy Planning Suite for Breast Cancer Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2015 - 2022
Member, Out of OR MRI Anesthesia Team Workgroup, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2015 - Present
Member, Endoscopy Steering Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2015 - 2020
Member, Interventional Radiology & Anesthesia Operation Team/QA Subcommittee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2015 - 2020
Member, Pharmacy Anesthesia Workgroup, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2014 - 2019
Member, Department of Anesthesia Executive Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2013 - 2019
Participant, TDABC Projects (Time Driven Activity Based Costing) Endoscopy Suite, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2012 - 2019
Member, MDACC Institutional Clinical Effectiveness Workgroup for Per-Procedural Management of Anticoagulants, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2012 - 2015
Member, Advisory Group for Anesthesia Pyxis Pharmacy drug dispensing system 2012, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2012 - 2014
Member, Advisory group for Department of Anesthesiology workforce scheduler program-OPEN Tempo, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2012 - 2022
Member, Pavillion Renovation Work Group: G3 MRI Renovation subgroup, Interventional Radiology subgroup, Post Anesthesia Care Unit subgroup, Non OR Anesthesia Procedure subgroup, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2011 - 2016
Member, Sedation and Procedure Outcome Subcommittee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2008 - 2009
Chair, Out of OR Scheduling Subcommittee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2008 - 2009
Member, G3 DI/Sedation/Recover Area Renovation Project, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2008
Member, ScRX Pharmacy Focus Group, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2007 - 2008
Member, Pharmacy and Therapeutic Medication Process Task Force Staff, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1997 - 1999
Member, Operating Room Cycle Time Task Force Staff, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1997 - 1998
Member, Faculty Senate Executive Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1997 - 2001
Honors & Awards
| 2020 | DI patient Care/ Clinical Quality Project Winners - 2nd place |
| 2007 - 2010 | Awarded Faculty Multiyear Contract |
Professional Memberships
Selected Presentations & Talks
Local Presentations
- 2023. Grand Round " Preexisting Pulmonary Aspiration in the Interventional Radiology Suite " a Case Report. Invited. MD Anderson Department of Anesthesiology Grand Round. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2021. " Adrenal Insufficiency in the Endoscopy Suite" Case Report, Presenter. Invited. MD Anderson Department of Anesthesiology Grand Round. Houston, Texas, US.
Regional Presentations
- 2024. Innovative Oxygenation Through a Fiberoptic Bronchoscope Suction Port, A Lifesaving Technique During a Challenging Tracheostomy: A Case Report. Poster. Texas Society of Anesthesioloist. Boston, MA, US.
- 2024. Innovative Dual-Nasal Intubation Exchange Technique for Securing Airway in Complex Facial Surgery: A Case Study. Poster. Texas Society of Anesthesiologist. San Antonio, Texas, US.
National Presentations
- 2023. Safety of Breast MRI under General Anesthesia [abstract]. Poster. AACR. Philadelphia, PA, US.
- 2022. Safety of Breast MRI under General Anesthesia [abstract]. Poster. 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium. San Antonio, TX, US.
- 2021. Anesthesia for a Large neurofibromatosis type 1 neck and chest mass discovered during MRI. Conference. SPA/AAP Pediatric Anesthesiology 2021. Virtual, US.
- 2021. Survey of Anesthesia and Sedation Practices for Children undergoing Repetitive Cranial or Cranio-spinal Radiotherapy. Conference. SPA/AAP Pediatric Anesthesiology 2021. Virtual, US.
- 2018. Non-Clinical Time Distribution within an Academic Anesthesiology Department. Poster. New York Post Graduate Assembly in Anesthesiology, US.
- 2017. Daily Sedation Required for Pediatric Patient with Egg-Allergy: The Safe Use of Propofol. Poster. American Society of Anesthesiology Annual Meeting. Boston, US.
- 2016. Pediatric Patient With Egg-Allergy Needing Daily Sedation: The Safe Use of Propofol. Poster. ASA Annual Meeting. Chicago, IL, US.
- 2015. Daily Sedation Required for Pediatric Patient with Egg-Allergy: The Safe Use of Propofol. Poster. 69th PGA in Anesthesiology. New York, NY, US.
- 2012. Solving the epidural placement puzzle: A case report of a patient with uncorrected scoliosis undergoing major abdominal surgery. Poster. New York State Society Anesthesia Annual Meeting. New York, NY, US.
- 2007. Panel Discussions Moderator: Expert Round Table Discussion for Airway Options for Off-site Anesthetic Locations. Invited. 11th Annual Meeting, US.
International Presentations
- 2025. Anesthesia Consideration in Fasting Pediatric Oncology Patient with History of PEG-Asparginase and Pentamidine. Poster. European Society of Pediatric Anesthesia. Berlin, DE.
- 2025. When Calm Turns to Chaos: Recurrent Prolonged Emergence Delirium in a Child with Von Hippel-Lindau Syndrome Following Non-Painful Procedures. Poster. European Pediatric Society of Anesthesia. Berlin, DE.
- 2024. Nausea and Vomitting with Gadolinium Based-Contrast Agents in MRI Procedures and Its Impact on Anesthesia Practice. Poster. Nausea and Vomitting with Gadolinium Based-Contrast Agents in MRI Procedures and Its Impact on Anesthesia Practice. Incheon, KR.
- 2024. Innovative Dual-Nasal Intubation Exchange Technique for Securing Airway in Complex Facial Surgery: A Case Study. Poster. 8th European Airway Management Society Congress 2024. Istanbul, TR.
- 2024. The Use of Quantitative Metrics and Machine Learning to Predict Radiologist Interpretations of MRI Image Quality in Breast Cancer. Poster. ISMRM 2024. Singapore, SG.
- 2024. Case report Anesthesia Emergence Delirium as Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures (PNES)-. Poster. 18th World Anesthesia Congress of Anesthesiologist, SG.
- 2022. Oral High Flow Oxygenation for Difficult Airway Fiberoptic Intubation: A Case Report. Poster. International Anesthesia Research Society Annual Meeting 2022, US.
Formal Peers
- 2019. The 4th International Conference for Anesthetic Care of The Cancer Patient. Invited. Lima, PE.
- 2018. Updates in Current Anesthesia Concepts: Individual Perioperative Management Hemodynamic Optimization. Invited. Ho Chi Minh, VN.
Selected Publications
Peer-Reviewed Articles
- Bui TP, Gottumukkala R, Patel C, Andampour K, Carlson R. Anesthesia Emergence Delirium: Unveiling Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures (PNES) in a Unique Case Presentation. Anesthesia and Analgesia 139(6):2196, 2024. e-Pub 2024.
- Venkatesan AM, Stafford R, Bui T, Richard Carlson III, Bailard NS, Vedam S, Davis R, Olivieri ND, Guzman AB, Incalcaterra JR, McKelvey FA, Thaker NG, Rauch GM, Tang C, Frank SJ, Joyner MM, Lin LL, Jhingran A, Eifel PJ, Klopp AH. Developing an intraoperative 3T MRI-guided brachytherapy program within a diagnostic imaging suite: Methods, process workflow, and value-based analysis. Brachytherapy 19:427-437, 2020. e-Pub 2020.
Professional Educational Materials
- Bui T. MD Anderson Resident & Fellow Advanced Airway Rotation Orientation Manual, Contributor, 2024.
- . Anesthesia Toolbox: Airway Online Module 9 Direct Laryngoscopy and Bougie for Oral Intubation, 2017.
- . Anesthesia Toolbox: Airway Online Module 15 Intubation Through an LMA, 2017.
- . Pre-Surgery Instructions Non-Operating Room Procedure, 2016.
- . Anesthesia for Gamma Knife Therapy Guide, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Anesthesiology, 2013.
- . Anesthesia Pediatric Patient Information Pamphlet, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Anesthesiology, 2013.
- . Telephone Anesthesia Assessment Guideline. University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Anesthesiology. Participant, 2007.
Other Articles
- Williams WH, Browne RC, Bui T, Holmes AA, Thakar D Case report on intravenous octreotide for the treatment of intraoperative vasoplegia following thymoma resection. SAGE Open Med Case Rep 7:2050313X19827744, 2019. PMID: 30800305.
- Lasala J, Patino MA, Mena G, Vachhani S, Moon T, Bui T, Tsai J Severe perioperative bleeding in renal cell carcinoma after elective pericardiocentesis associated left ventricular puncture: case report. Medwave 16(6):e6494, 2016. PMID: 27420728.
- Bui T, Ferson D Airway Management of Patients Undergoing Non-OR Procedures. Anesthesiology News Guide To Airway Management, 2008.
- Dennis Daley M, Norman P, Leak J, Bui T, Nguyen D, Hogervorst S, Serjic U, Kowalski A, Popat K, Kuerer H Adverse Events Associated w/ the Injection of Isosulfan Blue. J Clin Anesth 16(5):332-341, 2004.
- Person DZ, Bui T, Arens JF Evaluation of the effectiveness of two methods of training for the insertion of the laryngeal mask airway. Anesthesiology- Philadelphia then Hagerstown Volume 93, Issue 3A, 2000.
Abstracts
- Bui TP, Bauman M, Francis C. Alopecia, Chemotherapy, and Donuts: A Case Study. World Congress Anesthesia, 2026. e-Pub 2026.
- Bui TP, Dadeboe I. Innovative Oxygenation Through a Fiberoptic Bronchoscope Suction Port, A Lifesaving Technique During a Challenging Tracheostomy: A Case Report. World Airway Management Meeting, 2025.
- Bui TP, Popat K, Phan T. Airway Management Challenges with Uncertain TE Fistula Location in Esophageal Cancer. World Airway Management Meetin…, 2025.
- Potylchansky E, Saldana G, Bui TP. Acute Insidious Post Operative respiratory Failure in a Previously Stable Tracheostomy Patient. World Airway Anesthesia Meeting, 2025.
- Z Siddiqui, K Andampour, T Bui. Management of Aspiration Risk in a Patient with Laryngectomy Undergoing Revision Tracheoesophageal Puncture (TEP) Procedure. World Airway Management Meeting, 2025.
- Bui T. Nausea and Vomitting with Gadolinium Based-Contrast Agents in MRI Procedures and Its Impact on Anesthesia Practice. Korea Anesthesia, 2025. e-Pub 2025.
- Saldana, Bui TP. Acute Insidious Post Operative respiratory Failure in a Previously Stable Tracheostomy Patient. Trauma Anesthesia Society, 2025.
- Bui TP, Andampour K, Tsai J, Siddiqui Z. Anesthesia Consideration in Fasting Pediatric Oncology Patient with History of PEG-Asparginase and Pentamidine. European Pediatric Anesthesia Society, 2025. e-Pub 2025.
- Bui TP, Andampour K, Phan T, Ramirez L. When Calm Turns to Chaos: Recurrent Prolonged Emergence Delirium in a Child with Von Hippel-Lindau Syndrome Following Non-Painful Procedures, 2025. e-Pub 2025.
- Le-Petross CH, Bui T. The Use of Quantitative Metrics and Machine Learning to Predict Radiologist Interpretations of MRI Image Quality in Breast Cancer. ISMRM Annual Meeting, 2025. e-Pub 2025.
- Francis C, Baumann M, Smith R, Truong D, Bui T. Innovative Dual-Nasal Intubation Exchange Technique for Securing Airway in Complex Facial Surgery: A Case Study. 8th European Airway Management Society Congress, 2024.
- Dadeboe I, Bui T. Innovative Oxygenation Through a Fiberoptic Bronchoscope Suction Port, A Lifesaving Technique During a Challenging Tracheostomy: A Case Report. Society of Airway Management, 2024.
- Francis C, Baumann M, Smith R, Truong D, Bui T. Innovative Dual-Nasal Intubation Exchange Technique for Securing Airway in Complex Facial Surgery: A Case Study. Society of Airway Management, 2024.
- Bui T, Gottumukkala R, Patel C Andampour, Carlson R. Anesthesia Emergence Delirium: Unveiling Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures (PNES) in a Unique Case Presentation. 18th World Anesthesia Congress of Anesthesiologist, 2024. e-Pub 2024.
- Bui T, Kwater A, Zavala A, Idowu T, Sharma IN. Oral High Flow Oxygenation for Difficult Airway Fiberoptic Intubation. International Anesthesia Research Society Annual Meeting, 2022. e-Pub 2022.
- Bui T, Kwater A, Zavala A, Idowu T, Sharma IN. Oral High Flow Oxygenation for Difficult Airway Fiberoptic Intubation. International Anesthesia Research Society Annual Meeting, 2022. e-Pub 2022.
- Muthukumar A, Shrestha L, Zavala A, Huffard E, Bui T, Tsai J. Head Neutral Fiberoptic Intubation to Prevent Cord Compression in a Patient with Cervical Spine Epidural Abcess. 2022 Society for Airway Management 23rd Annual Meeting, 2022. e-Pub 2022.
- Le-Petross CH, Bui T. Technical and Safety Challenges Unique to Breast MRI with Sedation and General Anesthesia. RSNA, 2022. e-Pub 2022.
- Le-Petross CH, Bui T. Technical and Safety Challenges Unique to Breast MRI with Sedation and General Anesthesia. RSNA, 2022. e-Pub 2022.
- Muthukumar A, Shrestha L, Zavala A, Huffard E, Bui T, Tsai J. Head Neutral Fiberoptic Intubation to Prevent Cord Compression in a Patient with Cervical Spine Epidural Abcess. 2022 Society for Airway Management 23rd Annual Meeting, 2022. e-Pub 2022.
- Hagan K, Williams U, Speer BB, Owusu-Agyemang P, Thakar D, Moon-Calderon T, Bui T, Cerny J, Zheng G, Grasu R, Arunkumar R, Soliz J. Non-clinical time distribution within an academic anesthesiology department. New York Post Graduate Assembly in Anesthesiology, 2018. e-Pub 2018.
- Hagan K, Williams U, Speer BB, Owusu-Agyemang P, Thakar D, Moon-Calderon T, Bui T, Cerny J, Zheng G, Grasu R, Arunkumar R, Soliz J. Non-clinical time distribution within an academic anesthesiology department. New York Post Graduate Assembly in Anesthesiology, 2018. e-Pub 2018.
- Ferson D, Bui T, Arens J. Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Two Methods of Training for the Insertion of the Laryngeal Mask Airway. Anesthesiology 93(3A):A558, 2000. e-Pub 2000.
Book Chapters
- Bui T, Yasko A. Perioperative Care of Patients with Musculoskeletal Neoplasm. In: Acute Care of the Cancer Patient. Taylor & Francis Group, 2005.
- Kowalski A, Daley D, Bui T, Norman P. Perioperative Pain in Cancer Patients. In: Acute Care of the Cancer Patient. 1st. CRC Press, 24, 2005.
- Bui T, Lichtiger B, Levenback C. Blood Component Therapy, and Shock. In: Operative Gynecology. W.B. Saunders, 132-146, 2001.
- Bui TP. Preoperative Preparation for Anesthesia A Guide for Hospital Teams_. In: Oncology Hospital Medicine: A Guide for the Frontline Clinicians. Springer Nature.
Patient Reviews
CV information above last modified November 13, 2025