Sawsan Y Khan, MD
Department of Psychiatry, Division of Internal Medicine
About Dr. Sawsan Y Khan
Sawsan Khan, MD, is an assistant professor and dedicated psychiatrist within the Department of Psychiatry. With over ten years of experience, Dr. Khan has guided patients in their journey toward managing the difficulties related to cancer treatment and assisting patients in navigating the physical and emotional challenges associated with cancer treatment. She has a profound interest in understanding how factors such as religion and culture influence decision-making in cancer treatment and the experience of psychiatric symptoms.
Dr. Khan also holds the Associate Director of Education role in the Department of Psychiatry, providing guidance and mentorship to resident trainees. Her contributions extend beyond her department, as she actively participates in several key roles within the institution, including serving as Vice-Chair on the Division of Internal Medicine Grand Round Planning Committee, the Division of Internal Medicine Education Committee, serving on the faculty senate, and electronic health records officer, contributing to the enhancement and efficient management of electronic medical record systems within the institution. Dr. Khan is the Vice-President for the National Arab American Medical Association Houston Chapter. She actively leads substantial contributions to advance the organization’s initiatives in the community.
Present Title & Affiliation
Primary Appointment
Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Dual/Joint/Adjunct Appointment
Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Education & Training
Degree-Granting Education
| 1997 | Manipal University, Manipal, IN, MD |
Postgraduate Training
| 2009-2013 | Clinical Residency, Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas |
Licenses & Certifications
| 2014 | DEA |
| 2014 | Texas Medical Board |
Experience & Service
Faculty Academic Appointments
Staff Psychiatrist, Department of Psychiatry, VA Texas City/Galveston Clinic, Galveston, TX, 2014 - 2016
Staff Psychiatrist, Department of Psychiatry, University of Houston (HCPC), Houston, TX, 2014 - 2014
Administrative Appointments/Responsibilities
Director of Education, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, 2017 - Present
Rotation Site Director, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, 2017 - Present
Extramural Institutional Committee Activities
Senator, Senate Faculty, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2021 - Present
EHR Officer; Member, Psychiatry Inpatient EHR subcommittee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2020 - Present
Committee Member, DOIM - Education Committee Charter, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2020 - Present
Committee Member, Psychiatry - Big Survey Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2019 - Present
Committee Member, DOIM - Insurance denials committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2019 - Present
Committee Member, DOIM - Grand Rounds Planning Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2018 - Present
Vice- President, National Arab American Medical Association Houston Chapter, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Board member, Patient Benefit Foundation, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Honors & Awards
| 2018 - 2019 | Top Performer, rated top 1% nationally on Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, HHS (AHRQ) |
Professional Memberships
Selected Presentations & Talks
Local Presentations
- 2022. Malignant: Comorbid cancer and catatonia. IM Grand Rounds. Houston, Texas, US.
Regional Presentations
- 2018. Cancer patients who self-report “family problems - dealing with a partner” exhibit increased levels of depression, anxiety and distress. Conference. UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, TX, US.
National Presentations
- 2024. Unveiling challenges: psychopharmacology and drug interactions in cancer patients. New York, New York, US.
International Presentations
- 1997. Epidemiological studies in occurrence of Thyroid Tumors. Conference. Poster Presentation. Manipal, IN.
Selected Publications
Other Articles
- Le H, Khan S Tales from the Clinic: The Art of Psychiatry - Episode 4 "I'm Not Ready to Die". Psychiatric Times, 2021.
Patient Reviews
CV information above last modified March 30, 2026