Joan Chung, M.D., is an anesthesiologist dedicated to providing safe, compassionate and patient‑centered care during some of the most vulnerable moments in a person’s medical journey. Although she initially considered careers in internal medicine or neurology, Dr. Chung discovered her passion for anesthesiology during her transitional internship in Korea, where she was drawn to the specialty’s blend of acute clinical decision‑making, technical skill and the privilege of serving as a patient’s advocate in the operating room. Early in her career, she developed a strong interest in acute pain management and regional anesthesia, further strengthened by her experience working on an acute pain service at a Level I trauma center.
Dr. Chung was inspired to join City of Hope® by her personal connection to cancer within her own family and the mission of the cancer specialty hospital rooted in her community. Her philosophy of care is guided by the belief that healing extends beyond treating the body; it requires honoring the emotional experience of every patient. She strives to ensure that individuals feel heard, supported, and reassured throughout their surgical journey.
Her leadership experience includes serving as an OR medical director during the COVID‑19 pandemic, where she learned to guide teams through uncertainty with resilience and adaptability. Dr. Chung speaks Korean.
