David M. Gaba

David M. Gaba, M.D., is a Professor of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine. He also serves as the Associate Dean for Immersive and Simulation-based Learning (since 2004). His research focuses on improving patient safety through simulation-based education and crisis management strategies. He holds an MD from Yale School of Medicine (1980) and a BS in Biomedical Engineering from Northwestern University (1976).

His scholarly interests include applying organizational safety theories to healthcare, developing simulation techniques for training, and measuring hospital safety cultures. He has pioneered the use of emergency manuals in perioperative crises and contributed to ventilator design during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Notable awards include the John M. Eisenberg Award (2021) and the Pioneer in Simulation Award (2017). He has led professional organizations like the Society for Simulation in Healthcare, serving as Editor-in-Chief of Simulation in Healthcare (2004–2016 and 2016–present). His recent publications emphasize decision-making under pressure, simulation reliability, and crisis team dynamics.

Current roles include teaching courses like Independent Studies in Anesthesiology and supervising research across graduate and undergraduate programs. His work bridges education, innovation, and patient safety through interdisciplinary collaboration.