Shirling Tsai

Shirling Tsai, M.D., is a Clinical Professor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and Chief of Vascular Surgery at the Dallas VA Medical Center. She holds undergraduate degrees in chemistry and physics from Harvard College (summa cum laude), a medical degree from Columbia University, and advanced training in vascular surgery from Weill Cornell Medical Center and Massachusetts General Hospital. Her research focuses on atherosclerosis, peripheral artery disease, and lipoprotein receptors, with leadership roles in clinical trials funded by NIH, DoD, VA Merit Review, and industry. Dr. Tsai chairs the Dallas VA Institutional Review Board and serves on multiple editorial boards, including Annals of Vascular Surgery and Nature Scientific Reports.

Education:

• Harvard College: B.A. Chemistry & Physics (summa cum laude)
• Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons: M.D.
• Residency: General Surgery at Weill Cornell Medical Center
• Fellowship: Vascular Surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital

Research interests emphasize translational studies bridging basic science and clinical practice, including lipid biology, vascular inflammation, and surgical outcomes. Her work on reelin protein's role in atherosclerosis and novel therapeutic targets (e.g., RAGE receptors) demonstrates interdisciplinary innovation. Current clinical trials investigate peripheral artery disease pathogenesis and treatment efficacy.

Leadership roles include VA governance (Research and Development Committee) and national professional memberships in the American College of Surgeons and Society for Vascular Surgery. Dr. Tsai's academic contributions span 18+ peer-reviewed publications and impactful editorial service.