Leadership Role & Clinical Operations

Dr. Christopher Canlas serves as an Associate Professor of Clinical Anesthesiology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and has held the position of Chief of the Ambulatory Division since 2019. In this critical leadership role, he oversees the clinical operations of five freestanding ambulatory surgery centers, ensuring the delivery of safe, efficient, and high-quality anesthesia care across multiple facilities.

Dr. Canlas leads a dedicated team of ten anesthesiologists, guiding the division's growth and fostering a culture of excellence in outpatient perioperative medicine. His leadership approach emphasizes both operational efficiency and clinical excellence, creating an environment where quality patient care and professional development thrive.

Academic & Professional Commitment

Dr. Canlas is deeply committed to advancing clinical operations, optimizing patient outcomes, and mentoring the next generation of anesthesiologists through his academic and leadership roles. His dual focus on clinical excellence and education exemplifies the mission of academic medicine, where patient care, teaching, and innovation intersect.

Through his work at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Dr. Canlas continues to shape the future of ambulatory anesthesia care, combining his expertise in perioperative medicine with a passion for developing future leaders in the field. His contributions to outpatient perioperative medicine have helped establish best practices and standards that benefit both patients and healthcare providers.