Dr. Thomas P. McGahan, an Emory Saint Joseph’s physician with Metro Atlanta Gastroenterology, was awarded the hospital’s E. Napier “Buck” Burson Physician Award of Distinction. He was honored recently at the 24th annual dinner and ceremony.

Dr. Thomas P. McGahan

The award is Emory Saint Joseph’s highest honor for physician service and is named for Burson, a respected internist, gastroenterologist and influential medical staff leader at the hospital. The late physician was a pioneer in the field of gastroenterology, establishing Emory Saint Joseph’s first gastrointestinal diagnostic unit.

Burson Award recipients are selected for their leadership as a member of the medical staff and contributions to the quality of medicine practiced at the hospital. Recipients are also selected for their adherence to Emory Saint Joseph’s Mercy philosophy and contribution to the Mercy mission in Atlanta.

McGahan’s service includes leadership positions within Emory Healthcare. He serves as chairman of the hospital’s Department of Medicine and the Hospital Medical Records Committee and is a member of the Emory Saint Joseph’s board of directors and the Hospital Staff Executive Committee. Additionally, McGahan serves as a director of Saint Joseph’s Mercy Care Services, which provides medical care to children and adults in need.

McGahan was raised in Atlanta and attended St. Jude the Apostle School in Sandy Springs. He graduated from the Marist School in 1981. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame and medical degree from Emory University. He also serves as an adjunct assistant professor with Emory University’s School of Medicine Division of Digestive Diseases.