R. Tomás DaVee, MD, MSCI, FASGE

Biography

Dr. DaVee is a specialist in Interventional Gastroenterology at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, and the inaugural director of the esophagology section. Prior to his medical career, he served as an enlisted soldier in the U.S. Army, Artillery, and later earned his officer’s commission through Kansas State University’s (KSU’s) top-ranked ROTC program. His journey into medicine began with a tour of duty in Kosovo, Serbia, in the US Army, where he led a security team protecting doctors and nurses while treating war-injured patients. He subsequently changed his focus from joining the Special Forces, to earn a degree in microbiology from Kansas State University (KSU), followed by a medical degree from The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. After living in Peru, South America while studying and working alongside humanitarians, he completed his internship and residency at Stanford University under the mentorship of renowned physician-author Dr. Abraham Verghese. As a senior resident, Dr. DaVee was awarded the prestigious Yale-Stanford Johnson & Johnson Global Health Fellowship, which took him to Mulago Hospital in Kampala, Uganda, where he taught and practiced medicine.

Dr. DaVee continued his training at Vanderbilt University, completing a fellowship in gastroenterology while simultaneously earning a Master of Science in Clinical Investigation (MSCI). His thesis was published by the top endoscopy society in their highest-impact medical journal, reflecting his contribution to advancing clinical research and patient care. He then pursued an advanced fellowship in therapeutic and interventional endoscopy at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, where he still holds the record for the most first-author research abstracts accepted to Digestive Disease Week.

A diplomate in Gastroenterology of the American Board of Internal Medicine, Dr. DaVee’s clinical interests span the prevention, early detection, and treatment of digestive system disorders and cancers. His expertise and interests include:

• Acid reflux, heartburn, and GERD
• Hiatal hernias and Barrett’s esophagus
• Esophageal swallowing disorders
• Colon cancer screening
• Colon polyp removal and prevention of colon cancer
• Pancreatic cancers, cysts, and pancreas cancer screening
• Pancreatitis and obstructive jaundice
• ERCP and gallstone management
• Stent placement for malignant and benign obstructions
• Removal of large polyps and early-stage tumors
• Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided biopsies (FNA/FNB)
• Pancreatic pseudocyst drainage and necrosectomy
• Variceal banding treatment and embolization
• Lifestyle, metabolic disease, and healthy aging

Dr. DaVee is highly skilled in using advanced endoscopic technologies to perform minimally invasive procedures with precision and safety. He works closely with a multidisciplinary team to tailor treatment plans to each patient, aiming to minimize side effects and maximize outcomes. His philosophy centers on empowering patients to transition from medication dependence to sustainable wellness through education, prevention, and reversal of chronic diseases. He aims to provide the highest-quality care that blends state-of-the-art technology and science with a humanistic approach; something AI will never be able to replace. Fluent in Spanish—thanks to the influence of his grandmother and brother—Dr. DaVee welcomes patients aged 18 and older. Dr. DaVee’s modus operandi in life and work is to continuously improve, to strive for better, and to provide precision-care to each person.

To stay at the forefront of his field, Dr. DaVee is an active member of several regional and national professional societies, including: the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG), UTHealth Institute on Aging. With over 150 scientific publications and more than 1,000 citations, his research has shaped clinical practice guidelines issued by leading organizations such as ASGE, AASLD, and AGA. In recognition of his contributions, he was inducted as a Fellow of the American Society for GI Endoscopy (FASGE) and has received numerous awards and honors. He considers the most valuable awards to be those his patients have bestowed on him and his team.

A proud Houston resident, Dr. DaVee enjoys reading and spending time with his family, church and community. He maintains his own health by embracing the pillars of wellness and longevity that his grandparents embodied: staying physically active, sleeping and waking early, eating whole foods, managing stress, fostering social connections, avoiding harmful substances, and mutton-busting.