Dr. Sanjay Gupta is an Emmy Award–winning journalist and neurosurgeon who serves as CNN’s chief medical correspondent and hosts the network’s health-focused podcast Chasing Life. In addition to practicing medicine, he reports on major health and science stories for CNN’s television and digital platforms, both in the United States and internationally.
Since joining CNN in 2001, Gupta has reported on some of the most significant medical and public health events of the 21st century. During the early days of the COVID-19 crisis, he helped audiences make sense of rapidly changing information and publicly characterized the outbreak as a pandemic before global health agencies formally did so. His reporting has consistently focused on helping viewers understand complex medical issues and public health risks.
Early in his journalism career, Gupta reported from New York in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks and later covered the anthrax investigation. He has reported from conflict zones and disaster areas around the world, including assignments in Iraq, Kuwait, Sri Lanka following the 2004 tsunami, Haiti after the 2010 earthquake, Japan after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, and numerous other global emergencies. His field reporting has often combined journalism with medical service, including performing emergency neurosurgery while embedded with military medical teams.
Gupta’s work has earned numerous honors, including Emmy, Peabody, and Alfred I. duPont–Columbia University awards. His reporting has explored a wide range of issues, from climate change and global health threats to opioid addiction, suicide prevention, and medical infrastructure failures following natural disasters. He has also conducted high-profile interviews with government leaders and health officials during major public policy developments.
In recent years, Gupta has expanded his long-form storytelling through documentary and series work. He hosts the television series Chasing Life with Dr. Sanjay Gupta, which explores global approaches to health, longevity, and well-being. He has also produced documentaries examining mental health trends and the medical use of cannabis.
Outside of journalism, Gupta is an associate professor of neurosurgery at Emory University and holds a leadership role in neurosurgery at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta. He is board-certified in neurosurgery and was elected to the National Academy of Medicine in recognition of his contributions to medicine and public health.
Gupta is also a bestselling author of several books on health, brain science, and medical innovation. In addition to his writing and reporting, he co-founded the LIFE ITSELF conference, which brings together leaders from medicine, technology, policy, and culture to discuss the future of health.
His work and public presence have earned widespread recognition, including honors for humanitarian service and influence in popular culture. Gupta holds undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Michigan.
