Meet Dr. Anna
I've wanted to be a doctor my entire life. I've wanted to cure disease and save people lives, but for every person I get to help with an operation there's probably a thousand people who are suffering in silence with digestive issues and no one really has a good answer for them - until now!
Early Career in Microbiology
From 1986 to 1990, at the University of New Orleans, I began my career doing bench research in microbiology. During this period, I also pursued my undergraduate degree. I continued my studies as a graduate student from 1990 to 1992. Later, while attending medical school at Louisiana State University (LSU), I worked as a research associate at the Neuroscience Center until 1993. I graduated with honors from LSU with my medical degree in May 1997.
Becoming a Colorectal Surgeon
From 1998 to 2002, at Methodist Hospital of Dallas, I began my residency in general surgery. From, 2002-2003, I was named Chief Resident of General Surgery during my tenure. Then, in 2004, I began my residency in Colorectal Surgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center. Throughout my career I have received multiple accredidations including: Texas State Board of Medical Examiners Medical License; Diplomat American Board of Surgery; Diplomat American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery; Fellow of the American College of Surgeons; and the Fellow of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.
My Career as a Colorectal Surgeon & Educator
In 2004, I transitioned into private practice, dedicating my time and passion to treating thousands of patients with intestinal and digestive issues. I currently hold surgical privileges at Methodist Medical Center Mansfield, Methodist Midlothian Hospital, Methodist Charlton Hospital, Methodist Medical Center Dallas, and Baylor Surgicare Mansfield.
Alongside my private practice, I have been committed to educating future doctors since July 2004 at Methodist Hospital of Dallas. In this role, I contribute as part of the teaching staff, directly instructing and supervising general surgery residents during surgeries and rounds. Since August 2020, I have also served as an Associate Professor in the Department of Surgery at TCU/UNTHSC, where I teach and mentor medical students in office settings, the operating room, and during rounds.
In 2022, I launched my Instagram account @drannatoker, where I have built a dedicated community of followers passionate about health, wellness, and improving gut health and the microbiome. In February 2024, I introduced an online live stream called The Surgical Bullpen: Grand Rounds. This program aims to educate and engage my followers by providing in-depth answers to their health questions in a dynamic, real-time dialogue.
My GUT CHECK Program
Approximately five years ago, I broadened my medical practice to include nutrition strategies aimed at optimizing post-operative recovery, managing weight, and improving gut health and the microbiome. The ultimate goal of this program is to educate my patients—and now you—about digestion and how the digestive system interacts with the microbiome to enhance your quality of life.
To live your best and healthiest life, you need to learn what your microbiome is trying to tell you through hormonal signals and how you can respond in an appropriate way.
DO NOT BE CONTROLLED BY YOUR GUT!
