Suryakumar Narayanasamy, MBBS, MD

As an anesthesiologist, time is of the essence in every aspect of the job — especially when it comes to creating a trusting bond with my patients and their parents. I pay meticulous attention to detail to keep my vulnerable young patients out of harm's way. I earn the trust of parents by being a good listener, showing empathy and advocating for my patients.

Pediatric anesthesia fascinates me more than any other specialty. Within minutes of meeting a child and their family, I am making split-second decisions in the constantly changing dynamics during and after surgery. I specialize in providing general pediatric anesthesia, maternal and fetal anesthesia, liver transplant anesthesia and regional anesthesia.

Many children feel immense trauma when visiting the hospital. For some, the idea of undergoing surgery is a nightmare. As a parent of two young kids, I understand my responsibility as a child’s anesthesiologist. I’m not just caring for a child’s physical life during surgery. I also use thoughtful words and empathy to dispel the parents’ fears.

My current research work studies the utility of ultrasound to make a quick bedside diagnosis that improves patient care.

I’m proud of my recent awards, including:

• 2019 Young Investigator Award – First Place; Annual Meeting of the Society of Pediatric Anesthesia, Houston, TX. Pediatric pain screening tool: A simple 9-item questionnaire predicts functional and chronic postsurgical pain outcomes after spine surgery in children.
• 2019 Best Abstract Award – Chronic pain; Annual Meeting of the Society for Pediatric Pain Medicine, Houston, TX. Pediatric pain screening tool: A simple 9-item questionnaire predicts functional and chronic post-surgical pain outcomes after spine surgery in children.
• 2016 Top score (50/50) in the United States on the Anesthesiology in-training exam.

When I’m not at work, I enjoy gardening, cooking and baking. I like trying out new recipes whenever I find time to spend in the kitchen. I cherish the time spent with my two young children and the parenting moments of watching them grow.