Smruti K. Patel, MD

As a pediatric neurosurgeon, I specialize in treating a wide variety of neurosurgical conditions and disorders. I am especially interested in neuro-oncology, transitional care for spina bifida patients and fetal neurosurgery. I believe that excellent patient care involves pushing the envelope and using the latest techniques and cutting-edge advances we have here at Cincinnati Children's. It also means listening carefully to our patients and having them actively involved in their care.

My interest in neurosciences peaked in college, and I couldn't think of a better way to make a direct difference in people's lives than becoming a neurosurgeon. Early in residency training, my desire to pursue pediatric neurosurgery was sparked by several mentors who I now have the privilege of working alongside.

I love children and caring for them. In pediatrics, the bond that we create with our patients and families is unparalleled, while treating both acute and chronic diseases. Our goal is to change the outcome together, and that means involving patients, families and all of the appropriate staff and providers to deliver the best care and support possible.

One of my biggest goals is to provide excellent care efficiently, and I pride myself on clear communication with patients and families. My approach is to practice with patience and perspective as I am a parent myself. I’m also a big proponent of multidisciplinary care and working with our other colleagues within the healthcare system to provide the best holistic care.

In particular, as patients age, transitioning can be difficult as children enter the adolescent stage and work toward developing independence in adulthood. This transition is only amplified with a neurosurgical diagnosis. Within my practice, the division and the institution, our goal is to help make this transition as easy as possible.

I have been a two-time recipient of the Ellen and Stewart B. Dunsker Award for Clinical Research (2018, 2020) related to pediatric hydrocephalus and fetal myelomeningocele repair. I am also a two-time recipient of the John M. Tew Jr. MD Award for Neuro-Oncology (2018, 2019) for my research on pediatric brain tumors, specifically supratentorial gliomas and DIPG, a rare, fast-growing tumor.

In 2017, I received a $25,000 pilot grant from the University of Cincinnati Neurobiology Research Center and Gardner Neuroscience Institute to develop novel preclinical models for pediatric brain tumors under the supervision of senior advisor Dr. Timothy Phoenix. I hope to continue to collaborate with Dr. Phoenix during my time here at Cincinnati Children's.
My clinical research will primarily focus on identifying ways to improve patient care and process improvement to provide better quality of care.

I enjoy spending my free time with my husband and daughter, and we are excited about the arrival of our son. As a family, we love traveling to new places and experiencing different cultures.