Boston Children’s Hospital
Congenital Heart Disease
Member Since: 2017
Biography:
I am a pediatric cardiac surgeon at Boston Children’s Hospital, primarily involved in clinical research. I have over 20 years of research experience encompassing the period of my residency training and current faculty position. I completed medical school in Madras Medical College, University of Madras and surgical training in the United Kingdom, during which I was successfully inducted as a Fellow in the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh, and the Royal College and Physicians of Glasgow. I then completed my surgical, and cardiac surgical residency at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, followed by a congenital fellowship at Boston Children’s Hospital. Having successfully graduated with an MPH from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in clinical effectiveness, my area of excellence is clinical investigation. After early work in basic science examining the role of mitochondria in cardiac hypertrophy and failure, supported by the Thoracic Surgery Foundation's Nina Braunwald research fellowship, I transitioned to clinical outcomes research, particularly validation of the Residual Lesion Score (RLS) as a quality assessment initiative in congenital cardiac surgery. This 17-center project was supported by the Braunwald Research Award, a K23 grant from the NHLBI and a UO1 grant through the Pediatric Heart Network. My primary research focus remains clinical outcomes and quality improvement in congenital cardiac surgery, particularly in understanding residual lesions and their impact on outcomes after congenital cardiac surgery. I have collaborated with researchers in my hospital and across centers in the U.S. and internationally to understand modifiable factors that determine outcomes after pediatric heart surgery.
What Does the AATS Mean to You:
The AATS is special as it represents an organization that supports our field, while expanding knowledge and reach of this great specialty across the world. To become a member of the AATS is one of the greatest achievements. Importantly, the AATS provides opportunities to be a mentor and give back to the younger generation.
My First Experience with AATS:
My first experience with the AATS was as a research fellow between general surgery and CT surgery residency. It was wonderful to network with folks and learn about cutting edge technology and the new developments to look forward to in the future.
Why I became an AATS member:
I believe becoming an AATS member gives you the recognition that you are part of a larger amalgam of intellectuals and front runners in the field.
The most impactful presentation I have seen at an AATS meeting:
Yolanda Colson’s presidential address was a beautiful mix of compassion while aiming for the stars. She demonstrated that you can achieve greatness with hard work and perseverance while selflessly helping others move up the ladder along the way.
The first presentation I gave is:
My very first presentation was at a plenary session in Philadelphia in 2011, and while I was nervous, I did not (thankfully) at that time realize the importance of being selected for a plenary presentation and was able to get through the presentation and discussion with reasonable poise. Knowing what I know now - it may have been a total disaster. As they say, sometimes ignorance is bliss.
The first paper I had published is:
The first paper I published was in the Annals of Thoracic Surgery and was on an esoteric topic looking at mitochondrial function in the stunned heart and the effect of Cyclosporine and FK 506 in protecting against dopamine-induced apoptosis.
I plan on becoming more involved in the organization through:
I believe that it is important to give back at all stages in your career. Being a mentor/collaborator to CT residents and junior faculty is important for our field to thrive and grow.
Why I became an AATS member:
I believe becoming an AATS member gives you the recognition that you are part of a larger amalgam of intellectuals and front runners in the field."
My career in CT Surgery was inspired by:
My path to becoming a congenital cardiac surgeon was serendipitous. My interest in pediatric surgery was sparked by a lecture given by a pediatric surgeon during the third year of medical school. I was determined to follow in his footsteps, but fate in the form of cardiac surgeon intervened and changed my path towards cardiac surgery and ultimately the anatomic and physiologic complexity of congenital heart defects proved irresistible, and my fate was sealed.
A significant case/patient interaction that impacted my career is:
I remember this nearly 20-hour case of a robust young man with acute dissection during my residency. He had prolonged post-operative course but was always so gracious and thankful every time we were at his bed side for all the care he received. It was such a pleasure to see him after 6 months back to full form and as spritely as ever. It is such personal experiences that helps us forget the daily grind and keep us going.
The biggest impact my mentor had on my career is:
Two mentors, each completely different in their personalities, allowed me to explore and grow and become the independent thinker I am today.
The topic most important to advancing the field of CT Surgery is:
Curiosity and thinking outside the box for solutions.
The most pressing issues impacting CT surgery are:
Bureaucracy is getting in the way of not only providing care to all those who need it equally and in a timely fashion, but also stifling progress. The career trajectory is long, thus more support (both mentorship and financial support) early in the career pathway will allow innovative ideas to bear fruit.
Advice for Trainees:
Follow your passion even if others don’t believe you can achieve it, work hard, be honest, be willing to acknowledge mistakes and be willing to listen to criticism (whether constructive or not, there is always a hidden pearl that you can take way), and most importantly have fun along the way.