Santhanam Suresh, MD, MBA, ’91 GME, the Arthur C. King Professor in Anesthesiology and a professor of Pediatrics, was elected board president of the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA).
“It is one of the greatest honors in my professional life to be able to spearhead such an extraordinary organization,” said Suresh, who is also chair of Pediatric Anesthesiology at the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.
The ABA is the certifying body for anesthesiologists, administering general, subspecialty and continuing certifications. The organization also offers advice to specialized training programs in cooperation with residency programs across the country.
Suresh takes the reins of the organization during the COVID-19 pandemic, which necessitated a variety of changes to the certification process. Some changes, including accommodations for social distancing and certification, are still being worked out, Suresh said.
“This is a challenge and we are addressing this efficiently and rapidly,” Suresh said.
Suresh earned his medical degree from Stanley Medical College in Chennai, India, before completing residencies at Stroger Cook County Hospital and Loyola University Medical Center. In 1989, he joined Feinberg as a fellow at McGaw Medical Center.
Suresh’s scientific and clinical interests include regional anesthesia and pain management in children, including strategies such as audio therapy to reduce pain after major surgery. Suresh also serves on the steering committee for SmartTots, a public-private partnership of the Food and Drug Administration and the International Anesthesia Research Society, and is a member of the Anesthesiology Review Committee of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education.
“I could not do this without the support of my family,” Suresh said. “In addition, my colleagues at Lurie Children’s have been very supportive of my time on the board and its time commitments. I also want to thank all of my colleagues in the medical center, including the Department of Anesthesiology at Feinberg who have steadfastly supported me.”
