Leadership Transition in the Division of Pediatric Anesthesia at UTHealth
Following a national search, we are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Nischal Gautam, MD, as our new Vice Chair and Chief of the Division of Pediatric Anesthesia of the Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine at the McGovern Medical School. His transition into this position will be effective September 1, 2023.
This exciting transition builds on the strong foundation and legacy Dr. Maria Matuszczak, MD laid. Growing up in Germany and pursuing her medical education in Belgium and Germany, Dr. Matuszczak has left an indelible mark on Pediatric Anesthesiology, particularly at the McGovern Medical School of UTHealth Houston. Over the past 16 years, her leadership established and grew the pediatric anesthesia program, now consisting of 17 MD faculty and 8 advanced practitioners. She is widely recognized at the regional, national, and international levels and is acclaimed for her work on pediatric difficult airway management, regional anesthesia, and acute pain. Through her outstanding mentorship, Maria has created a rich legacy of faculty, residents, medical students, and other trainees who have reached new heights. Her thorough approach to medicine and personal interests in piano, skiing, baking, reading, and traveling underscore her unwavering dedication to excellence, innovation, and education. While we will certainly miss her leadership in this role, we will continue to enjoy her presence in the department as a distinguished mentor, helping with clinical care, faculty development, career advancement, promotion, and research.
Dr. Gautam joined us in 2011 after a five-year faculty stint at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. After completing his graduate medical education in India, Nischal trained in anesthesiology, pediatric anesthesiology, and pediatric cardiothoracic anesthesiology at UAMS, Arkansas, and Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Since 2013, he has been an outstanding leader of the Division of Pediatric Cardiac Anesthesia at UTHealth. The division, working closely with the Children’s Heart Institute at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, is committed to providing expert and compassionate care to patients of all ages with congenital heart disease. Comprising highly specialized, board-certified anesthesiologists and advanced care practitioners, the division takes a best-practice, team-based approach. Robust standardized protocols ensure the delivery of the highest quality of care. Under Nischal’s guidance, the division has transformed into a large-volume congenital cardiac program, and his influence has been marked by dedication to successful perioperative outcomes, quality, excellence, and national and international recognition.
Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Dr. Nischal Gautam in his new leadership role and in expressing our deep gratitude to Dr. Maria Matuszczak for her remarkable contributions and legacy. Their commitment to patient care, safety, innovation, education, and research heralds a promising new chapter in our pursuit of excellence in pediatric anesthesiology. We also thank the search committee members for their excellent work and commitment to enabling this leadership transition.