Olga Pawelek, MD, FASA
Associate Professor
Assistant Fellowship Director, Pediatric Anesthesia Fellowship Program
Pediatric Cardiovascular Anesthesiology
Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine
McGovern Medical School
UTHealth Houston
Email: [email protected]
Teaching Philosophy
My approach to teaching in pediatric cardiac anesthesiology is rooted in the belief that true mastery of this complex subspecialty develops through deep understanding, hands-on experience, deliberate practice, and lifelong curiosity. I strive to create a learning environment where trainees—residents, fellows, medical students, and junior faculty—feel safe to ask questions, make reasoned decisions, and learn from both successes and challenges.
In the operating room, I emphasize case-based, real-time teaching that connects complex congenital heart physiology, preoperative planning, intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography, advanced procedural skills, and hemodynamic management to the immediate needs of the patient. I guide learners to think critically about “why” we make each choice, not just “how,” fostering the analytical mindset essential for managing high-stakes, variable, and often unpredictable clinical scenarios.
Beyond technical skill, I prioritize the development of resilience, teamwork, communication, and a strong commitment to patient safety. I believe the best educators model these values daily—through calm leadership during crises, transparent debriefing after difficult cases, and consistent advocacy for evidence-based practice. I also invest heavily in structured curriculum design, mentorship, and longitudinal evaluation to ensure trainees receive comprehensive, progressive training that prepares them not only for board certification but for independent, innovative practice in pediatric cardiac anesthesia.
Ultimately, my goal is to inspire the next generation of anesthesiologists to pursue excellence, embrace continuous learning, and contribute meaningfully to improving outcomes for children and adults with congenital heart disease—both at our institution and across the field.
Biography
UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION:
1996 – 2000
B.A. in Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
GRADUATE EDUCATION:
2002 – 2006
Doctor of Medicine
The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas
POSTGRADUATE TRAINING:
2006 – 2007
Anesthesiology Categorical Internship
The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, Texas
2007 – 2010
Anesthesiology Residency
The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, Texas
2011 – 2013
Pediatric Anesthesiology Fellowship
Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas
CURRENT EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES:
My current educational activities include daily intraoperative teaching of anesthesiology residents, fellows, and medical students; leadership as founder and Program Director of the Texas Medical Board–approved Pediatric Cardiac Anesthesiology Fellowship . I continue to mentor junior faculty and trainees in research and clinical scholarship, while delivering workshops and lectures regionally and nationally on topics such as single-lung ventilation, vascular access, and anesthetic management of adult congenital heart disease.
My dedication to education has been recognized through numerous honors, including induction into the prestigious Academy of Master Educators in 2024 , designation as an Esteemed Educator by McGovern Medical School in 2025 , and five-time receipt of the Best Attending in Pediatric Cardiac Anesthesiology award, reflecting consistent excellence in trainee education and mentorship.
ACADEMIC APPOINTMENTS:
7/2010 – 7/2011
Assistant Professor, Department of Anesthesiology
The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, Texas
7/2011 – 7/2012
Staff Physician, Department of Anesthesiology
The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, Texas
7/2012 – Present
Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, Houston, Texas
HOSPITAL APPOINTMENTS:
2010 – Present
Staff Anesthesiologist
Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston, Texas
2010 – Present
Staff Anesthesiologist
LBJ Hospital, Houston, Texas