Naveen Vanga, M.D.

Associate Professor of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine
Vice Chair for Education
Director of Anesthesia Simulation
McGovern Medical School at UTHealth

Email:  Naveen.Vanga@uth.tmc.edu
Phone: (713) 500-6200

Teaching Philosophy

I am always intrigued by what inspires our learners.  What moment in one’s life sparks the curiosity or drive to pursue knowledge of medicine and the science of humanity?  Our learners come from various backgrounds and stages of life but may find commonality in their enthusiasm; as a medical student seeks to understand the cellular transport of energy, a resident masters their knowledge of cardiac imaging, or a graduate student breaks down statistical trends in mental health.  I believe that understanding these motivations enables an educator to reach their students more meaningfully.

From my perspective, the imparting of knowledge from one generation to the next is realized when, along the journey, we educators witness the moment that a learner becomes a peer.  That experience is beyond rewarding; it is the concept that your contribution to a student’s education and practice will carry on to generations of subsequent learners.  I consider it an honor to play such a role in multigenerational learning.

I believe that the strongest educators understand that they are also learners.  Change is constant.  If you can accept that your philosophies and techniques may one day become dated, then you will continue to realize new knowledge and improved methods, as well as find new ways to channel your learners.

Past & Current Educational Activities

  • Vice Chair for Education, Department of Anesthesiology
  • Director of Anesthesia Simulation
  • Assistant Medical Director, Case Western Master of Science in Anesthesia Program
  • Adjunct Professor of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Case Western Reserve University
  • Maintenance of Certification in Anesthesiology Simulation Course Director

Areas of Expertise & Interests

  • Neuroanesthesia
  • Obstetric Anesthesia
  • Operating Room Management & Administration
  • Simulation Education
  • Medical Video & Media Production

Selected Publications

  • Gumbert, S., Kork M, F., Jackson, M., Vanga, N., Ghebremichael, S., Wang, C., Eltzschig, H. (2019) Perioperative Acute Kidney Injury.
  • Vanga N, Suresh M, Ramirez-Chapman, A. Airway Management. Hagberg C & Artime C (Eds) Obstetric Anesthesia & Airway Management: Volume X, Education.  2022
  • Berg, N.K., K. Eltzschig, Vanga, N., L.J. Love, and O.O. Nwokolo. 2019. Perioperative Management of Disruptive Patients. Anesth Analg 128:587-591. (PMID: 30633055)
  • Vanga N, Bustamente S, Maurtua M, Wu D, Webb C. “Intraoperative Anesthesia Management of COVID Patients” Video Lecture Series, Society for Simulation in Healthcare.
  • Vanga N. “Anesthesia Operating Room Setup.” Desai, S. How To Succeed in Your Anesthesiology Rotation: Tips for Medical Students Education.  https://youtu.be/oXn0wqGB6So, 2017.
  • Ghebremichael, S, Dabhade, S, Artime, C, Ramirez-Chapman, A, Ferrario, L, Vanga, N. Use of Oral Aprepitant in the Prevention of PONV following Pineal Cyst Resection-A Retrospective Study.  Abstract and Poster Presentation, SNACC Meeting, 2016, Chicago, SNACC-82.