Meet Randy Stevens, MD, Pediatric Heart Surgeon
Connecticut Children's
When things seem impossible, we think bigger — beyond imagination.
1. Why heart surgery, and why for kids?
My mother was a nurse practitioner and passed away in an airplane crash. I also had a high school friend whose daughter died after birth from a rare heart syndrome. These were tragic, difficult losses but they led me to dedicate my work to helping others. Being a heart surgeon gives me the opportunity to save lives and it is something I do not take for granted.
2. What’s the best part about being a pediatric heart surgeon?
It’s that moment you see a former patient years after a successful heart surgery in the hallway or for a follow up, that’s why I do what I do. It’s truly touching and the best part of my job to see and be a part of their life changing story. I also enjoy working together with other heart surgeons and cardiologists to help make an impact on our patients. ? >Related: Atrial Septal Defect was no match for this soccer star
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3. What do you want patients and families to know about your approach to care or philosophy??
I treat every patient as if they were my own child!
4. What drew you to Connecticut Children's??
I would have to say the people! From the moment I stepped foot in Connecticut Children’s and met the Cardiology and Anesthesiology teams, I felt welcome. ?That same friendliness and kindness is also experienced by our patients and families, and that makes me so proud to be a part of the Connecticut Children’s family.
5. Do you have any role models who shaped where you are today?
I completed my general surgery clerkship at St. Mary’s in Waterbury with Stanley Dudrick who is well known for pioneering the use of total parenteral nutrition (TPN), which is a method of feeding that bypasses the gastrointestinal tract. Stanley was a surgical resident in 1968 and conducted research which showed that the nutritional benefits of beagles who received puppy chow and puppy chow through TPN were the same. As a result, TPN is now used to feed millions of premature babies. It was an honor to learn from him over those 12 weeks.?
Pediatrician, Retired
5 个月Congratulations! What a catch for CT Children’s. I just retired as a general pediatrician. I know several pediatricians who left Baystate for CT Children’s. It is a great hospital and still growing with an excellent referral area of CT ans Western MA.