Syed Shah, MD, has been appointed chair of the Department of Anesthesiology at the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University. The appointment became effective on November 6, following his service as interim chair since 2023.
Peter Igarashi, Knapp Dean of the Renaissance School of Medicine, stated: “Since his appointment as interim chair in 2023, Dr. Shah has demonstrated exceptional leadership and tireless dedication to advancing the department. His clinical expertise and commitment to innovation have strengthened faculty development, enhanced clinical programs and championed the growth of future healthcare professionals.”
During his tenure as interim chair, Shah led several initiatives within the department. These included expanding ambulatory surgical services and establishing continuous critical care coverage in the CTICU. He also launched new services such as an Inpatient Perioperative Pain Service and a Perioperative Anesthesiology Consult Service. Additionally, he contributed to improvements in anesthesiology care at both Eastern Long Island and Southampton clinical campuses.
Shah commented on his new role: “It is a profound honor to serve as Chair of Anesthesiology. I am deeply grateful for the trust placed in me and inspired by the dedication, talent and compassion of our faculty, staff and trainees. Our department has a strong tradition of clinical excellence, innovative research and outstanding education. I look forward to working collaboratively as we build on this foundation and foster an environment where everyone can thrive. Together, we will continue to elevate our department and contribute meaningfully to the mission of Stony Brook.”
The Department of Anesthesiology is recognized for its research achievements; it currently holds a national ranking of 21st in National Institutes of Health funding and is fourth among New York State institutions. The department also reported that it achieved full residency match rates over two consecutive years, developed an accredited Pain Fellowship Program, received approval for an Obstetric Anesthesiology Fellowship set to begin in 2026, promoted twelve faculty members over two years, and expanded global outreach through collaboration with the Stony Brook Center for Global Health Equity.
Dr. Shah is board-certified in anesthesiology. He earned his MBBS from Dow Medical College in Karachi before completing residency training at New York Medical College. He later pursued a fellowship in cardiac anesthesiology at Stony Brook University Hospital. Since joining Stony Brook as an assistant professor in 2002, he has advanced through academic ranks to become professor of anesthesiology while holding roles including medical director positions at both PACU and Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC), as well as associate vice chair for Clinical Affairs and Administration.
