Shah Named Chair of the Department of Anesthesiology at the Renaissance School of Medicine

Syed Shah, MD, was named chair of the Department of Anesthesiology at the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, effective November 6.

"Since his appointment as interim chair in 2023, Dr. Shah has demonstrated exceptional leadership and tireless dedication to advancing the department," said Peter Igarashi, dean of the Renaissance School of Medicine. "His clinical expertise and commitment to innovation have strengthened faculty development, enhanced clinical programs, and championed the growth of future healthcare professionals."

Under Shah's direction, the department has expanded ambulatory surgical services, established 24/7 critical care coverage in the CTICU, and launched both an Inpatient Perioperative Pain Service and a Perioperative Anesthesiology Consult Service. Shah has also been instrumental in advancing anesthesiology care at the Eastern Long Island and Southampton clinical campuses.

"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," Shah said. "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 has thrived as a center of research excellence, currently ranked 21st nationally and fourth in New York State in National Institutes of Health funding. Educationally, the department has achieved a 100% residency match rate for the past two years, developed an accredited Pain Fellowship Program, and gained approval for an Obstetric Anesthesiology Fellowship to begin in 2026. Faculty recruitment and retention also remain strong, with 12 faculty promotions in the past two years. Shah has also advanced the department's global outreach, partnering with the Stony Brook Center for Global Health Equity.

Board-certified in anesthesiology, Shah received his MBBS degree from Dow Medical College in Karachi, Pakistan, completed his residency and chief residency at the New York Medical College, and pursued a fellowship in cardiac anesthesiology at Stony Brook University Hospital. He joined Stony Brook as an assistant professor of clinical anesthesiology in 2002 and has since been promoted to professor of anesthesiology. Before becoming interim chair, he served as medical director of the PACU, medical director of the Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC), and associate vice chair for Clinical Affairs and Administration.