Syed Shah, MD, has been appointed chair of the Department of Anesthesiology at the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, effective November 6. Shah previously served as interim chair since 2023.
Peter Igarashi, Knapp Dean of the Renaissance School of Medicine, commented on Shah’s leadership: “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 including expanding ambulatory surgical services and establishing continuous critical care coverage in the CTICU. He also launched an Inpatient Perioperative Pain Service and a Perioperative Anesthesiology Consult Service. Additionally, he played a key role in improving anesthesiology care at both Eastern Long Island and Southampton clinical campuses.
Shah stated: “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 activity; it is currently ranked 21st nationally and fourth within New York State in National Institutes of Health funding. The department reports a full residency match rate over the past two years and recently developed an accredited Pain Fellowship Program with plans for an Obstetric Anesthesiology Fellowship beginning in 2026. Over the last two years, there have been twelve faculty promotions.
Shah’s background includes board certification in anesthesiology with medical training from Dow Medical College in Karachi, Pakistan. He completed residency training at New York Medical College followed by a fellowship in cardiac anesthesiology at Stony Brook University Hospital. Since joining Stony Brook as an assistant professor in 2002, he has advanced through several leadership roles prior to his appointment as chair.