Biography of Thomas Kuriakose, MD

Thomas Kuriakose, MD, is a physician based in New York, NY, who is deeply committed to pediatric healthcare and critical care A foundation in education, clinical service, and advocacy for underserved communities has shaped his journey toward becoming a Pediatric Intensivist. In 2022, he completed his pediatric residency at Boston Children’s Hospital and Boston Medical Center through the Boston Combined Residency Program He is currently a fellow in Pediatric Critical Care Medicine at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, where he continues integrating medical training with research and initiatives to improve care for vulnerable populations

EARLY CAREER

Thomas grew up in Paramus, NJ, where his early interest in science and consistent academic performance helped lay the groundwork for his future in medicine. He graduated from Williams College in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Economics. Following graduation, he joined the Mississippi Teacher Corps and taught in the Meridian Public School District, a Title I district in Mississippi.

Thomas taught high school-level Advanced Algebra, Trigonometry, Statistics, and SATP Biology for three years. His students consistently performed above average on state assessments. Alongside teaching, he served as assistant coach for junior varsity and varsity soccer and track & field teams Several student-athletes he coached went on to win state titles in jumping and distance events. These experiences in teaching and coaching were instrumental in shaping his desire to continue serving young people, ultimately guiding his decision to pursue pediatric medicine. 2014 he earned a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Mississippi School of Education

MEDICAL EDUCATION

In 2015, Thomas entered Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School He demonstrated a strong commitment to community engagement and service during his medical education. He co-founded the EMPOWER mentorship program to support adolescents living with HIV and contributed extensively to the Promise Clinic, a student-led initiative serving underinsured patients. He served on the Operations team and ultimately became the clinic's director.

Thomas also co-led the implementation of TeamSTEPPS, a program designed to improve communication and collaboration among healthcare providers His contributions in these areas earned him Distinction in Service to the Community He completed his Doctor of Medicine in 2019.

Thomas then entered the Boston Combined Residency Program, where he participated in the Leadership in Equity and Advocacy track. As a resident, he led Health Equity Rounds, a forum for addressing structural inequities and bias in medical care He also served on the Residency Program Training Committee for three years, where he contributed to improving the educational experience for trainees through curriculum review and development.

Dr. Thomas Kuriakose is in his third year of a Pediatric Critical Care Medicine fellowship at Columbia University His clinical work is based at New York-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital, where he cares for critically ill children in the pediatric intensive care units His research is centered on enhancing communication between healthcare providers and families, particularly during complex decision-making related to acute respiratory failure In addition to his clinical and research work, he led the implementation of Health Equity Rounds at Columbia, furthering his commitment to education that addresses bias and improves patient outcomes

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE

Thomas's professional development has remained grounded in a strong sense of service. His background in teaching and coaching continues to influence his approach to medicine, emphasizing the value of communication, patience, and empathy He brings these skills into clinical settings, working collaboratively with families and interdisciplinary teams to support children through critical illness

Beyond medicine, Thomas has participated in volunteer efforts both locally and abroad. He contributed to the Shanti Bhavan Children’s Project in Tamil Nadu, India, supporting educational programs for underserved children He has also served as a volunteer instructor with student organizations during his medical training, including the Student National Medical Association’s Saturday Scholars program He has actively supported civil rights organizations such as the Equal Justice Initiative, the Southern Poverty Law Center, and the American Civil Liberties Union, underscoring his commitment to equity within and outside healthcare

MEDICAL CONTRIBUTIONS

Thomas has made meaningful contributions to pediatric medical education, particularly in areas that explore the intersection of clinical care and social determinants of health. He developed a seminar titled “Adverse Childhood Experiences and Health Inequity,” designed for pediatric residents to explore how early-life trauma can affect health outcomes and how providers can respond with awareness and sensitivity.

Thomas's academic work includes contributions to abstracts and presentations such as “The Weight of Our Words: How Medical Communication Perpetuates Bias” and a needs assessment focused on communication and understanding in pediatric acute respiratory failure cases He has presented these findings at institutional and educational forums, contributing to a broader understanding of how healthcare communication can affect equity and outcomes

Thomas Kuriakose, MD, is board-certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and holds a medical license in New York State He is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Society of Critical Care Medicine, and the Arnold P. Gold Humanism Honor Society. His clinical care, education, and advocacy work reflect an ongoing commitment to improving pediatric health through equity-driven, collaborative, and compassionate approaches