Thomas Kuriakose, MD

Pediatric Intensivist/Physician in Pediatric Critical Care Medicine/PICU Doctor

Thomas Kuriakose, MD, is a dedicated physician based in New York, NY, focused on pediatric healthcare and critical care medicine. His professional path reflects a consistent commitment to supporting underserved populations through education, clinical work, and advocacy. In 2022, he completed a pediatric residency at Boston Children’s Hospital and Boston Medical Center and is currently in the Pediatric Critical Care Medicine Fellowship at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. His approach to care is shaped by earlier experiences in education and community outreach, forming the foundation for his current clinical and academic work.

EARLY CAREER

Raised in Paramus, NJ, Thomas was known for academic and athletic achievement while maintaining a strong scientific interest. He attended Williams College in Massachusetts, graduating in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Economics. Upon completing his undergraduate degree, he joined the Mississippi Teacher Corps, a program to address teacher shortages in Title I school districts. He taught Advanced Algebra, Trigonometry, Statistics, and SATP Biology at Meridian High School and contributed to his students’ success on state assessments.

Thomas also coached the junior varsity and varsity track and field and soccer teams for three years. Several of his athletes achieved state-level recognition, particularly in jumps and distance events. His involvement with students in both the classroom and on the field deepened his resolve to serve children and influenced his decision to pursue a career in 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, he entered Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. During his medical education, he was recognized for his service and awarded Distinction in Service to the Community. He co-founded the EMPOWER program, which provides mentorship to adolescents living with HIV, and contributed to the student-led Promise Clinic, a free clinic supporting underinsured patients. He served as a Director on the clinic’s Operations team.

Thomas also co-led the implementation of TeamSTEPPS, a national initiative focused on team communication and patient safety, within his medical school curriculum. These early contributions reflected his interest in healthcare equity and patient-centered care. In 2019, he earned his Doctor of Medicine.

Thomas began his pediatric residency in the Boston Combined Residency Program at Boston Children’s Hospital and Boston Medical Center. He was selected to join the Leadership in Equity and Advocacy track and contributed to the Health Equity Rounds program. His commitment to equity extended into his Residency Program Training Committee role, where he supported curriculum development and policy changes over his three-year tenure.

Thomas Kuriakose, MD, is a third-year Pediatric Critical Care Medicine fellow at Columbia University. He works in the pediatric intensive care units at New York-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital. His research centers on improving provider-family communication regarding acute respiratory failure. He also helped launch Health Equity Rounds within the Department of Pediatrics, reinforcing his focus on reducing bias and improving health communication.

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE

In parallel with his clinical roles, he has consistently prioritized community service. His approach integrates his teaching background with his medical expertise to build trust and improve communication among clinical teams, families, and patients. This dual strength allows him to remain an advocate for patients from marginalized backgrounds.

Thomas’s volunteer experience extends internationally. He participated in the Shanti Bhavan Children’s Project in Tamil Nadu, India, providing education and support to students in underserved regions. During medical school and beyond, he continued his role as an instructor for student-led outreach programs, such as the Student National Medical Association’s Saturday Scholars initiative. His ongoing support for civil rights and social justice organizations includes volunteering and donating to the Equal Justice Initiative, the Southern Poverty Law Center, and the American Civil Liberties Union.

MEDICAL CONTRIBUTIONS

Throughout his medical training, Thomas has initiated and contributed to several educational and research efforts that promote awareness of systemic bias in medicine. He developed an “Adverse Childhood Experiences and Health Inequity” seminar for pediatric residents to bridge clinical understanding and public health concerns. His academic work includes co-authoring abstracts and presentations, including “The Weight of Our Words: How Medical Communication Perpetuates Bias” and a needs assessment focused on communication in acute respiratory failure cases.

Thomas contributes to academic discussions on health equity through invited lectures, abstract presentations, and institutional working groups. His work is rooted in the belief that effective communication is essential for clinical excellence and social responsibility.

Thomas Kuriakose, MD, holds a New York State Medical License and is Board-Certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. He is an active American Academy of Pediatrics and the Society of Critical Care Medicine member. Since 2018, he has also been a member of the Arnold P. Gold Humanism Honor Society. Through clinical care, teaching, and public engagement, he remains committed to improving outcomes for vulnerable children and advancing the field of pediatric critical care.