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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.