Biography

Samir Pandya, M.D. MBA, is a pediatric general and thoracic surgeon at Children’s Health℠ and a professor of Surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center. He is also Clinical Director of Minimally Invasive Pediatric Surgery and Director of Clinical Research in Pediatric Surgery at Children’s Health. Dr. Pandya specializes in minimally invasive surgery for diseases affecting the esophagus, chest wall, lungs, stomach and intestines.

Dr. Pandya earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia. He then completed his general surgical residency training at New York Medical College followed by his pediatric surgery fellowship training at Emory University/Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

He is nationally and internationally recognized as one of the key opinion leaders of advanced minimally invasive pediatric general and thoracic surgery and has a clinical focus on all diseases affecting the esophagus, chest wall, lungs, stomach and intestines. He is a member of several national and international medical societies such as International Pediatric Endosurgery Group, American Pediatric Surgery Association and Society of University Surgeons.

One of his key focuses is to continue to improve minimally invasive surgery for all types of procedures. “Surgical incisions hurt just like injuries and scars grow with the babies. My goal is to treat the child’s condition in a way that the child and family have no recollection of the procedure: physical, emotional or mental.”

In 2017, Dr. Pandya was selected to lead the successful separation of conjoined twins in New York. Dr. Pandya said: “Teamwork, collaboration and preparation were key to success.” Both babies are thriving today. He was also part of the team that performed the most recent separation of conjoined twins at Children’s Health in 2020 and has been integrally involved in the EXIT procedures. He has been named as a Top Doctor by D Magazine regularly since 2020.

“Pediatric surgery is one of the few specialties where we can have an impact on patients and families that lasts a lifetime,” Dr. Pandya says. “It is an honor and privilege to be part of their journey.”

Outside of work, Dr. Pandya enjoys spending time with his wife and children as well as skiing, target shooting, soccer and football.