Randy Stevens, MD, joined Connecticut Children's this spring. We look forward to his contributions to our diverse team of medical experts at the Heart Center. Get to know a bit more about Dr. Stevens in the interview below.

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Being a heart surgeon gives me the opportunity to save lives and it is something I do not take for granted.

Randy Stevens, MD,
Pediatric Heart Surgeon, Connecticut Children's

1. Why heart surgery, and why for kids?

My mother was a nurse practitioner and passed away in an airplane crash. I also had a high school friend whose daughter died after birth from a rare heart syndrome. These were tragic, difficult losses but they led me to dedicate my work to helping others. Being a heart surgeon gives me the opportunity to save lives and it is something I do not take for granted.

2. What’s the best part about being a pediatric heart surgeon?

It’s that moment you see a former patient years after a successful heart surgery in the hallway or for a follow up, that’s why I do what I do. It’s truly touching and the best part of my job to see and be a part of their life changing story. I also enjoy working together with other heart surgeons and cardiologists to help make an impact on our patients.  

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3. What do you want patients and families to know about your approach to care or philosophy? 

I treat every patient as if they were my own child!

4. What drew you to Connecticut Children's? 

I would have to say the people! From the moment I stepped foot in Connecticut Children’s and met the Cardiology and Anesthesiology teams, I felt welcome.  That same friendliness and kindness is also experienced by our patients and families, and that makes me so proud to be a part of the Connecticut Children’s family.

5. Do you have any role models who shaped where you are today?

I completed my general surgery clerkship at St. Mary’s in Waterbury with Stanley Dudrick who is well known for pioneering the use of total parenteral nutrition (TPN), which is a method of feeding that bypasses the gastrointestinal tract. Stanley was a surgical resident in 1968 and conducted research which showed that the nutritional benefits of beagles who received puppy chow and puppy chow through TPN were the same. As a result, TPN is now used to feed millions of premature babies. It was an honor to learn from him over those 12 weeks.