Dallas, Texas: Indian-American pediatric anesthesiologist Dr. Aditee Ambardekar has been honored with the prestigious Piper Professor Award, one of Texas' highest recognitions for excellence in college-level teaching. Presented annually by the Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation, the award celebrates educators who have made exceptional contributions to higher education across the state.

Dr. Ambardekar serves as a Professor of Anesthesiology and Pain Management at UT Southwestern Medical Center. She is the 20th current or former faculty member from the institution to receive the prestigious award since its inception in 1958. The foundation selects only 10 educators each year from nominations submitted by colleges and universities across Texas, with each recipient receiving a $5,000 honorarium.

Born in India and raised near Annapolis, Maryland, Dr. Ambardekar said her passion for pediatric anesthesiology comes from her desire to positively influence the lives of children and future generations.

She also emphasized the importance of mentoring medical residents, saying that educating future physicians allows her to extend her impact far beyond the operating room.

Stephen Kimatian, Chair of the Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Management at UT Southwestern, praised her dedication, describing Dr. Ambardekar as an exceptional educator whose influence extends both within the university and through national organizations, including the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education and the American Board of Anesthesiology.

Dr. Ambardekar earned her bachelor's degree in Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics from the University of Maryland before completing her medical degree in 2004. She later trained in anesthesiology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and completed a fellowship in pediatric anesthesiology at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Before joining UT Southwestern in 2014, she served on the faculty at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, where she led the pediatric anesthesiology fellowship program and developed a simulation-based medical education initiative. She also earned a master's degree in education from the University of Pennsylvania to strengthen her teaching expertise.

At UT Southwestern, Dr. Ambardekar has played a key role in modernizing the anesthesiology curriculum while teaching medical students, residents, fellows and simulation learners. She also supports graduate and continuing medical education and serves as the anesthesiology liaison for the Burn Center, specializing in pediatric burn anesthesia.

Alongside her teaching responsibilities, she spends nearly 40% of her time providing patient care in the operating room and conducts clinical research focused on improving anesthesia care for children with burn injuries.

Reflecting on the recognition, Dr. Ambardekar said receiving the Piper Professor Award further motivates her to continue advancing medical education and preparing the next generation of physicians.