CHRISTUS Children’s appoints new endowed chair holder in pediatrics

CHRISTUS Children’s Foundation and CHRISTUS Children’s announced the appointment of Dr. Elumalai Appachi as chair of the Sister Angela Clare Moran, CCVI Endowed Chair in Pediatrics.

“Dr. Appachi’s work to establish the critical care department at CHRISTUS Children’s has been instrumental to the growth and success of our hospital and programs,” said Terry L. Kyle, CEO of CHRISTUS Children’s Foundation. “His commitment to educating and training our physicians and associates to better care for our most fragile of patients goes hand in hand with his passion for healing and aiding those in need.”

Appachi serves as chair of pediatrics and section chief of pediatric critical care at CHRISTUS Children’s and as vice-chair for the department of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine. He specializes in cardiac and endocrine/metabolic critical care and pediatric extracorporeal therapy.

“I am deeply honored to accept this distinguished appointment dedicated to furthering education, research and clinical care in pediatrics at CHRISTUS Children’s,” Appachi said. “This endowed chair presents a remarkable opportunity for me to help foster growth avenues for our physicians, associates, patients and families across the CHRISTUS Children’s network.”

Throughout the hospital, Appachi is known for the incredible bedside manner and care he provides to each critically ill or injured child. Because of his vast knowledge surrounding pediatric critical care, Appachi has been able to recruit the best of the best specialists to the ever-expanding program.

Appachi earned his medical degree from Stanley Medical College and completed preliminary pediatric training at the Institute of Child Health and Hospital for Children, both located in Madras, India. After obtaining further specialist training in various sub-specialties in the United Kingdom, he immigrated to the United States to serve as a fellow in pediatric care at Cleveland Clinic. Upon completion of his fellowship, Appachi remained with the Cleveland Clinic for 20 years before being recruited by CHRISTUS Children’s in 2013 to establish pediatric critical care services.

The Sister Angela Clare Moran, CCVI Endowed Chair in Pediatrics was established through a generous donation by an anonymous donor in 2009. Sister Angela Clare came to San Antonio in 1946 and joined the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word and served until her passing in 2003. She was the last Sister Chief Executive Officer of CHRISTUS Santa Rosa, leading from 1969-1970 and from 1972-1986. Sister Angela Clare spent 60 years in her profession, devoting her life to caring for those who were ill, and now the gift of her legacy will continue to influence children’s health for years to come.

Endowed chairs recognize and foster excellence among medical professionals who are leaders in their field. Clinical, research and educational opportunities for the recipient and the department they represent are supported through the earnings of a permanent fund. CHRISTUS Children’s has eight endowed chairs.