Shriners Hospitals for Children® Burn Care Staff Recognized for Expertise

One reason Shriners Hospitals for Children^® is renowned world-wide as a leader in burn care is expertise of the health care system’s staff. Two examples are Oscar Suman, Ph.D., and Robert Sheridan, M.D.

Oscar Suman, Ph.D., an exercise physiologist and director of the Children’s Exercise and Wellness Center at Shriners Hospitals for Children® — Galveston and associate professor at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, was honored by President Barack Obama at a White House ceremony in January for his work in helping children recover from burns.

Dr. Suman was one of 100 researchers selected to receive the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers. The award is the highest honor given by the government to outstanding scientists and engineers who are in the early stages of their careers. The award is meant to recognize scientists who have demonstrated potential for leadership in developing and discovering knowledge in science and technology. Dr. Suman specializes in developing exercise regimens to help children recover from burns.  

“It is an extremely great honor to be nationally recognized for the work we do at the Shriners Hospital in Galveston,” said Dr. Suman. “It is a reflection of the great work and dedication that our Galveston staff and faculty exhibit daily. I hope to be able to continue to devote my life to burn care research.”

The Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers Program is administered by the National Science and Technology Council. Several participating federal agencies submit nominations, including the National Institutes of Health, which nominated Dr. Suman.

The respect for Shriners Hospitals for Children^® among those in the burn care field is indicated by prestigious leadership positions held by hospital staff. Robert Sheridan, M.D., assistant chief of staff of Shriners Hospitals for Children® — Boston currently serves as the president of the American Burn Association, a premier national organization dedicated to improving the lives of those with burn injuries. In addition, Dr. Sheridan is co-director of the Sumner Redstone Adult Burn Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital and an associate professor of surgery at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Sheridan is certified in surgery and surgical critical care and is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Chest Physicians and American Association for the Surgery of Trauma.

The expertise of the medical staff of Shriners Hospitals for Children^® is part of what allows the health care system to change the world through caring for kids every day.