Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Meet Our DEI Leadership

Passion begins with people.

Physician Committee Leaders

Get to know our leadership and their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Trevor Sutton, MD, MBA, CPE.
Anesthesiologist

Trevor-Sutton-MD

When I decided to become an anesthesiologist, I recognized that my passion to serve patients as a specialist and as a consultant in medicine would include, but also extend beyond, the substantial responsibilities of caring for individual patients in the operating room. Through multi-disciplinary and collaborative committee engagements, post-graduate training in healthcare management, and leadership experiences in anesthesiology I have recognized that a shared vernacular for healthcare professionals, irrespective of professional training, is value creation. D.E.I. creates value in the current and future practice of medicine because it integrates patient experience, quality improvement, physician workforce development, and health care equity.

Dr. Sheila Elliott, DO
Anesthesiologist

Sheila Elliott DO

Creation of a DEI committee has been long overdue for IAA, and I am grateful for Dr. Sutton’s and Dr. Maduram’s leadership in this initiative. Hartford deserves to have a healthcare system where all patients feel welcome and respected, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. In addition to challenging and unlearning our own preconceived biases, an excellent way to promote inclusivity is to have more doctors that better represent our diverse patient population. The IAA Youth Scholar program presents an opportunity for talented individuals to learn about anesthesiology. I hope the students become inspired to go into the medical field and return to serve the patients in our own community. As a member of the DEI committee, I feel privileged to be able to mentor these potential future colleagues and help provide guidance that may not otherwise be available. 

Dr. Sriharsha D. Subramanya, MD, FRCA
Anesthesiologist

Sriharsha Doddaballapur Subramanya, MD

The term DEI describes efforts and initiatives aimed at creating a more diverse and inclusive environment, where individuals from all backgrounds are valued respected, and provided equal opportunities.  Addressing healthcare disparities through workforce initiatives is predicated on the concept that a more diverse workforce improves healthcare outcomes that will translate to improved patient health outcomes. Studies, in fact, have demonstrated that more diverse workforces have been associated with improved healthcare outcomes, including patient satisfaction, healthcare delivery, and financial performance. I consider myself privileged to be a serving member of the Anesthesia DEI committee. By providing an opportunity for the high school students to closely observe and take part in Clinical Anesthesia through the youth scholars program will surely spark their interest in the field of healthcare.

Dr. David Maduram, MD, PhD.
Anesthesiologist

As an anesthesiologist practicing in Bridgeport, I am a strong advocate for the integration of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) into all aspects of healthcare, especially anesthesia. I see DEI as a critical driver of quality patient care – it cultivates trust, empathy, and understanding, essential components of the doctor-patient relationship. During my training in Boston [MGH] and New York [Columbia], I worked in departmental cultures which prioritized DEI, and I can firmly state that this emphasis fosters a more dynamic, innovative, and compassionate work culture. Now at IAA, I’m proud to say that the culture of DEI in my department has not only uplifted our current standard of care but also portents improved patient care in the future.

Dr. Divya Sundarapandiyan, MD
Anesthesiologist

Many health professionals would attest that the first piece of advice we are often given by mentors and teachers is to expect and embrace the idea of lifelong learning. From students to experienced practitioners, this pillar of patient care rings true. When I first recalled this idea in the context of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, it showed itself as an important step toward the bright future of medicine, essential to quality patient care. DEI is an advancement that we can embrace to become more responsible physicians. It highlights for us the need for humility in recognizing bias, addressing unjust healthcare disparities, and cultivating a more empathic, and therefore effective, healthcare team. During my training, I had the privilege of working in the most diverse borough of New York City within one of the country’s most diverse Anesthesia departments, and I feel so privileged to have experienced the benefits this afforded. I am so excited to continue the work of IAA’s DEI Committee with the IAA Youth Scholars Program, in particular, as we take concrete steps in providing the youth in our community with greater access to opportunities in the field of healthcare.

Administrative Committee Members

Teresa Martins 
Chief Administrative Officer
100 Retreat Avenue, Suite 900
Hartford, CT 06106
Tel: 860-218-2245
Fax: 860-461-0224

Joseph Vitarelli, PAHM 
Chief Operating Officer
100 Retreat Avenue, Suite 900
Hartford, CT 06106
Tel:  860-748-6224

Sandra Reyes
Division Manager Fairfield County
2 Corporate Dr, Suite 955
Shelton, CT 06484
Tel: 203-929-7353 option 1
Fax: 203-929-0756