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Rita Agarwal, MD, Anesthesiology, Palo Alto, CA

Rita Agarwal MD

Anesthesiology•Palo Alto, CA

Pediatric Anesthesiology, Pediatric Pain Medicine, Regional Anesthesiology

Professor (Clinical) of Anesthesiology

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  • 725 Welch RdPalo Alto, CA 94304

  • Phone+1 650-497-8000

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Summary

  • Dr. Rita Agarwal, based in Palo Alto, CA, is an experienced anesthesiologist specializing in pediatric anesthesiology, pediatric pain medicine, and regional anesthesiology. She completed her medical education at Baylor College of Medicine and a fellowship in pediatric anesthesiology at the University of Colorado. Currently, she serves as a Clinical Professor at Stanford Health Care and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford. Her extensive experience includes roles as Director at The Children's Hospital, Denver, and as a Professor of Anesthesiology at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital. Dr. Agarwal is skilled in various anesthesia techniques such as general, epidural, and caudal anesthesia, particularly in pediatric contexts. She has contributed to multiple publications in top journals and was honored as a Fellow of the American Society of Anesthesiology in 2018.

Education & Training

  • University of Colorado
    University of ColoradoFellowship, Pediatric Anesthesiology, 1990 - 1991
  • Baylor College of Medicine
    Baylor College of MedicineResidency, Anesthesiology, 1987 - 1990
  • Baylor College of Medicine
    Baylor College of MedicineInternship, Transitional Year, 1986 - 1987
  • Baylor College of Medicine
    Baylor College of MedicineClass of 1986
  • Texas A&M University
    Texas A&M UniversityBA, 1979 - 1982

Certifications & Licensure

  • CA State Medical License
    CA State Medical License 2014 - 2028
  • CO State Medical License
    CO State Medical License 1992 - 2027
  • TX State Medical License
    TX State Medical License 1988 - 2025
  • Anesthesiology
    American Board of Anesthesiology Anesthesiology
  • Pediatric Anesthesiology
    American Board of Anesthesiology Pediatric Anesthesiology

Awards, Honors, & Recognition

  • Fellow of the American Society of Anesthesiology American Society of Anesthesiology, 2018
  • Fellow of the American Society of Anesthesiology ASA, 2018
  • Honor's Program Texas A&M University

Publications & Presentations

PubMed

Journal Articles

  • Anesthesia for Pediatric Chest Trauma  
    Agarwal R, Seminars in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia, 1/1/2002
  • Anesthesia for Pediatric Chest Trauma  
    Agarwal R, Seminars in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia, 1/1/2002
  • Improvement of Intraoperative somatosensory Evoked Potentials by Ketamine  
    Agarwal R, Roitman KJ, Stokes MA, Paediatric Anaesthesia, 1/1/1998

Books/Book Chapters

  • A Practical Approach to Neuroanesthesia 
    Chapter: A Practical Approach to Pediatric Neurosurgical Patient 
    Dean, K, Agarwal REditors: Soriano, Sloan Monghan.2013
  • A Practical Approach to Neuroanesthesia 
    Chapter: A Practical Approach to Pediatric Neurosurgical Patient 
    Dean,K, Agarwal REditors: Soriano, Sloan Monghan.2013
  • Pediatric Anesthesia: Basic Principles, State of the Art, Future-Update 
    Chapter: Acute Pain Services 
    Agarwal R, Polaner DavidEditors: Bissonnette, Engelhardt.PMPH-USA2011

Abstracts/Posters

  • Current Practices in the Management of Post-dural puncture headaches: results of an SPA Sanctioned Survey
    Agarwal, R, Pediatric Anesthesiology, 1/1/2014
  • Management of an immune deficient child with epiglottitis, meningitis, thrombocytopenia and DIC.
    Hansen, J, Schwartz, L, Agarwal, R, Pediatric Anesthesiology, Las Vegas, NV, 1/1/2013
  • Management of an immune deficient child with epiglottitis, meningitis, thrombocytopenia and DIC
    Hansen, J, Schwartz, L, Agarwal, R, Pediatric Anesthesiology, 1/1/2013

Lectures

  • Opioids Through the Ages: Caring for Children and Families in the Wake of the Opioid Crisis 
    National Conference & Exhibition 2019 - American Academy of Pediatrics - New Orleans, LA - 10/25/2019
  • Teenager with SMA, chronic pain, addiction issues, presents for surgery 
    1/1/2014
  • PBLD: Clothesline Injury to Neck with Transected Trachea and Cervical Neck Injury 
    1/1/2014

Other

Authored Content

  • ASA Shows Us the Future of Conferences in a Not-Quite-Post-COVID-19 WorldOctober 2021
  • Medication Was Designed to Treat Not HarmJuly 2020
  • Medication Was Designed to Treat Not HarmJuly 2020

Press Mentions

  • The Future of the Anesthesiologist-CRNA Relationship
    The Future of the Anesthesiologist-CRNA RelationshipJune 1st, 2026
  • 10 Anesthesiologists in the Headlines
    10 Anesthesiologists in the HeadlinesJanuary 8th, 2026
  • Substance-Use Disorders in Young Patients
    Substance-Use Disorders in Young PatientsDecember 9th, 2024

Committees

  • President, Society for Pediatric Pain Medicine 2019 - Present
  • Chair, California Society of Anesthesiology Committee on Professional and Public Communication 2017 - Present
  • Board of Directors, Society for Pediatric Anesthesia 2006 - 2014
  • Board of Directors, American Academy of Pediatrics Pedialink Editorial Board

Professional Memberships

Other Languages

  • Farsi

External Links

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