A Conversation With Elias Rizk: Chief of Pediatric Neurosurgery

Elias Rizk, MD, PhD, MSc, is an esteemed pediatric neurosurgeon who last year became the co-chief of UT Health Austin Pediatric Neurosciences at Dell Children’s, chief of pediatric neurosurgery, and professor of neurosurgery at The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School. The interview below provides a glimpse of Rizk’s extraordinary program vision, thoughtfulness, and humility.

How did you become interested in pediatric neurosurgery?

My interest in pediatric neurosurgery began with a keen interest in embryology and neuroscience, interests that grew during my graduate and postgraduate training. Pediatric neurosurgery is a special field because we have the opportunity to care for children who demonstrate such resilience and potential for recovery. Importantly, we can make a huge difference in their lives by preventing a disability and improving their quality of life.

Another exciting aspect of the field is the rapidly advancing technologies that we use every day to improve patient care. Pediatric neurosurgery is truly a calling. We work with children and their families, helping them through some of the most difficult times in their lives.

What are some of the challenges you have faced as a pediatric neurosurgeon?

Pediatric neurosurgery is extremely rewarding, but it also presents its own challenges. On the emotional side, taking care of kids and their families during life-changing events can be very difficult. It requires the ability to walk a tight rope between empathy, objectivity, and detachment. On the technical side, there is also the challenge of working with the smaller anatomical structures in kids. Other challenges include keeping up with the latest technology and providing equitable access to care.

UT Health Austin Pediatric Neurosciences at Dell Children’s is a fairly new program with an emerging academic reputation. What led you here?

After more than a decade at Penn State Hershey Medical Center, where I was the chief of pediatric neurosurgery, I was ready for the next challenge in an exciting setting. I was attracted to UT Austin and Dell Children’s because, from my first encounter, I could sense the momentum and enthusiasm here. Everything about these institutions feels like they are on the move. Everyone from administration on down is committed and working together to create something very special.

There is also Austin’s spirit of innovation combined with the powerful partnership between Dell Medical School and the Ascension system. Since my arrival in January of 2025, it has been an experience unlike any other. Everyone is eager about their field and dedicated to providing care of the highest caliber. Here, I have the ability to work as part of a team that gives children their best opportunity not only to survive but to thrive.

With the focus on innovation at Dell Medical School, what excites you most about the pediatric neurosciences program?

We have an amazing team of highly committed people. I am also excited about the opportunity to break new ground in pediatric neurosurgery with technology. At Dell Children’s, we have virtually every innovative technology, including a recently added intraoperative MRI. Along with Brainlab’s in-built navigation technology, this enables real-time modifications during surgery, promoting safety and enabling more precise surgical treatments for children with complex conditions such as tumors or epilepsy.

In the future, I am eager to apply our translational work across several areas, including craniofacial defects, brain masses, imaging, and hydrocephalus based on in-house translational work done at Dell Children’s.

You have a special interest in mentoring future neurosurgeons. How have your own mentors shaped the way you mentor and advise others today?

Mentoring is one of the most rewarding experiences I have had in my career. I am privileged to work with brilliant minds. My experience is influenced by people such as Jerry Oakes, Mark Dias, Kimberly Harbaugh, Benny Iskandar, and others. They showed me how to take a mentee’s words to heart and foster them. Their support and mentorship demonstrated how to foster an open environment that helps mentees find growth opportunities.

Like my own mentors, I mentor by creating access, providing feedback, and practicing a work-life balance. This approach allows me to inspire students not only to perform well in their field but also to lead with empathy, just as I did with them.

Where do you see this program in the next five to ten years?

In the coming years, I would like to see our pediatric neurosciences program become a nationwide destination for complex pediatric neurological care. Our team will work extremely hard to ensure that not a single kid from Central Texas needs to leave the area to receive world-class care. We are also committed to enhancing our fellowship and residency opportunities and extending our research program in areas such as genetic disorders and regenerative medicine.

While our goal is to become a renowned academic medical center, we also aim to be a superb hospital for our extended community and a place where children come first. I can merely say I am honored to be a part of it.