Grand Rounds Speaker | Dr. Steven Rothenberg

Jan 1, 2025

The SUNY Downstate Department of Surgery was privileged to host Dr. Steven Rothenberg, Chief of Pediatric Surgery at Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children in Denver, Colorado.  

Dr. Steven Rothenberg is a world-renowned pediatric surgeon. He is known for pioneering minimally invasive surgical techniques that transformed the field of pediatric surgery. Dr. Rothenberg attended medical school and completed general surgery residency training at the University of Colorado. He completed a fellowship in General Thoracic Surgery in England and a fellowship in Pediatric Surgery at Texas Children’s hospital in Houston, Texas.  

Dr. Rothenberg was a founding member and past president of the International Pediatric Endosurgical Group (IPEG). He was the first chair of the Pediatric Committee for the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES). Dr. Rothenberg has authored over 150 publications and delivered more than 300 lectures on pediatric minimally invasive surgery. He serves as an editor for prominent journals including The Journal of Pediatric Surgery, Journal of Laproendoscopic Surgery, and Pediatric Surgery International. 

Dr. Rothenberg’s Grand Rounds presentation was entitled "Over Thirty Years of Eliminating Thoracotomies in Infants and Children | Minimizing the Morbidity of What We Do!" He discussed the history of pediatric thoracic procedures such as tracheo-esophageal fistula and atresia repair. In the past, these procedures required open thoracotomies that resulted in significant post operative recovery and morbidity. Dr. Rothenberg’s surgical practice has been dedicated to reducing the need for open procedures and shifting the field toward minimally invasive technique, improving post operative recovery for pediatric patients. He performed the first thoracoscopic repair of a tracheo-esophageal atresia in a neonate in the world. His Grand Rounds presentation included incredible video footage. The SUNY Downstate Department of Surgery extends its sincere gratitude to Dr. Rothenberg for his educational, ground-breaking Grand Rounds Presentation.