Dana Suskind, M.D., ’92, improving child outcomes

UMKC School of Medicine Alumni Reflections Throughout 50 Years

Since 1971, nearly 4,000 physicians and health care professionals across the United States have received their degrees from the UMKC School of Medicine. As a leadup to our Gold Jubilee 50th anniversary event on June 4, we will spotlight some of our alumni who embody the school’s spirit and excellence in medical education and patient care.

Today, we catch up with Dana Suskind, M.D., ’92, author, early language development expert and founder of TMW (Thirty Million Words) Center for Early Learning + Public Health.

Where are you now and what is your current role?

I now live in Chicago, Illinois, where I am a professor of surgery and pediatrics at the University of Chicago Medical Center. I serve as director of the pediatric cochlear implantation program and co-director of the TMW Center for Early Learning + Public Health.

TMW Center for Early Learning + Public Health provides evidence-based interventions to optimize brain development in children from birth to five years of age, particularly those born into poverty. It combines education, technology and behavioral strategies for parents and caregivers to enhance the verbal interactions with their children.

What is your primary focus in medicine?

I work with pediatric cochlear implants and supporting parents to build a more family focused society through my upcoming book and initiative, Parent Nation.

What is your fondest memory of your time at the School of Medicine?

I have many, such as my junior-senior partners, DoRo, our post board and Beta parties, and the best friends that I made at UMKC School of Medicine.

Can you share the greatest lesson you learned in medical school?

The best lesson I learned is that the Hippocratic oath doesn’t end when the clinic visit is over, but when your patients thrive.

Tell us something about you that people may not know?

I have the joy of being the mother (and bonus mother!) to eight wonderful children.