Meet Doctor Karthik Sugumaran
Karthik Sugumaran, MS, DO, E-AEC is a board-certified, Tampa Bay General Surgeon, voted one of the top doctors in Tampa. He has received additional fellowship training specializing in Bariatric (Weight-Loss) Surgery, Medical Weight Loss Therapy, Minimally Invasive Surgery (Robotic & Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery), Emergency General Surgery & Trauma Surgery, and Critical Care Medicine. His dedication to his patients and his passion for proving the highest quality care has driven him to obtain board certifications in several overlapping fields. He is one if not the only Bariatric trained Intensive Care Doctor and the only Bariatric Surgeon in the area that is board certified in Medical Weight Loss as well.
"I treat my patients like I would treat my family, and how I would want my family treated"
- K.D. Sugumaran
Dr Sugumaran’s journey began at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst where he obtained his Bachelors in Science and Masters in Science in Kinesiology (Exercise Science). This is where he was first exposed to Obesity Medicine and would spark a 20-year quest towards his future passions. He completed his Medical School Training at Touro University Nevada in Las Vegas where he was exposed to a wide variety of specialties. He explored all areas of medicine before realizing his calling was Surgery.
Dr. Sugumaran completed his surgical training at USF and was exposed to a wide range of surgical specialties.
He completed his Surgical Training and residency at USF Morsani College of Medicine Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point. During this time, he was exposed to a wide variety of surgical specialties and received commendation for his skill in Minimally Invasive Surgery, Transplant Surgery, Cardiac & Vascular Surgery, and in his acumen in Critical (intensive) Care. He played a critical role in the care of the critically ill patients during the COVID epidemic where he was trained in Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) and Advanced Organ Failure Medicine. At the end of his residency, he was forced to make a decision between his two passions: Bariatric Surgery and Critical Care.
Prioritizing his 20-year focus on Obesity and Weight Loss in Tampa, he decided to pursue fellowship training at the prestigious Jackson Hospital and University of Miami School of Medicine. He was trained in minimally invasive techniques and bariatric surgery from several of the foremost experts in the field and completed over 1000 surgeries during that year.
During this time, he realized there was a huge gap in the understanding of the care of the critically ill obese patient. His expertise in management of bariatric patients could be coupled with his knowledge of critical care and could be used to help this growing group of patients.
He decided to further specialize in Critical Care and Trauma Surgery to become the first true Bariatric Intensivist. He completed his final fellowship at the prestigious Barnes Jewish Hospital and the Washington University School of Medicine. Where he received commendation for his operative skill, his management of the critically ill patient, and his patient care and communication. During his fellowship, he was the first graduate to complete the ELSO ECMO practitioner certification and he received high praise from his work with cardiac patients.
In 2024, Dr. Sugumaran was voted a top Tampa Doctor by the Tampa Magazine
Since the completion of his training, he has continued his pursuit of knowledge by obtaining additional board certifications in Critical Care and Obesity Medicine. His pairing of the two specialties makes him a valued provider for Bariatric patients especially when they have other co-morbid conditions such as heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, or lung disease. He uses his skills and knowledge to provide the highest quality care to the patients he cares for.
Education & Training
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Bachelor of Science, Kinesiology & Pre-medicine
9/5/2006 – 5/15/2010
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Master of Science, Kinesiology: Motor Control & Biomechanics
9/7/2010 – 9/1/2013
Touro University
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
6/1/2012 – 6/6/2016
HCA Healthcare/USF Morsani College of Medicine Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point
General Surgery Residency
7/1/2016 – 6/30/2021
Chief Resident
6/1/2019 – 6/30/2021
Jackson South Medical Center/University of Miami
MIS/Advanced GI Fellowship
8/1/2021 – 7/31/2022
Special focus in Bariatric Surgery, Foregut Surgery, and Colorectal Surgery
Barnes Jewish Hospital/Washington University
Surgical Critical Care Fellowship
8/1/2022 – 7/31/2023
Special focus in Cardiac Care, ECMO management, Echocardiography, Transplant Surgery (Heart, Lung, Liver, Pancreas, and Kidney), and Trauma Surgery
