Dr. Sunita D. Srivastava’s journey into vascular surgery was shaped by a passion for surgery and a deep commitment to patient care. While she enjoyed all aspects of surgery during her training, it was her experience serving veterans during six months as a chief resident at the VA that solidified her calling to vascular surgery. Caring for patients with complex, long-term vascular needs left a lasting impression and inspired the career she has built today.
An immigrant from India and the first physician in her family, Dr. Srivastava’s story is rooted in perseverance, sacrifice and opportunity. Her father pursued his Ph.D. at Michigan State University while working multiple jobs so the family could later join him in the United States. Inspired by their parents’ dedication and generosity, Dr. Srivastava and her siblings pursued careers spanning pharmacy, surgery, retinal medicine and entrepreneurship. Their family’s experience instilled in her the importance of hard work, lifelong perseverance and supporting future generations.
Throughout her career, professional societies such as the Society for Vascular Surgery have played an important role in fostering connection. Dr. Srivastava believes medical societies are essential in building a stronger and more representative profession by ensuring all members feel supported and empowered to contribute. She values the increasing diversity and openness within the SVS and the opportunities it provides for younger surgeons to help shape the future of vascular care.
Dr. Srivastava views programs like the SVS Foundation’s Voices of Vascular as vital platforms for highlighting the diversity, experiences and leadership within the specialty. By sharing personal stories, these initiatives encourage mentorship, collaboration and greater support for the vascular surgery community.
Looking ahead, she is optimistic about the future of vascular surgery and its continued ability to evolve alongside advances in technology and science. She believes the specialty is uniquely positioned to meet the growing needs of an aging population while delivering comprehensive, patient-centered vascular care.
Passionate about education and mentorship, Dr. Srivastava is especially excited about training the next generation of vascular surgeons and helping young physicians develop into confident, compassionate leaders. Her advice to medical students is simple but powerful: remain curious and committed to lifelong learning.
When you donate to the SVS Foundation, you support Voices of Vascular and its mission to promote diversity, equity and inclusion. Learn more and make your gift today.
Dr. Sunita Srivastava is a board-certified vascular surgeon in the Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital. She is also Chair of the SVS Women’s Section.