Venkatakrishna Kakkilaya, M.D.

Venkatakrishna Kakkilaya, M.D.

  • Pediatrics - Neonatal-Perinatal
  • Neonatal Ventilation
  • Clinical Quality Improvement

Biography

Venkatakrishna Kakkilaya, M.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at UT Southwestern Medical Center. He specializes in pediatrics and neonatal-perinatal medicine, including neonatal ventilation.

Dr. Kakkilaya earned his medical degree at Karnatak University in India. He completed residency programs in pediatrics at Dr. V.M. Government Medical College in India and at LSU Health Sciences Center Shreveport. He received advanced training in neonatal-perinatal medicine through a fellowship at LSU Health Sciences Center Shreveport.

Board-certified in both pediatrics and neonatology, Dr. Kakkilaya is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and a member of the Royal College of Physicians.

He joined the UT Southwestern faculty in 2011 and currently serves as Director of Quality Improvement for the Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine.

Dr. Kakkilaya has delivered national and regional invited lectures and published numerous academic articles related to his areas of expertise. He serves as a reviewer for Pediatrics, The Journal of Pediatrics, Neonatology, and PLOS One.

In 2019, he earned the John Haven Emerson Award from the 36th Annual Advances in Therapeutics and Technology Conference.

Personal Note

When he’s not at work, Dr. Kakkilaya enjoys Indian classical music and travel.

Education & Training
  • Medical School - Karnatak University (1989-1990)
  • Residency - VM Medical College, India (1992-1993), Pediatrics
  • Fellowship - LSU Health Sciences Center Shreveport (2007-2010), Neonatal-perinatal Medicine
  • Residency - LSU Health Sciences Center Shreveport (2004-2007), Pediatrics
Professional Associations & Affiliations
  • American Academy of Pediatrics
  • Royal College of Physicians
  • Society for Pediatric Research
  • Southern Society for Pediatric Research
Honors & Awards
  • John Haven Emerson Award 2019, 36th Annual Advances in Therapeutics and Technology Conference
  • Young Investigator Award Finalist 2009, Southern Society for Pediatric Research
  • Travel Award 2008, Southern Society for Pediatric Research
  • Outstanding Resident 2004-2005, LSU Health Sciences Center
Books & Publications
Research
  • Less invasive surfactant administration
  • Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP): optimal delivery symptoms and weaning strategies in extremely low birth weight infants
  • Neonatal abstinence syndrome
  • New tools in improving informed decision making in the neonatal intensive care unit
  • Noninvasive respiratory support in preterm infants

Clinical Focus

  • Neonatal Ventilation
  • Clinical Quality Improvement

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