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Faculty Feature Christopher Sumski

Chris Sumski

Christopher Sumski, DO, MEd, was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. Because of this, his love for the Cardinals, Blues and toasted ravioli started early in life. After high school, Sumski began his tour of the Midwest, first attending undergrad at Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri. He double majored in Health Sciences and Biology. After graduation, Sumski moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where he attended medical school at Kansas City University. While in KC, he started dating his future wife, Allison, who he had originally met in high school English class. He, also, developed a deep love of jazz and BBQ (Arthur Bryant’s is the best, but KC Joe’s is also acceptable). He was, also, lucky enough to catch the Cardinals in interleague games, but few in attendance seemed to appreciate his Ozzie Smith jersey.

After graduation from medical school, Sumski moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for pediatrics residency, a chief residency year and cardiology fellowship. In his time in Milwaukee, Sumski honed his love for both carbs and cheese and practicing medicine. During his residency, he was lucky enough to marry Allison, who moved to Milwaukee during his intern year to, also, further develop her love for carbs and cheese (and Sumski). They were both able to catch quite a few Cardinals games in MKE, but even fewer people liked Sumski’ Ozzie Smith jersey. He may or may not have given himself an ulcer watching the NHL playoffs in 2019.

After fellowship, Sumski and Allison decided to return to St. Louis where there was decent toasted ravioli — and people who would finally appreciate an Ozzie Smith jersey. Sumski accepted a faculty position at Washington University Medical School in St. Louis in the division of cardiology in August 2020. His medical interests are in general and preventive pediatric cardiology, and he runs the preventive cardiology clinic at St. Louis Children’s Hospital with focuses on hyperlipidemia. He has interest in medical education and is passionate about working with medical trainees of all levels. He is a medical student coach and member of the Committee on Admissions for Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine. Sumski is, also, involved in graduate medical training as an associate program director for the pediatric cardiology fellowship.

In his free time he runs, makes attempts at playing guitar and chess, loves to read and spend time with his family – which now includes daughter, Emilia, French bulldog, Francis, and cat, Duchess (who chose to not be included in family picture day).