Programs
Departments & Divisions
Amith Skandhan, MD, SFHM, FACP
Associate Professor/Clinical
Dr. Amith Skandhan is a published, board-certified Hospitalist who joined UT Health San Antonio as an Associate Professor/Clinical in September 2023. He earned his Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from Vinayaka Mission's Medical College in Pondicherry, India in 2003 before going on to complete his Internal Medicine residency at UPMC Mercy in Pittsburgh, PA in 2011 (serving as Chief Resident from 2010 to 2011). Since the completion of his residency, Dr. Skandhan has held a number of distinguished leadership roles to include Medical Director/Physician Liaison, Associate Program Director, and Director of Physician Integration with Southeast Health in Dothan, AL.
Dr. Skandhan is a member of several professional organizations including the Association of Chiefs & Leaders of General Internal Medicine, American College of Physicians, Society of Hospital Medicine, American Medical Association, American Association of Physician Leadership, and the American Board of Quality Assurance and Utilization Review Physicians. He became a Fellow of the Society of Hospital Medicine in July 2021 and, in April 2024, initiated a brand-new local chapter of the Society of Hospital Medicine- the "Bluebonnet Chapter".
Dr. Skandhan is the recipient of the Outstanding Service in Hospital Medicine Award (2022), Best Outstanding Chapter- Wiregrass Chapter of SHM (2022), Platinum Ribbon- Wiregrass Chapter of SHM (2022), Most Engaged Chapter Leader Award (2021), and Best Outstanding Chapter- Wiregrass Chapter of SHM (2020) among many others.
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Professional Background
Education
- 2003 - Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) - Vinayaka Mission's Medical College
Training
- 2010 - Residency - Internal Medicine - UPMC Mercy
Appointments
- 09/2023 - Present - Associate Professor/Clinical - UT Health San Antonio
- 07/2022 - 09/2023 - Associate Program Director - Internal Medicine Residency Program, Southeast Health
- 07/2019 - 09/2023 - Director of Physician Integration - Southwest Health Statera Network
- 07/2017 - 09/2023 - Lead Physician Advisor, Utilization Review and Process Management - Southwest Health
- 10/2015 - Present - Medical Director/Physician Liaison, Clinical Documentation Improvement - Southwest Health
- 06/2015 - 09/2023 - Senior Lead Hospitalist, Department of Hospital Medicine - Southwest Health
- 05/2015 - 09/2023 - Lead Physician, Networking Outreach and Public Relations Task Force for Clinical Optimization and Revenue Integrity - Southwest Health
- 2010 - 2011 - Chief Resident - UPMC Mercy
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Instruction & Training
- 07/2022 - 07/2023, Leadership in Health Policy (LEAHP), Society of General Internal Medicine (SGIM)
- 01/2020 - 04/2020, Advanced Training Program in Healthcare Delivery Improvement, Intermountain Healthcare
- 01/2019 - 01/2020, Physician Leadership in Hospital Medicine, American College of Physicians & American Association for Physician Leadership
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Service
School
Southeast Health
07/2022-08/2023: Associate Program Director, IM Residency Program
07/2022-08/2023: Member/Faculty, Program Evaluation Committee
07/2022-08/2023: Member/Faculty, Clinical Competency Committee
07/2019-08/2023: Director/Advisor, IM Residency Program Faculty Development Committee
07/2019-08/2023: Member/Advisor, IM Residency Program Scholarly Activity
07/2019-08/2023: Member/Advisor, IM Residency Program Research Committee
12/2018-08/2023: Member/Advisor, IM Residency Clinical Competency Committee
06/2018-08/2023: Advisor, Insurance Company Contract Evaluation & Negotiation Taskforce
12/2017-08/2023: Lead, Utilization Review
06/2017-08/2023: Founder/Organizer/Moderator, Patient, Family, & Healthcare Encounter Simulation to Improve Empathy & Communication
06/2017-08/2023: Consultant, Ethics Committee
12/2016-08/2023: Initiator/Moderator, M&M Conference
10/2016-08/2023: Faculty, Clinical Competency Committee
10/2016-08/2023: Faculty, Program Evaluation Committee
03/2017-05/2017: Consultant/Guide, Optimization and Process Improvement Committee
09/2017-01/2018: Interviewer, IM Residency
Institutional
Southeast Health
Chairman
10/2019-08/2023: Readmission Committee
10/2019-08/2023: Annual Wellness Visits Improvement Task Force
07/2019-08/2023: Physician Participation Committee
03/2019-08/2023: Left Without Being Seen Reduction Committee
07/2019-08/2023: Director of Physician Integration
Member
10/2020-08/2023: Sepsis Reduction Committee
07/2019-08/2023: Statera Clinical Integration and QI Committee
07/2016-07/2017: Wellness Committee
Other
05/2018-08/2023: Guide/Mentor, Research Committee
03/2018-08/2023: Senior Lead Hospitalist, Peer Evalation & Feedback Committee
12/2017-08/2023: Lead Physician Advisor, Utilization Review and Process Management
10/2016-08/2023: Member, Performance-based Metrics for Value-based Care
10/2015-08/2023: Medical Director/Physician Liaison, Clinical Documentation Improvement
06/2015-08/2023: Senior Lead Hospitalist, Dept. of Hospital Medicine
05/2015-08/2023: Lead Physician, Networking Outreach and Public Relations Task Force for Clinical Optimization and Revenue Integrity
Service to the Profession
02/2018-03/2023: Editor, The Hospitalist
National
03/2024-Present- Member, Society of Hospital Medicine Awards Committee
01/2024-Present: Member, American College of Physicians' International Medical Graduate Steering Committee
09/2021-Present: Member, Assoc. of Chiefs & Leaders of General Internal Medicine (ACLGIM)
08/2021-Present: Reviewer, American College of Physicians
07/2021-Present: Facilitator, Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM) Leadership Academy
03/2017-Present: Member, SHM Performance Measurement and Reporting Committee (PMRC)
02/2016-Present: Member, American Board of Quality Assurance and Utilization Review Physicians
2003-Present: Life Member, International Society for Research on Civilation and Environment
2003-Present: Life Member, Indian Medical Association (IMA)
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Publications
D'Aguilar S-K, Skandhan A. Proteinuria: A guide to diagnosis and assessment. Intern Med Open J. 2020; 4(1): 3-9. doi: 10.17140/IMOJ-4-112
Haferkamp S, Cherukuru S, Valasarreddi S, and Skandhan A. An Ambulating and Alert Patient with a Hemoglobin of 1.8 g/dL and Hematocrit of 7.2%. BMJ Case Reports Nov 2018, 11 (1) e226000; DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2018-226000
Vasudevan, Jaya; Skandhan, Amith; Skandhan, Avni KP; Balakrishnan, Sumangala; Skandhan Kalangot KP. Reviews in Microbiology. 29(2): 43-50, April 2018.
Valsa J, Skandhan KP, Gusani PH, Sahab Khan P, Amith S. Quality of 4 - hourly ejaculations- levels of calcium and magnesium. Andrologia (Hamberg, Germany) 45:10-17, 2013.
Valsa J, Skandhan KP, Amith S, Anvi KPS. Calcium and magnesium in the male reproductive system and its secretion III. Effect of different timing on the concentration in human seminal plasma and spermatozoa. Urologia (Doson, Italy) 80: 1-6, 2013.
Skandhan KP, Amith S, Vadodaria H, Mazundar BN, Dhuri K, Gondalia M. Pheromone in human urine: A study. Adv Sex Med (UK) 3:35, 2013.
Valsa J, Skandhan KP, Sahab Khan P, Sumangala B, Amith S. Estimation of calciium and magnesium in seminal plasma. A comparative study of calorimetry and atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Int J Analy Bioanaly Chem. 3:23-26, 2013.
Dayani S, Mistry, Skandhan KP, Jyothishi H, Amith S. A Single Herbal Drug Abutilon Indium, for Treatment of Complaints during Pregnancy (Jaipur, India) 7:18-24, 2013
Veena K, Skandhan KP, Siraj MVP, Amith S. Effect of visible light on human sperm motility. Urologia (Doson, Italy) 79: 1-5,2012
Skandhan KP, Sumangala B, Amith S, Avni KPS. Electron microscopic (Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis) study on human male reproductive organ and semen. Biol Trace Elem Res (UK) 141:91-95, 2011
Skandhan KP, Sumangala B, Mehta YB, Roy PB, Amith S, Avni KPS. Level of gold in normal and pathological semen. Urologia (Doson, Italy) 77:254-256, 2010.
Skandhan KP, Sumangala B, Sahab Khan P, Amith S, Avni KPS. Letter to the Editor; About gold in Human Semen. International Journal of Ayurveda Research October-December 2010; Volume 1 Issue 4.
Skandhan KP, Amith S, Avni KPS. X-ray Diffraction Study on Human Male Reproductive Tract and Semen. Urologia (Doson, Italy) 76:198-202, 2009
Skandhan KP, Amith S, Avni KPS. Electron Microscopic (EDAX) Study on Human semen Urologia (Dodson, Italy) 76:198-202, 2009
Skandhan KP, Shipla VS, Dodia A, Amith S, Vesuna PR. Semen of Impotent Patients. Sexologies 17:96-101, 2008.
Valsa J, Skandhan KP, Amith S. Calcium and Magnesium in Male Reproductive System & in its Secretion. IV Source in Animal Tissues Ind J Ani Reprod 29:95-98, 2008
Vasla J, Skandhan KP, Avni KPS, Amith S. Calcium and Magnesium in Male Reproductive System & in its Secretion. Part II Within-subject variability in human seminal plasma and spermatozoa. Urologia 74:94-96, 2007.
Skandhan KP, Jiyo C, Amith S. Different Electrolytes, and Metals in Human Seminal Plasma. Gazz Med Ital 166: 181-186, 2007
Skandhan KP, Amith S, Avni S. India responds to study on Herbal Medicine Products. Zeits Phytother 27:293, 2006
Skandhan KP, Makada M, Amith S. Level of Cadmium, Chromium, Nickel, Magnesium, and Lead in Normal and Pathological Human Seminal Plasma. Urologia 72:461:464, 2005
Skandhan KP, Amith S, Avni S. India Reacts Sharply on Homeopathy Research Report (Letter) The Lancet 366:2085, 2005
Godatwar PR, Singh G, Skandhan KP, Shukla VD, Shukla VV, Amith S. Effect of "Suvarna Bhasma" (Gold Ash), an indigenous Ayurvedic Preparation, on Testis and Epididymis of Rat. 2008.
Skandhan KP, Amith S, Avni KPS. Exploding Population of India (Letter) 2008.
POSTER PRESENTATIONS
Tale of a Salty Death! To be presented at the Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM), SHM Converge, March 27, 2023
Extensive Hidradenitis Suppurativa with Severe Iron Deficency Anemia: A Rare Presentation. Sanjida Jahan, MD; Sahar Baloch, MD; Zara Baloch, MBBS; Amith Skandhan MD. 7th Annual Wiregrass Chapter of the Society of Hospital Medicine Poster Competition, December 02,2022.
Emphysematous Cholecystitis: An Uncommon Life Threatening Variant of a Common Culprit. Mina Ghaly, M.D., Monica Whaley, B.S., Kylie Besly, B.S., Jamie Morrow, D.O., Amith Skandhan MD. 3rd place in Clinical Vignette Category, 7th Annual Wiregrass Chapter of the Society of Hospital Medicine Poster Competition, December 02,2022.
Esophageal Tear as an initial Presentation of Eosinophilic Esophagitis. Mina Ghaly M.D., Bridget Budny M.S., M.S., Grant Gregory M.S., Amith Skandhan MD. 7th Annual Wiregrass Chapter of the Society of Hospital Medicine Poster Competition, December 02,2022.
Osmotic Demyelination Syndrome with Lactulose Enema. Abdul Chaudry M.D.; Katherine Whalen, OMS-II; Bailee Keefe, OMS-II; Sai Avula, MD; Amith Skandhan MD. 7th Annual Wiregrass Chapter of the Society of Hospital Medicine Poster Competition, December 02,2022.
Analyzing the Effect of Tocilizumab in Critical Care Unit COVID-19 patients. Adnan Liaqat MD, Pooja Patak MD, Gregory G MD, Devesh Dahale MS MBA, Sebastian Tosto MD, Amith Skandhan MD, Ravi Nallamothu MD. Accepted for presentation at American Thoracic Society International Conference on May 15, 2022.
Measuring and Improving Mentorship for Equity: a Human-Centered Design Project in Medical Education Sasha-Kay D’Aguilar, MD; Ariail Schmitz, DO; Amith Skandhan, MD SFHM FACP; Meghana Gadgil, MD MPH FACP. Institute for Healthcare Improvement Conference, December 07, 2021
Assessing Mentee Experience in Medical Education Using Human-Centered Design Ariail Schmitz, DO; Sasha-Kay D’Aguilar, MD; Amith Skandhan, MD SFHM FACP, Meghana Gadgil, MD MPH FACP. Institute for Healthcare Improvement Conference, December 07, 2021
Evaluating the Impact of Mentorship and Sponsorship in the Professional Success of Physicians. Ariail Schmitz, DO; Sasha-Kay D’Aguilar, MD; Amith Skandhan, MD SFHM FACP*; Meghana Gadgil, MD MPH FACP. . Institute for Healthcare Improvement Conference, December 07, 2021
Mentorship Program Renovation, a Specialized Human Centered Design Project. Ariail Schmitiz DO, Sasha-Kay D’Aguilar MD, Amith Skandhan MD, Meghana Gadgil MD MPH. Winner of 6th Annual Wiregrass Chapter of Society of Hospital Medicine Poster Competition, November 18, 2021.
Improving patient and hospital healthcare costs by incentivizing generic drug prescription. Maria Fernanda Kewish M.D; Erica M. Román M.D; Amith Skandhan MD; James Roberson Jr. MD. 6th Annual Wiregrass Chapter of Society of Hospital Medicine Poster Competition, November 18, 2021
Improving diabetic management in order to improve health outcomes Katherine Ellen Whalen, OMS-I; Rafaela Basso, MD; Erica M. Román, MD; Amith Skandhan, MD, James Robeson Jr., MD. 6th Annual Wiregrass Chapter of Society of Hospital Medicine Poster Competition, November 18, 2021
Inappropriate use of Antibiotics of the treatment of Acute Sinusitis and Uncomplicated Otitis Media Sanjida Jahan, MD; Sheila Hernandez, MD; Erica Roman, MD; Amith Skandhan MD 6th Annual Wiregrass Chapter of Society of Hospital Medicine Poster Competition, November 18, 2021
Colon Cancer Screening initiative in Medicare Patients. Maria Kewish, MD; Erica M. Román, MD; Sasha-Kay D’Aguilar, MD; Amith Skandhan, MD. 6th Annual Wiregrass Chapter of Society of Hospital Medicine Poster Competition, November 18, 2021
Capturing the silent killer: Obstructive Sleep Apnea. William C. Grant, OMS-II; Maria Kewish, M.D.; Erica M. Roman, M.D.; Amith Skandhan, MD.; James Robeson Jr., M.D. . 6th Annual Wiregrass Chapter of Society of Hospital Medicine Poster Competition, November 18, 2021
Breast Cancer Screening initiative in Medicare Patients Erica M. Román Hernández, MD; Maria Kewish, MD; Sasha-Kay D’Aguilar, MD; Amith Skandhan, MD. . 6th Annual Wiregrass Chapter of Society of Hospital Medicine Poster Competition, November 18, 2021
Analyzing the Effect of Tocilizumab in Critical Care Unit COVID-19 patients. Adnan Liaqat MD, Pooja Patak MD, Gregory G MD, Devesh Dahale MS MBA, Sebastian Tosto MD, Amith Skandhan MD, Ravi Nallamothu MD. 6th Annual Wiregrass Chapter of Society of Hospital Medicine Poster Competition, November 18, 2021
Covid-19 and vaccination misinformation, a two-fold battle in our community. Katherine Ellen Whalen, OMS-I; Erica M. Román, MD; Tim Mayhall, M.Div., BCC; Amith Skandhan, MD; Kierstin Kennedy, MD; Ellen Eaton, MD ; Dr. George Marty Solomon. 6th Annual Wiregrass Chapter of Society of Hospital Medicine Poster Competition, November 18, 2021
Less is more – Avoiding unnecessary EKG testing for low-risk asymptomatic patients. William C Grant OS-III, Devam Parghi MD, Erica Roman MD, Amith Skandhan MD, James Robeson Jr. 6th Annual Wiregrass Chapter of Society of Hospital Medicine Poster Competition, November 18, 2021
Out of Sight, Out of Mind – An attempt to improve regular renal function monitoring for ‘CKD with concurrent NSAID use’. Devam Parghi MD, Sasha-Kay D’Aguilar MD, Erica Roman MD, Amith Skandhan MD, Charles Ibie MD. 6th Annual Wiregrass Chapter of Society of Hospital Medicine Poster Competition, November 18, 2021
Reducing Unnecessary Imaging Studies for Uncomplicated Headaches. Stephen Valle, MD; Adnan Liaqat, MD; Barsbold Ganbat, OMS-4; Anthony D. Hollman, MD; Amith Skandhan, MD. 6th Annual Wiregrass Chapter of Society of Hospital Medicine Poster Competition, November 18, 2021
Improving Hospital Length of Stay (LOS) with Interdisciplinary Rounding. Gulzar Q MD, Zafar T MD, Greggory G MD, Dahale D MS MBA, Amith Skandhan MD, Nallamothu R MD. 6th Annual Wiregrass Chapter of Society of Hospital Medicine Poster Competition, November 18, 2021
Vitamin C Deficiency Masquerading as a Vasculitis. Arielle Schmitz, Vindhya Katpally, Charles Ibie, Amith Skandhan. 5th Annual Wiregrass Chapter of Society of Hospital Medicine Poster Competition, November 07, 2020.
An uncommon presentation for asymptomatic pheochromocytoma. Tehmina Zafar, Mazzen Zarrour, Amith Skandhan, Mamatha Kondapalli. 5th Annual Wiregrass Chapter of Society of Hospital Medicine Poster Competition, November 07, 2020.
Consistent Prescribing of Generic Medications for Healthcare Cost Savings. Sujith Narayanan, Britni Smith, Amith Skandhan, James Robeson. 5th Annual Wiregrass Chapter of Society of Hospital Medicine Poster Competition, November 07, 2020.
Reducing the Utilization of Imaging with Uncomplicated, Primary Headaches. Adam Thomas, Amith Skandhan, Anthony Hollman. 5th Annual Wiregrass Chapter of Society of Hospital Medicine Poster Competition, November 07, 2020.
Hypertension Initiative: Increasing Patient Compliance with Antihypertensive Medications. Tiffany Rey, Amith Skandhan, James Robeson. 5th Annual Wiregrass Chapter of Society of Hospital Medicine Poster Competition, November 07, 2020.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Screening and the Potential for Healthcare Cost Savings. Cherie Shuler, Victoria Phillips, Amith Skandhan, James Robeson, Kyle Jones. 5th Annual Wiregrass Chapter of Society of Hospital Medicine Poster Competition, November 07, 2020.
A quality improvement intervention to reduce inappropriate antibiotic use in acute sinusitis and otitis externa. Barsbold Ganpat, Amith Skandhan, James Robeson. 5th Annual Wiregrass Chapter of Society of Hospital Medicine Poster Competition, November 07, 2020.
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Clinical
Board Certifications
- 2010 - American Board of Internal Medicine