Walavan Sivakumar, MD
Torrance, CA 90503
Pacific Neuroscience Institute
5215 Torrance Boulevard, Suite 300, Torrance, CA 90503
Insurances Accepted
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About Walavan Sivakumar
Walavan Sivakumar, M.D., is a fellowship-trained neurosurgeon specializing in minimally invasive and endoscopic neurosurgery. With expertise in brain and skull-base tumors, pituitary/parasellar tumors, and intra-ventricular brain tumors, he utilizes advanced neuroimaging and microsurgical techniques to minimize collateral damage to the brain.
Dr. Sivakumar has over 40 peer-reviewed publications. A local and national level speaker, he has received numerous awards for research in cranial surgery and tumor biology. Award highlights include the William H. Sweet Award from the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Stryker Neuro-Oncology Award from the Congress of Neurological Surgeons, and best research awards from the Rocky Mountain Neurosurgical Society and Western Neurosurgical Society. His current research focuses on brain tumor biology and skull base surgery outcomes. He currently serves as a reviewer for the Journal of Neurosurgery and is on the editorial board of Frontiers in Neurology and Oncology.
A Los Angeles native, Dr. Sivakumar completed his undergraduate studies in Neuroscience at UCLA. He attained his MD with distinction from USC, being elected to the Skull and Dagger All University Honor Society and Order of Arete, the highest honor given to a USC graduate student. During medical school, he served as student body president and was awarded the National Leadership Award by the American Medical Association (AMA).
He completed his residency training in Salt Lake City at the University of Utah under the guidance of Dr. William Couldwell, former president of the AANS. He completed his fellowship in Endoscopic Skull Base and Pituitary Surgery and Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery with Dr. Daniel Kelly at the Saint John’s Cancer Institute in 2016.
Dr. Sivakumar is an active member of the AANS and CNS, currently serving on the national Young Neurosurgeons Committee and executive committee of the AANS/CNS Section on Tumors. He has a deep interest in neurosurgical trainee education, having served on the national Liaison Committee on Medical Education and is involved in the Clinical/Research Neurosurgical Fellowship at the Saint John’s Cancer Institute.
USC Keck School of Medicine - Los Angeles, CA
2010
University of Utah Hospital - Salt Lake City, UT
2011
University of Utah Hospital - Salt Lake City, UT
2017
John Wayne Cancer Institute - Santa Monica, CA
2016
Committees:
- Member, AANS Young Neurosurgeons Committee 2014 - Present
- Member Congress of Neurological Surgeons - CNS
- Member American Association of Neurological Surgeons - AANS
- American Board of Neurological Surgery, Neurological Surgery
Saint John’s Health Center Cancer Clinic – Santa Monica
Providence Saint John's Health Center
Providence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance
Providence Little Company of Mary Torrance - Spine Institute
Providence Little Company of Mary Torrance - Stroke and Neurosciences
Community Reviews
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Dr Sivakumar is an extremely caring physician who is considerate of all of my medical issues. He provides the best possible care any patient can ask for. Dr Sivakumar is compassionate and comprehensive no matter what age you are and goes over and beyond to help you. I am truly blessed to be under his care. Thank you.
Providence Patient
Very good
Providence Patient
My experience with Dr Sivakumar and his team was overwhelmingly positive and highly professional. From the moment of my unexpected diagnosis of a pituitary gland tumor, I felt truly cared for. Dr Sivakumar's attention to detail, along with the exceptional level of care provided, made a tremendous difference during a very challenging time. His compassion, patience, and reassuring bedside manner gave me the strength and confidence to face the journey ahead. The surgery was a success-a testament to Dr Sivakumar's remarkable skill and the medical talent he has been blessed with. I am deeply grateful for his calm presence, consistent support, and encouragement throughout the entire process. Without hesitation, I would recommend Dr. Sivakumar to anyone in need of neurosurgical care. In my view, Dr. Sivakumar is nothing short of a Rockstar!
Providence Patient
Everyone in the doctors office are very nice and very caring
Providence Patient
PNI at the Torrance location has always been great to us.
Providence Patient
I enjoyed my time at your facility. And I will be back!
Providence Patient