Bassam Farhat, MD
Assistant Professor
Department:
SOM-Anesthesiology
Email:
bfarhat@umc.edu
Work Phone:
(601) 984-5900
Biography
I grew up in Lebanon and pursued my medical education in Beirut. I graduated from the Lebanese University Faculty of Medical Sciences in 2015, followed by a one-year internship in general surgery (2015–2016). I then completed my residency in Anesthesiology at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC) in 2020. Subsequently, I completed a fellowship in Pediatric Anesthesiology at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, in 2021, followed by a fellowship in Regional Anesthesiology and Acute Pain Medicine at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, in 2022. I am currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology at UMMC, where I work full-time as a pediatric anesthesiologist.
Education
| University of Iowa, RAAPM, Regional Anesthesiology and Acute Pain Medicine | 2022 |
| Johns Hopkins University, Pediatric Anesthesiologist, Pediatric Anesthesiology | 2021 |
| American University of Beirut, Anesthesiologist, Anesthesiology | 2020 |
| Lebanese University Faculty of Medicine, MD, Medical School | 2015 |
Specialty Certification Licensure
| Certification, In process, UMMC | |
| Certification, ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support, UMMC | 08/2024 - 08/2026 |
| Certification, PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support, UMMC | 08/2024 - 08/2026 |
| DEA, Controlled Substance Registration, UMMC | 08/2022 - 09/2025 |
| NPI, National Provider Identifier, UMMC | 03/2021 - Present |
| Licensure, MSBML - Mississippi Board of Medical Licensure, UMMC | 08/2022 - 08/2025 |
Current Positions
| Assistant Professor, School of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology | 08/2022 - Present |
| The University of Mississippi Medical Center Jackson, Mississippi 39216 | |
Publications
Book Chapter | |
| Farhat B, Kurnutala L Medications and Techniques in Preoperative Pain Control: Examines various approaches for managing pain prior to surgery Springer - IN PROCESS (manuscript SUBMITTED) | |
Electronic Publications | |
| Farhat B, Ip V, Sondekoppam RV Curb your enthusiasm: Should Gabapentinoids be a routine component of multimodal analgesia? ASRA Pain Medicine News 2022;47. https://doi.org/10.52211/asra050122.015 | 2022 |
| Farhat B, Shebbo F, Kanazi G 'Translation, cross cultural adaptation and validation of an Arabic version of short form-2-Mcgill pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ-2) Middle East Journal of Anesthesiology (MEJA) - M.E.J. ANESTH 29 (1), 2022 | 2022 |
| Shebbo F, Farhat B, Makki M, & Kanazi G Translation, cross cultural adaptation and validation of Roland Morris low back pain tool in Lebanon Middle East Journal of Anesthesiology (MEJA) - M.E.J. ANESTH 28 (2), 2021 | 2021 |
| Seering MS, Farhat B Retrospective Analysis of Pain control for Lymphedema surgery: comparing IV pain medication to Epidural for lower extremity lymphedema surgery patients IN PROCESS - collecting data | |
| King J, Farhat B, Duncan F Telementoring in Pediatric Anesthesiology IN PROCESS - collecting data | |
| Sondekoppam RV, Farhat B Analgesia for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgeries: A comparison between intercostal blocks with liposomal bupivacaine and paravertebral blocks with plain bupivacaine - Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) IN PROCESS - trial concluded. Currently at the final follow-up phase, collecting data. | |
| Selvamani BJ, Sharma A, Farhat B, Sahin L, Seering MS, Parra M, Swaran Singh TS, Sibenaller ZA, Singhal AK, Bashir MA, Sondekoppam RV Analgesic efficacy and plasma concentration of lidocaine administered by intravenous route vs erector spinae plane blocks following open heart surgery: An Open-label, Randomized, Non-inferiority Clinical Trial (RCT) IN PROCESS - Manuscript SUBMITTED | |
Presentations
| Poster Presentation, Analgesic efficacy of lidocaine through ESP block was comparable to IV route, and plasma lidocaine level increased over time with continuous infusion reaching therapeutic level in both groups, American Society of Regional Anesthesia (ASRA), San Diego, CA - USA | 03/2024 |
| Poster Presentation, Peripheral Nerve Blocks may decrease opioid consumption after Sclerotherapy of Venous Malformations in Children, Society of Pediatric Pain Medicine (SPPM), Virtual (due to COVID) | 04/2021 |
Honors, Awards, and Recognition
| Faculty Honor Roll, UMMC - Anesthesiology | 2024 |
Professional Membership and Service
| European Society of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC), Member | 2025 - Present |
| American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA), Member | 2022 - Present |
| Mississippi Society of Anesthesiology (MSA), Member | 2022 - Present |
| Society of Pediatric Anesthesia (SPA), Member | 2022 - Present |
| American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine (ASRA), Member | 2022 - Present |
Committee Service
| Clinical Competence Committee (CCC) for Pediatric Anesthesiology Fellowship, Chair | 2025 - Present |
| Clinical Competence Committee (CCC) for Pediatric Anesthesiology Fellowship, Member | 2024 - 2025 |
| Equipment Management and Anesthesia Technologist training, Member | 2024 - Present |
| Opioid Stewardship Committee, Member | 2024 - Present |
| Pediatric Anesthesia Education Value Initiative Committee, Member | 2022 - 2024 |
| Program Evaluation Committee (PEC) for Pediatric Anesthesiology Fellowship, Member | 2022 - Present |
Community Service
| Mississippi Food Network service day, Volunteer | 04/2025 - 04/2025 |
Other Service
| Quality improvement and Safety champion, Physician champion of the Saphire pump project (owner): served as a super-user, providing training and support for pump use. Created new pediatric regional anesthesia order sets in Epic (electronic health record system) to ensure accurate and safe medication delivery to children receiving neuraxial or peripheral nerve block catheters. Established safety checkpoints, alarms, passcodes, and pre-defined infusion rate parameters (with upper limits that cannot be exceeded or bypassed by the user) to prevent overdosing. Additionally, incorporated emergency and rescue protocols to anticipate and treat potential medication side effects or toxicity | 01/2025 - Present |
| Quality improvement and Safety champion, Course presenter and director - - High-fidelity clinical simulations for trainees (residents, fellows) in the SIMULATION LAB - Neonatal Advanced Life Support (NALS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Airway Emergencies (Laryngospasm, Bronchospasm, Anticipated vs Unanticipated difficult airway), Anaphylaxis. | 09/2023 - Present |
| Quality improvement and Safety champion, Course presenter - Collaborated with Dr. Sara Robertson (project owner) to launch and execute the first Infant Spinal Program at Children's of Mississippi Operating Room (OR). Our goal is to provide a safer anesthetic alternative for high-risk patients who have contraindications to general anesthesia, especially premature infants and those with pulmonary hypertension secondary to cardiac, pulmonary, or neuromuscular pathologies. The program aims to avoid the need for intubation and overnight hospital stays, likely improving patient outcomes, decreasing the risk of complications and adverse events (particularly cardiopulmonary), and reducing overall financial costs | 09/2023 - Present |
| Quality improvement and Safety champion, Course presenter and director - The Pediatric Craniosynostosis Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) protocol is based on up-to-date, evidence-based recommendations to maintain the highest standards of care. Our goal is fast-tracked recovery with balanced resuscitation intraoperatively, extubation at the end of the procedure, removal of invasive lines and catheters on the first postoperative day, opioid stewardship, and transfer from the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) to a regular floor on the second postoperative day. | 02/2023 - Present |
| Quality improvement and Safety champion, Perioperative Crisis Management in the Operating Room (OR) includes Malignant Hyperthermia, mock codes, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), optimizing teamwork dynamics, code cart usage, and LifePak defibrillator training. This ensures perioperative staff readiness to handle emergencies with more efficient, focused, and targeted clinical care. Rehearsing is an excellent way to optimize teamwork, consolidate principles, retain information, and enhance clinical skills. It also provides a unique opportunity to debrief after each clinical scenario and refine our strategies. The more we practice, the better we perform! | 02/2023 - Present |
Teaching Experience
| Medicine, Lecture, Lecturer, Pediatric In-Training Exam (ITE) review for anesthesiology residents - Course director and presenter | Winter 2025 - 2025 |
| Medicine, Lecture, Lecturer, Pediatric pain management | Summer 2025 - 2025 |
| Medicine, Small Group, Course Director, Neonatal Advanced Life Support (NALS) Simulation - Course Director and Presenter. | Spring 2025 - 2025 |
| Medicine, Lecture, Lecturer, Pediatric Regional Anesthesia part 2 - Course director and presenter | Winter 2025 - 2025 |
| Medicine, Lecture, Lecturer, Pediatric Regional Anesthesia part 1 - Course director and presenter | Winter 2024 - 2024 |
| Medicine, Course, Course Presenter, Mock Oral Board Examiner | Winter 2024 - 2024 |
| Medicine, Lab, Course Director, Fellow Simulation; Unanticipated difficult airway- Course Director and Presenter. | Summer 2024 - 2024 |
| Medicine, Lecture, Lecturer, Pediatric Airway - Anesthesia Interns group 2 | Summer 2024 - 2024 |
| Medicine, Lab, Course Director, Fellow Simulation; Anticipated difficult airway - Course Director and Presenter. | Summer 2024 - 2024 |
| Medicine, Lab, Course Director, Pediatric Laryngospasm Simulation - Course Director and Presenter | Fall 2024 - 2024 |
| Medicine, Small Group, Course Director, Journal Club Moderator - Respiratory Adverse Events After LMA Removal in Children: A Randomized Trial Comparing Propofol to Sevoflurane | Summer 2024 - 2024 |
| Medicine, Lecture, Lecturer, Introduction to Pediatric Anesthesia - Medical students and Anesthesia Interns | Fall 2024 - 2024 |
| Medicine, Lecture, Lecturer, Pediatric pain assessment and Treatment; Acute vs Chronic - Fellow lecture | Fall 2024 - 2024 |
| Medicine, Lecture, Lecturer, Pediatric PDPH - Fellow lecture | Summer 2024 - 2024 |
| Medicine, Lecture, Lecturer, Pediatric Regional Anesthesia - Fellow lecture | Summer 2024 - 2024 |
| Medicine, Small Group, Course Presenter, Pediatric Anesthesia Jeopardy | Winter 2024 - 2024 |
| Medicine, Lecture, Lecturer, Pediatric Airway - Emergency Medicine Fellows lecture | Spring 2024 - 2024 |
| Medicine, Lab, Course Director, Neonatal Advanced Life Support (NALS) Simulation - Anesthesia resident group 1 | Spring 2024 - 2024 |
| Medicine, Lab, Course Director, Neonatal Advanced Life Support (NALS) Simulation - Anesthesia residents group 2 | Spring 2024 - 2024 |
| Medicine, Course, Course Presenter, Quality Improvement and Safety Project - Infant Spinal Program, in collaboration with Dr. Sara Robertson (owner) | Winter 2024 - 2024 |
| Medicine, Course, Course Director, Quality Improvement and Safety project - Malignant Hyperthermia (MH) policy review/update | Spring 2024 - 2024 |
| Medicine, Course, Course Presenter, Mock Oral Board Examiner | Spring 2024 - 2024 |
| Medicine, Course, Course Presenter, Mock Oral Board Examiner | Spring 2024 - 2024 |
| Medicine, Lecture, Course Presenter, Pediatric Airway - Anesthesia Interns group 1 | Spring 2024 - 2024 |
| Medicine, Lecture, Lecturer, Pediatric Airway - Medical Students | Fall 2023 - 2023 |
| Medicine, Lecture, Lecturer, Pediatric Regional Anesthesia Part 2 | Winter 2023 - 2023 |
| Medicine, Small Group, Lecturer, Morbidity and Mortality (M&M) conference- Iatrogenic Cardiac Tamponade | Fall 2023 - 2023 |
| Medicine, Course, Course Presenter, Mock Oral Board Examiner | Summer 2023 - 2023 |
| Medicine, Course, Course Presenter, Mock Oral Board Examiner | Summer 2023 - 2023 |
| Nursing, Course, Course Director, Quality Improvement and Safety Project - Mock code, Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Perioperative Crisis Management - Mock code, Optimizing Teamwork dynamics, code cart and Life Pack Defibrillator Training - Course Director and Presenter | Winter 2023 - 2023 |
| Nursing, Course, Course Director, Quality Improvement and Safety Project - Mock code, Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Perioperative Crisis Management - Mock Code Simulation on High-Fidelity Mannequin and Life Pack Defibrillator Training - Course Director and Presenter | Fall 2023 - 2023 |
| Medicine, Small Group, Course Director, Neonatal Advanced Life Support (NALS) Simulation - Course director and presenter | Spring 2023 - 2023 |
| Medicine, Small Group, Course Director, Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Simulation - Course director and presenter | Fall 2023 - 2023 |
| Medicine, Course, Course Director, Quality Improvement and Safety Project - Pediatric Craniosynostosis Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) Protocol | Spring 2023 - 2023 |
| Medicine, Course, Course Presenter, Mock Oral Board Examiner | Fall 2023 - 2023 |
| Medicine, Course, Course Presenter, Mock Oral Board Examiner | Fall 2023 - 2023 |
| Medicine, Lecture, Lecturer, Pediatric Airway - Medical Students | Winter 2022 - 2022 |
| Medicine, Lecture, Lecturer, Pediatric Regional Anesthesia Part 1 | Winter 2022 - 2022 |
| Medicine, Course, Course Presenter, Mock Oral Board Examiner | Fall 2022 - 2022 |
| Medicine, Course, Course Presenter, Mock Oral Board Examiner | Fall 2022 - 2022 |
| Medicine, Course, Course Presenter, Mock Oral Board Examiner | Fall 2022 - 2022 |
Directed Student Learning
| Preceptor, Advised: Anna Anna McCoy | 2024 - 2024 |
| Preceptor, Advised: Maia Shake | 2024 - 2024 |
| Supervised Teaching Activity | 2022 - Present |
Fellows supervised
| Pediatric Anesthesiology, Attending Physician, 1 fellows supervised, Pediatric Anesthesiology Fellowship training (1 year) | 07/2024 - 06/2025 |
Residency Training
| Anesthesiology, Advisor | 2024 - 06/2028 |
| Pediatric Anesthesiology, Attending Physician | 2022 - Present |