Dr. Kathleen Sullivan, MD

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Get to know Anesthesiologist Dr. Kathleen Sullivan, who serves patients in Laguna Hills, California.

Being a highly-experienced anesthesiologist, Dr. Sullivan serves as the Chief of Staff at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, California.

MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center is ranked as one of the top hospitals in Orange County for medical & surgical services. The hospital is continually honored for exceptional medical expertise that offers high quality, compassionate care for patients and families at every stage of their lives. For over forty years, South Orange County residents of all ages have entrusted MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center with their health care needs.

Throughout her academic career, Dr. Sullivan was a biology graduate of Harvard University, where she was a member of the women’s rowing team that won the national championship and competed in European championships in Russia, was named intramural athlete of the year, and played French horn in the marching band. She attended the Stanford University School of Medicine, graduating with her medical degree in 1980. 

During her internship at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, she met her husband. Thereafter, she completed her residency in anesthesiology at Stanford University Hospital and her cardiac, research and anesthesiology fellowship at UCLA Medical Center. 

Among the doctor’s most notable achievements, she is board-certified in anesthesiology by the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA). As the certifying body for anesthesiologists since 1938, the ABA is committed to partnering with physicians to advance lifelong learning and exceptional patient care. Its mission is to advance the highest standards of the practice of anesthesiology. 

An active community contributor, Dr. Sullivan created a group of physicians and volunteers for an annual patient hair washing program in 2011, providing that extra measure of care appreciated by patients and families.

Anesthesiology is the medical specialty concerned with the total perioperative care of patients before, during, and after surgery. It encompasses anesthesia, intensive care medicine, critical emergency medicine, and pain medicine. Anesthesiologists have the primary responsibility of monitoring the patient’s vital signs during surgery. In addition to basic measurements such as pulse, blood pressure and temperature, anesthesiologists also measure the patient’s respiration.

Happily married, Dr. Sullivan and her husband live in Laguna Hills. They have four adult children.

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