Celebrating Excellence: Dr. Walavan Sivakumar Named Philanthropy Physician Champion 2024
Transforming lives
Dedication, skill, and compassion are the keys to transforming lives in the world of medicine – and receiving recognition in this field signifies an unwavering commitment to excellence. We are thrilled to honor Walavan Sivakumar, MD, a neurosurgeon whose passion and expertise have earned him the prestigious title of Providence Philanthropy South Division’s Philanthropy Physician Champion 2024.
Competitive spirit and mindful presence
Dr. Sivakumar serves as the Director of the Stroke and Neurovascular Center at the Pacific Neuroscience Institute® and largely operates at Providence Little Company of Mary in Torrance, California. He uniquely blends a competitive spirit and mindful presence into his practice. He admits, “I am innately an insanely competitive person. I have a hard time not turning every single thing into a competition.” For Dr. Sivakumar, this competitive edge fuels his approach to strategic and dynamic problem-solving in the field of neurosurgery.
The importance of family
He became inspired to pursue a career in medicine from a young age, as he grew up in an extended family lineage of medical professionals. Many of Dr. Sivakumar’s relatives are doctors. Additionally, his sisters are either practicing or in medical school. His father was also a physician and his hero.
Beyond the operating room, Dr. Sivakumar’s life is anchored by his family. His wife, Donya, whose name fittingly means “world,” is his driving force. “She is incredibly passionate about everything she does,” he shares. As a pharmacist, Donya challenges and inspires him in ways that continually strengthen and motivate his personal and professional life.
Being with my wife, being with my son, being completely present in that moment — it has been more rewarding than I ever thought it would be. – DR. WALAVAN SIVAKUMAR
Blending work and home
A firm advocate for mindfulness, Dr. Sivakumar emphasizes the importance of being present both at work and at home. “Being with my wife, being with my son, being completely present in that moment — it has been more rewarding than I ever thought it would be,” he reflects. This philosophy underscores his approach to neurosurgery and life, highlighting the delicate balance of focus and presence necessary to thrive both professionally and personally.
Philanthropy Physician Champion 2024
Receiving the Philanthropy Physician Champion 2024 award is a humbling experience for Dr. Sivakumar, and he expresses his gratitude with sincerity: “I am just so thankful to get this recognition. It is inspiring. It is humbling. And being able to join this incredible list of physicians who are champions both in the medical realm, but also in the hospital realm and the philanthropic realm.”
As we celebrate Dr. Sivakumar’s achievement, we are reminded of the powerful legacy of excellence that is continually being cultivated in the medical field. “It is going to be incredible watching this lineage of incredible doctors grow,” he says, looking toward a future of innovation, leadership, and compassionate care.
Congratulations, Dr. Walavan Sivakumar! Your dedication and accomplishments inspire us all. We look forward to seeing the continued impact of your work and the remarkable contributions you will undoubtedly continue to make in the world of medicine.
About Dr. Walavan Sivakumar
Walavan Sivakumar, MD, is a fellowship-trained and board-certified neurosurgeon specializing in complex cranial surgery, with a focus on minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques. He is the director of neurovascular surgery at PNI, director of neurosurgery at PNI-South Bay, and one of the directors of the Stroke & Neurovascular Center. Dr. Sivakumar provides treatment for tumors of the brain, skull base, and pituitary in addition to cerebral aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations and carotid stenosis. He employs the “keyhole” technique, utilizing advanced technology and microsurgical techniques to minimize collateral damage to the brain.
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Last updated: April 24th, 2025