The Las Vegas medical community and all who knew him mourn the passing of our friend and colleague, Dr. Jagannath “Jag” Surpure, M.D., who left us on August 30, 2025, at the age of 82. A titan in the field of pediatric emergency medicine, Dr. Surpure was a triple board-certified physician whose humility and soft-spoken nature belied a pioneering spirit and a profound dedication to healing children.

A Life of Purpose and Dedication

Born in India, Dr. Surpure was a lifelong learner whose journey in medicine took him across the world. He received his medical degree from B. J. Medical College Ahmedabad before further training in England and finally arriving in the United States in 1973.

His academic career was distinguished by a seventeen-year tenure as a teaching faculty emergency physician at the University of Oklahoma’s Children and Adult Hospital. It was during this time that he worked with the American College of Emergency Physicians to design courses that trained doctors in the emergency treatment of children. He later brought his expertise to Las Vegas, becoming the founding director of pediatric emergency services at UMC hospital—a position where his work undoubtedly saved and improved countless young lives.

A Legacy of Medical Excellence

Dr. Surpure’s accomplishments are a testament to his expertise and passion:

· Triple Board-Certified Physician: He held the rare and distinguished honor of being certified in Pediatrics, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, and Adult Emergency Medicine.

· Pioneering Educator: He was instrumental in introducing critical training courses like Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) and APLS across India.

· Prolific Author: He contributed significantly to medical literature, authoring over thirty journal articles, several book chapters, and books.

· Dedicated Practitioner: Until his passing, he was affiliated with Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center and Summerlin Hospital Medical Center, and was the Medical Director at Children’s Urgent Care in Henderson, Nevada.

A Personal Reflection from a Friend and Colleague

As a fellow physician, I recognized in Jag a rare combination of towering intellect and profound humility. The medical community has lost a brilliant mind, but I have lost a dear friend. He was, as I remember him, a great and humble man—a kind and soft-spoken soul whose presence was a calming force. He spoke often and lovingly of his family, who were the center of his world.

A Family Man

Dr. Surpure’s legacy continues through his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Ratan Surpure; his two sons, Shantanu and Sudheer; his daughter-in-law, Amolika; and his cherished grandchildren, Anika and Agastya. They, along with his countless friends, colleagues, and former patients, carry forward the precious gift of his memory.

“Rest in eternal peace, Dr. Surpure. Your healing touch, your quiet wisdom, and your pioneering spirit will never be forgotten.”

With deepest sympathy,

R.D. Prabhu, M.D.

Memorial service information https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/las-vegas-nv/jagannath-surpure-12505106