CRNA News

On Monday, January 26, 2026, the Pitt/UPMC Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine will welcome a new clinical site as the certified registered nurse anesthetists from UPMC Washington officially join University of Pittsburgh Physicians.

Congratulations to the faculty, CRNAs, and staff selected as award recipients for going above and beyond in service to the department's mission of excellence in clinical care, teaching, research, biomedical innovation, and philanthropy.

Daniel was nominated for this award by Jennifer Fleegle-Vitsas, MSN, CRNA, who wrote in her nomination letter that “he is extremely caring and considerate” and carries with him an “unwavering loyalty and thoughtfulness to his colleagues.”

Jennifer R. Kundick, MSN, CRNA, Joseph D. Borsuk, MS, CRNA, and Scott E. Licata, MD, received teaching awards for their exceptional dedication to SRNA education and clinical instruction.

They participated the Foster Love Project's Annual Bag Drive by collecting and donating six bags fully stocked with essential items children need when transitioning to a new home.

Working with Neighborhood Resilience, a Hill District community organization dedicated to supporting local residents, our CRNA team carefully selected presents to match the unique wish lists of 25 children across all age groups, from toddlers to teens, as well as five seniors.

The UPMC Presbyterian anesthesiology team collected over 70 food items for a local food bank and raised more than $2,600 to fulfill wish lists for two families through the Salvation Army's program.

Julia Dixon-Ernst, MSN, CRNA and Erica Wiesen, MSN, CRNA, proudly represented our department at the 2025 UPMC Pathways to Work High School Career Event on Thursday, November 20.

The University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing's Cameos of Caring® Program & Awards Gala celebrates nurses who demonstrate exceptional clinical skill, compassionate advocacy, and professional leadership.

A team of CRNA volunteers cared for patients at the Mission of Mercy Pittsburgh free care clinic, held on October 24-25, 2025, at David H. Lawrence Convention Center in downtown Pittsburgh.