CRNA News

Our department has maintained a close affiliation with the Pitt Nurse Anesthesia Program for many years, with many of our CRNAs serving as program faculty.

Denise spent many years at UPMC, including service as Clinical Director of Nurse Anesthesia at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.

The half-day, in‑person program brought together registered nurses from across the region who are interested in advancing their careers in nurse anesthesia.

Amy spent more than 20 years as a CRNA at UPMC Magee-Women’s Hospital, where she served with skill, compassion, and professionalism until her retirement in 2018.

Dale Fleck, Jennifer Fleegle-Vitsas, and Derek Reckard won the UPMC Physician Services “Extra Mile” Award, which celebrates individuals who perform their roles with exceptional dedication, go above and beyond, elevate morale, embody UPMC’s values, and uplift everyone around them.

Our department's more than 400 CRNAs observed the week through meaningful community outreach and collaborative events that demonstrated their commitment to care both inside and outside the operating room.

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.