CRNA News

Laura Wiggins, DNP, MSN, CRNA, Lt. Col. (Ret), USAF, has been elected as Regional Director for the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology, representing Region 6, which covers Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

Organized by Anna Gombar, MS, CRNA, and KC Smith, DNP, CRNA, the event raised $1,853, which will directly support programs at the Children's Home of Pittsburgh.

Elizabeth Moore, DNP, CRNA, has been named a Notable Nominee for the UPMC Extra Mile Award. Her nomination was highlighted from a competitive field and will be included with the winners in the award announcement.

The certified registered nurse anesthetists at UPMC Magee‑Womens Hospital organized a Spring and Easter card‑writing campaign in partnership with Letters Against Isolation to support homebound and nursing‑home seniors.

The drive raised $560 for the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, which will help provide more than 1,500 meals to individuals and families across the region.

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.