Community Engagement

Rachel Hicks and Jessica Kridler from UPMC Shadyside continued their STEM education outreach efforts to introduce high school students to careers in nurse anesthesia at several “Medical Milestones” events throughout February and March 2025.

In the show's latest episode, the ER team treats 81-year-Willie, who was once a medic for the Freedom House Ambulance Service, which was founded by our first chair, Dr. Peter Safar.

Our nurse anesthesia mentorship programs have significantly contributed to the professional development and success of certified registered nurse anesthetists and student registered nurse anesthetists.

On September 26, 2024, UPMC Shadyside CRNAs Rachel Hicks and Jessica Kridler joined forces with M-PowerHouse again to introduce high school students at the Pittsburgh Science and Technology Academy to careers in nurse anesthesia. 

Their innovative study aims to address the complex interplay between socioeconomic factors and obstetric anesthesia care for patients with opioid use disorder.

A recent study led by Andrea Ibarra, MD, MS, published in JCA Advances, highlights the beneficial impact of increased institutional diversity engagement on reducing burnout among anesthesia providers.

UPMC Shadyside nurse anesthetists Rachel Hicks, MSN, CRNA, and Jessica E. Kridler, MSN, CRNA, partnered with M-PowerHouse on February 22, 2024, unveiling a program to introduce high school students to the fulfilling vocational path of becoming a CRNA.

Paul Hoffmann, DO, is an anesthesiologist working at UPMC Presbyterian and UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.

John W. Jones, MSN, CRNA, works at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital as a nurse anesthetist in the anesthesiology department.

Laura Wiggins, DNP, MSN, CRNA, Lt. Col. (retired), USAF, is one of the OB Clinical Coordinators for the Nurse Anesthesia Program and an Assistant Professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing. She primarily works at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital as a CRNA.