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February 2025 Publications

Twenty-four publications authored or co-authored by members of our team were published in February 2025.
epidural needle

Drs. Trent Emerick and Kevin Bell Awarded CMI Funding to Advance Epidural Needle Innovation

Funding from the University of Pittsburgh Center for Medical Innovation (CMI) will be used to further develop the "One-Pass Epidural Needle" (OPEN), a device aimed at enhancing the safety and efficiency of spinal cord stimulator lead placement procedures.
Dr. Riley at the 2024 ANZCA Medal ceremony

Dr. Richard Riley: From UPMC Residency to Global Recognition in Anesthesiology and Simulation

We had the pleasure of catching up with Richard H. Riley, MBBS, FANZCA, D.ABA, FSSH, a distinguished alum of our department and a highly regarded expert in anesthesiology and medical simulation.
a trio of CRNAs from UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh

Honoring Care and Community: Celebrating National CRNA Week 2025

True to tradition, our CRNAs marked the week with events that highlighted their commitment to education, community service, and collaboration.
American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) logo

Dr. Kristin Ondecko Ligda Invited to Serve as Examiner for ABA APPLIED Exam

ABA examiners play a crucial role in shaping the future of anesthesiology by upholding excellence in the certification process.
a person's hand holding a pile of dirt with a small tree growing from the pile in a light bulb

Dr. Isabela Angelelli Wins Award in Pitt’s 2024 Sustainability in Healthcare Challenge

Her team’s project, "Development of a Reusable Pulse Oximeter Prototype Functional in Clinical Settings," aims to reduce medical waste by designing a sustainable, clinically viable alternative to disposable pulse oximeters.
Dr. Emerick and researchers in the lab

Creating a Biodegradable Nerve Stimulator to Treat Chronic Pain

Dr. Trent Emerick teamed up with Swanson researchers Xinyan (Tracy) Cui and Kevin Woeppel to create a chronic pain solution that lasts longer than a nerve block, but has fewer risks and side effects than a permanent implant.
Ajay Wasan

Dr. Ajay Wasan Appointed to NIH/NCCIH National Advisory Council

Ajay D. Wasan, MD, MSc, MA, has been invited to serve on the National Advisory Council for Complementary and Integrative Health. His term will extend through July 31, 2028.
Trent D. Emerick, MD, MBA, FASA

Dr. Trent Emerick Featured in Pain Medicine News

Trent D. Emerick, MD, MBA, FASA, was featured in Pain Medicine News for his insights on research from an Australian multidisciplinary pain service highlighting the successful integration of a psychology-based, internet-delivered intervention into routine pain management care.
3d graphic of a heart

Faculty Achieve Certification in Adult Cardiac Anesthesiology

Congratulations to Drs. Michael Boisen, Theresa Gelzinis, and Quratulain Samoon, who successfully passed the American Board of Anesthesiology Adult Cardiac Anesthesiology Exam.
two nurses in blue scrubs talking to each other

Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship: Developing the Next Generation of Leaders

Our nurse anesthesia mentorship programs have significantly contributed to the professional development and success of certified registered nurse anesthetists and student registered nurse anesthetists.
Illustration of a woman and a man sitting at a table, engaged in a friendly conversation. Both are gesturing with their hands, facing each other, and smiling. The background features green potted plants against a light green wall, creating a relaxed and professional setting.

Celebrating National Mentoring Month

January marks National Mentoring Month. Our faculty, certified registered nurse anesthetists, and staff are actively engaged in mentoring initiatives that span all levels of our organization.
Screenshot of Drs. Stephen Esper, Joseph DeRenzo, and J. Peter Rubin on 1,000-lb Sisters

Drs. Stephen Esper and Joe DeRenzo Featured on Season 6 Finale of “1,000-lb Sisters”

Stephen A. Esper, MD, MBA, and Joseph S. DeRenzo, MD, appeared on the Season 6 Finale of the TV show 1,000-lb Sisters.
books on a shelf

January 2025 Publications

Twenty-four publications authored or co-authored by members of our team were published in January 2025.
Jacquelyn Morillo-Delerme, MD

Remembering Dr. Jacquelyn Morillo-Delerme

Jacquelyn Morillo-Delerme, MD, a distinguished alum of our department who served as a faculty member and attending anesthesiologist at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, passed away on Saturday, December 28, 2024.