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Denise Lewkowicz

In Memory of Denise Lewkowicz

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

Dr. Boris Anyama to Bring NFL Perspective and Advice for Aspiring Physicians to 2026 AMEC

Boris Anyama, MD, will present two sessions: "From the NFL to the Operating Arena: The Playbook for Success in Medicine," and "MATCHing, SOAPing, and Beyond."
Drs. Paramita Basu and Michael Gold stand in front of a screen that says "welcome to the USASP 2026 Scientific Meeting"

PCPR Researchers Represent Pitt at USASP 2026

Paramita Basu, PhD, MS, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, and Michael S. Gold, PhD, Department of Neurobiology, have been selected for notable honors in recognition of their leadership and contributions to the field of pain research.
blue and gold balloons that spell "match day"

UPMC Anesthesiology Matches 22 Outstanding Residents for 2026

This year, UPMC Anesthesiology successfully matched 22 outstanding trainees, comprising 18 categorical residents, one advanced resident, two PANTHER Research Scholars, and one Combined Anesthesiology/Pediatrics resident.
Patrick Kochanek, Charles Chabal, Jason Stezoski, and Sharon Chabal stand close together in a clinical or laboratory workspace with shelves of medical equipment, instruments, and supplies visible behind them. One person wears medical scrubs and a cap, while the others wear casual or business attire. The group stands beside a workbench under bright indoor lighting.

Pitt Alumni Couple Pledges $1.5 Million Gift to Strengthen Safar Center Research

Sharon Chabal is a 1980 graduate of the Pitt School of Nursing; Dr. Charles Chabal earned his medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in 1982 and graduated from our Anesthesiology Residency Program in 1985.
Dr. Orebaugh sits at a wooden desk with an open laptop, facing the camera. Bookshelves filled with books line the wall behind the desk, creating an office or study setting.

Third Novel by Dr. Steve Orebaugh Hits the Shelves

Steven L. Orebaugh, MD, has added a new title to his growing body of published work. His latest book, "The Six-Lined Racerunner," marks his fifth publication and his third work that expands his reputation beyond medicine into the world of storytelling.
Five individuals stand behind a table covered with UPMC materials at a “Pathway to Becoming a CRNA” networking event. Name tags, brochures, and small displays are arranged on the table, with large windows and indoor lighting visible behind the group.

2026 “Pathway to Becoming a CRNA” Connects Aspiring Nurse Anesthetists

The half-day, in‑person program brought together registered nurses from across the region who are interested in advancing their careers in nurse anesthesia.
Michael W. Best, MD, FASA, Lt Col, USAF

Dr. Michael Best Appointed Program Director of UPMC Anesthesiology Residency

Michael W. Best, MD, FASA, Lt Col, USAF, has been named Program Director of our anesthesiology residency, effective January 1, 2026.
Promotional graphic for the 2026 Pediatric Anesthesiology Meetings, featuring a scenic view of downtown Denver with modern high‑rise buildings, a blue arched bridge in the foreground, and logos for the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and pediatric anesthesia organizations. Text reads: ‘2026 Pediatric Anesthesiology Meetings, March 12–15, Denver, Colorado.

2026 Pediatric Anesthesiology Meeting Presentations

Our faculty and trainees will present lectures, workshop, and posters at the 2026 pediatric anesthesiology meetings in Denver, CO, from Thursday March 12 - Sunday March 15, 2026
Lauren Twigg stands holding her award between two female colleagues wearing blue scrubs

Lauren Twigg Receives Kids First Award

Lauren Twigg, Anesthesia Technician at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, was recognized for her exceptional dedication to patient care, teamwork, and the core values that define the UPMC Children’s Hospital community.
Daniel Springer

Dr. Daniel Springer Wins 2026 School of Medicine Clerkship Preceptor of the Year Award

Established in 2006, the award recognizes faculty preceptors who deliver exceptional clinical instruction to Pitt medical students during their clerkship experiences.
books on a shelf

March 2026 Publications

Fourteen publications authored or co-authored by members of our team were published in March 2026.
Amy Jo Berresford

Remembering Amy Jo Berresford

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

UPMC Presbyterian CRNA Leadership Team Earns UPMC “Extra Mile” Awards

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.
Kim Cantees

Dr. Kimberly Cantees Receives Drexel WMC/MCP Distinguished Graduate Award

The award recognizes Drexel Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania / Medical College of Pennsylvania graduates who have shown exceptional service, professional accomplishments, leadership, active participation in professional organizations, and scholarly contributions.