Mihaela Visoiu, MD, Associate Professor of Anesthesiology and Site Director of Acute Pain and Regional Anesthesiology at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, was invited as an international guest speaker and instructor at the 28th Update Course in Pediatric Anesthesiology and High-Fidelity Pediatric Anesthesia Simulation Workshops, held October 22–24, 2025, at ABC Medical Center in Mexico City.
Dr. Visoiu delivered two lectures and co-led hands-on workshops on pediatric ultrasound techniques. Her presentations included:
- “Regional Anesthesia for Pediatric Patients Undergoing ENT Surgery”
- “Pain Management in Neonates”
- Workshop: “Pediatric Ultrasound Guided Caudal Blocks Single Injection and with Catheter Placement
- Workshop: “Pediatric Ultrasound-Guided Paravertebral Blocks”
In addition to her educational contributions, Dr. Visoiu played a central role in two highly anticipated international debates focused on the use of the erector spinae plane (ESP) block versus paravertebral block (PVB) in pediatric patients. These debates, which she helped conceptualize and propose, were a major highlight of the program.
As the only physician from outside of Mexico invited to present, Dr. Visoiu represented UPMC and the University of Pittsburgh on an international stage, debating against two leading pediatric anesthesiologists from Mexico City on consecutive days. She defended the PVB approach with in-depth analysis of anatomy, ultrasound technique, clinical evidence, and international experience, offering a compelling case for broader adoption of this technique in pediatric settings.
The debates were organized by the Department of Pediatric Anesthesia at Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, under the leadership of department chairman Dr. Pedro D. Castañeda Martínez. They were conducted in a bilingual format and structured in two parts: a technical comparison and a clinical case discussion.
Dr. Visoiu’s participation and leadership in this event not only showcased her expertise in pediatric regional anesthesia but also fostered international academic exchange, advancing evidence-based practices in pediatric pain management.