Skip to main content

News

Grace Lim president elect SOAP

Dr. Grace Lim Chosen President-Elect of the Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology

Grace Lim, MD, MSc, a nationally recognized physician-scientist, Associate Professor, and Chief of the Division of Obstetric and Women's Anesthesiology at UPMC, has been chosen President-Elect of the Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology.
books on a shelf

May 2025 Publications

Twenty-Two publications authored or co-authored by members of our team were published in May 2025.
Composite image representing chronic pain. On the left, a person in a gray hoodie stands outdoors with both hands on their lower back, which is highlighted in red to indicate pain. On the right, a digital rendering of a human head and upper spine shows the brain lit up with glowing points, symbolizing psychology.

Chronic Pain Could be Eased by Learning to Regulate Negative Emotions

Dr. Ben Alter discusses a new type of cognitive behavioral pain therapy that incorporates distress tolerance in a recent article in New Scientist.
Promotional graphic encouraging voting on Doximity for UPMC Medical Education. The word “VOTE” is highlighted in a white box with a checkmark integrated into the "V," followed by the Doximity logo. The background is a gradient of dark to light purple.

Vote for our Residency Program on Doximity by June 2, 2025

We are calling on all alumni and current department physician faculty to nominate our UPMC Anesthesiology Residency Program (listed as "UPMC Medical Education") on Doximity’s annual Nomination Survey, a platform partnered with US News and World Report.
Promotional graphic announcing research funding. On the left is a headshot of a man wearing glasses and a suit. On the right are logos for the University of Pittsburgh Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine and the NIH’s National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). The top of the image includes the text “Research Funding” in bold white letters on a blue background.

Department Secures NCCIH Grant to Advance Auriculotherapy Research

The project, led by principal investigator Keith M. Vogt, MD, PhD, FASA, aims to uncover the brain mechanisms underlying auriculotherapy’s effects on chronic low back pain.
Promotional graphic for a keynote lecture by David Julius, PhD, featuring his photo on the left. The design includes blue and gold checkerboard accents and text reading: "Keynote Lecture – David Julius, PhD" and "2021 Winner of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine." Photo credit: BBVA Foundation.

Nobel Laureate David Julius to Present Keynote Lecture at Pain Day 2025

David Julius, PhD, 2021 Winner of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, will give the Keynote Presentation “Gut Feelings: Probing Mechanisms of Visceral Pain” at the first Pain Day on May 7, 2025, an event co-organized by department investigators.
Promotional graphic for the 2025 ASRA Annual Meeting, taking place May 1–3, 2025, in Orlando, Florida. The background features a scenic view of the Orlando skyline with reflections in the lake and water fountains in the foreground. Logos for the University of Pittsburgh Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine and ASRA Pain Medicine appear at the top.

Department Participation at 2025 ASRA Meeting

Our faculty and trainees will participate in various activities at the 2025 meeting of the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine (ASRA) to be held Thursday, May 1 – Saturday, May 3, 2025, in Orlando, Florida.
Promotional graphic for the 2025 SOAP Meeting, taking place April 30 – May 4, 2025, in Portland, Oregon. The background features a vibrant view of the Portland skyline at sunset with the river and bridge in the foreground. Logos for the University of Pittsburgh Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine and the Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology (SOAP) appear at the top.

Department Participation at 2025 SOAP Meeting

Our faculty and trainees will participate in several activities at the 2025 meeting of the Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology (SOAP), taking place Wednesday, April 30 – Sunday, May 4, 2025, in Portland, Oregon.
UPMC Altoona hospital signage

Drs. Thomas Pham and Quratulain Samoon Appointed to UPMC Altoona Leadership Roles

Thomas Pham, MD, was appointed Clinical Director, Operating Room, and Quratulain Samoon, MD, was appointed Director of Cardiovascular Anesthesiology.
Promotional graphic for the 2025 Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology Meetings, scheduled for April 25–29, 2025, in Montreal, Canada. The background features a scenic view of Montreal’s skyline with colorful spring foliage in the foreground. Logos for the University of Pittsburgh Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine and the Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists appear at the top.

Department Work at 2025 Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology Meetings

We will present and moderate several posters, lectures, and workshops at the 2025 Thoracic Anesthesia Symposium and Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists Meeting and Workshops in Montreal, Canada.
Lindsay M. Stollings, MD

Dr. Lindsay M. Stollings Named Program Director of Pediatric Anesthesiology Fellowship

Dr. Stollings brings a wealth of experience in clinical care, education, leadership, and research to the role.
Aparna S. Phadke, MD

Dr. Aparna Phadke Promoted to Clinical Associate Professor

Dr. Phadke joined our department in 2006 and has been an integral member of the clinical team at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, where she provides expert care to complex congenital cardiac patients and supports a wide range of non-cardiac procedures.
Promotional graphic for the 2025 Research Day in Reproductive Sciences and Women’s Health. The theme is “Beyond Pain: New Perspectives on Women’s Pain.” The event takes place Friday, May 2, 2025, from 7:30 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, Zero Level, in the Drs. Donald C. Hutchinson and T. Terry Hayashi Auditorium. The background features geometric shades of purple and pink, with the silhouette of a seated woman holding her head in apparent pain on the right side.

Dr. Grace Lim to Present at 2025 Research Day in Reproductive Sciences & Women’s Health

Grace Lim, MD, MS, and Elizabeth Krans, MD, MSc, will present the talk, “More Than a 0–10: Rethinking Pain and Suffering in Obstetric & Women's Health” on Friday, May 2, 2025.
A woman stands at the front of a classroom speaking to a group of attentive high school students seated at desks. The students are watching and listening as she gestures with her hand. The classroom has checkered tile floors, large windows, and educational materials on the desks. A few other adults are visible in the background, assisting or observing.

CRNAs Continue STEM and Nurse Anesthesia Career Outreach at Local High Schools

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.
nurses practicing in a clinical setting

Pitt Nursing Graduate Program Ranked Among the Best in the Nation

University of Pittsburgh's Doctor of Nursing Practice program was ranked among the nation's top in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings, with the Nurse Anesthesia concentration placing No. 2, ranking highest among non-military schools.