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ELEVATE Summit Drives Innovation in Women’s Pain Management and Cesarean Anesthesia

The ELEVATE Summit, co-chaired by Grace Lim, MD, MSc, and held January 25-26, 2025, at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, convened leading experts, researchers, policymakers, and patient advocates to address critical issues in women’s pain management and anesthesia care.
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Dr. Sara Straesser Appointed Chief Anesthesiologist at UPMC Altoona

Congratulations to Sara Straesser, MD, who has been appointed Chief Anesthesiologist at UPMC Altoona (with oversight at UPMC Bedford) effective April 1, 2025.
A female healthcare worker wearing a surgical cap, mask, and gown focuses on her task in a medical setting with monitoring equipment in the background. The text "Anesthesia Tech Week" is displayed in bold white letters on a blue banner. The University of Pittsburgh Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine logo is visible in the top left corner.

Celebrating Anesthesia Tech Week 2025

Anesthesia Tech Week begins with Anesthesia Tech Day on Monday, March 31, 2025, and continues through Friday, April 4, 2025. Anesthesia technicians are integral members of the anesthesia care team, and we are proud to recognize their vital contributions to patient care and safety.
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HealthWatch Features Dr. Stephen Esper Highlighting CPC Innovations

Stephen A. Esper, MD, MBA, recently spoke with WNEP 16 ABC News to spotlight groundbreaking initiatives by our Center for Perioperative Care, aimed at optimizing patient health before surgery and empowering them to thrive postoperatively.
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“Pathway to Becoming a CRNA” Event Draws Aspiring Nurse Anesthetists for an Afternoon of Insight and Connection

On Saturday, March 22, over 100 attendees gathered at UPMC Shadyside’s Herberman Auditorium for this engaging and educational event designed to support registered nurses interested in advancing their careers towards the field of nurse anesthesia.
Promotional graphic for the 2025 Pediatric Anesthesiology Meetings, Event dates are March 28–30, 2025, in Orlando, Florida. The background features a colorful evening cityscape of Orlando with fountains and reflections on the water. Logos of affiliated organizations appear at the top.

Department Work at 2025 Pediatric Anesthesiology Meetings

Our faculty and trainees will present posters, workshops, and lectures at the 2025 pediatric anesthesiology meetings (SPPM, CCAS, and SPA-AAP) in Orlando, FL, taking place from March 27 - March 30, 2025.
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Faculty Members Achieve Rank Promotions

We are delighted to recognize and congratulate Drs. Qiang Chen, Fatima Zahir, Ryan Ball, Joshua Knight, Siamak Salavatian, and Ryan Romeo, who recently achieved faculty rank promotions.
residents at a Match 2025 ceremony

Top Talent to Join UPMC Anesthesiology Residency Program: 2025 Match Class Announced

We matched 23 top students (18 categorical, three advanced, one Panther Research Scholar, and one combined anesthesiology/pediatrics resident) from the 1,417 candidates who applied to our program.
Promotional graphic for the 2025 IARS/SOCCA/SATA Meetings, held March 20–24, 2025, in Honolulu, Hawaii. The background features a scenic view of Waikiki Beach with high-rise buildings and Diamond Head mountain. Logos for the University of Pittsburgh Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, IARS, SOCCA, and SATA are displayed at the top.

Department Highlights: National Presence at 2025 IARS/SOCCA/SATA Meetings

Our department was well represented at the 2025 combined annual meetings of the International Anesthesia Research Society, the Society of Critical Care Anesthesiologists. and the Society for the Advancement of Transplant Anesthesia on March 20–24 in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Ajay Wasan

Dr. Ajay Wasan to Receive AAPM Presidential Commendation

This recognition honors Dr. Wasan’s outstanding service and leadership, particularly his impactful contributions as Chair of the AAPM’s Behavioral Medicine Committee. His dedication to advancing the field of pain medicine has left a lasting mark on the organization and the broader pain medicine…
Trent D. Emerick, MD, MBA, FASA

Dr. Trent Emerick Receives AAPM Distinguished Service Award and Presidential Commendation

Dr. Emerick’s will be officially recognized for the awards at PainConnect 2025, celebrating his outstanding contributions to the field of pain medicine.
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Propofol/Lyme Disease Study Bridges Anesthesiology and Pediatric Pain Management with Exceptional Work from Trainees

An A&A Practice article bridges the fields of anesthesiology and pediatric chronic pain management by demonstrating how an anesthetic agent traditionally used for sedation and induction can be repurposed for analgesia in complex pain syndromes.
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Dr. Robert Krohner

It is with deep sadness that we share news of the passing of our esteemed former faculty member, Dr. Robert G. Krohner, on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.
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Community Care in Action: Magee Anesthesia Cares Donates to Red Door

The Magee Anesthesia Cares committee, a compassionate group of CRNAs at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, recently organized a community service initiative to support Red Door, a ministry that provides essential resources to individuals in need in downtown Pittsburgh.
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Northern Connection Magazine Features Passavant Airway Management Training Program

The cover story of the March 2025 issue featured a simulator-based training program for health care professionals to practice a rare surgical emergency airway management procedure for high-risk patients.