Pitt Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine

Promotional graphic for the OB Anesthesiology & Women’s Health Grand Rounds hosted by the University of Pittsburgh Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine, Spring 2026. The event is on March 10 at 6:45 am and will be held virtually. CME credit is available. The featured speaker is Ioannis (Yanni) Angelidis, MD, MSPH, Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine & Critical Care Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He also serves as Co-Chair of SOCCA AMOC, Chair of the OB-CCM Task Force, and is part of the SOCCA Clinical Practice Committee. The special guest lecture is titled “Failed Epidural vs. Intrathecal Catheters.” A photo of Dr. Angelidis is shown on the left; he is smiling, wearing a light gray suit jacket, dark shirt, and striped tie. University of Pittsburgh and UPMC logos appear at the bottom.

🤰 OB Anesthesiology & Women's Health Grand Rounds on March 10 at 6:45 am: Dr. Yanni Angelidis will present “Failed Epidural vs. Intrathecal Catheters.”

📅 Event details: calendar.pitt.edu/event/ob-ane...

Kimberly Cantees, MD, MBA

💫 Kimberly Cantees, MD, MBA, has been honored with the Drexel University Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania / Medical College of Pennsylvania Distinguished Graduate Award. www.anesthesiology.pitt.edu/news/dr-kimb...

Pitt Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine is #4 in NIH funding for 2025.

🏆 Huge news: our department is now #4 in the nation for NIH-funded anesthesiology departments (up from #6 in 2024 and #15 in 2023) — and we exceeded $17M in NIH funding in FY2025, a new record (up from $10M last year). www.anesthesiology.pitt.edu/news/departm...

Thank a resident day

💜 Thank you to our residents for your dedication, compassion, and active participation — you make our community stronger every day.

Promotional graphic for the Research Rounds hosted by the University of Pittsburgh Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine, Spring 2026. The event is scheduled for March 2 at 3pm, offered both virtually via Microsoft Teams and in person at A1318 Scaife Hall. CME credit is available. The featured speaker is Jim Wherry, PhD, T32 Postdoctoral Scholar, University of Pittsburgh. His presentation is titled “Investigating Alcohol Use and Comorbid Pain.” A headshot of Dr. Wherry is shown on the left. University of Pittsburgh and UPMC logos are displayed at the bottom.

🔬 Research Rounds on March 2 at 3:00pm: Dr. Jim Wherry will present “Investigating Alcohol Use and Comorbid Pain"

📅 Event details: calendar.pitt.edu/event/anesth...

Project name: "A Parabrachial Hub for the Prioritization of Pain and Other Survival Behaviors" Bradley K. Taylor, PhD, Professor of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

🧠 Bradley K. Taylor, PhD, has been awarded a five-year R01 grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The grant will support Dr. Taylor's continued investigation into how the brain naturally modulates pain in response to competing survival needs. www.anesthesiology.pitt.edu/news/dr-brad...

Sarah Margerison, PhD

Jim Wherry, PhD

🔬 Sarah Margerison, PhD, and Jim Wherry, PhD, each received $10,000 in research seed grant funding to advance their respective projects focused on knee osteoarthritis pain assessment and alcohol withdrawal-induced pain mechanisms. www.anesthesiology.pitt.edu/news/seed-gr...

Michael W. Best, MD, FASA

Elizabeth Leimer, MD, PhD

🏆 Michael W. Best, MD, FASA, and Elizabeth Leimer, MD, PhD, have been accepted as Associate Members in the Association of University Anesthesiologists (AUA). www.anesthesiology.pitt.edu/news/drs-mic...

Promotional flyer for a University of Pittsburgh Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine Grand Rounds event, Spring 2026. The featured speaker is Trent D. Emerick, MD, MBA, FASA, Associate Professor, Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine and Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh; Program Director, UPMC Pain Medicine Fellowship; Director of Quality Improvement and Innovation, Division of Chronic Pain Management; Associate Chief, Division of Chronic Pain Management; Medical Director, Division of Chronic Pain Management, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh/UPMC. The event, titled " Perioperative Implications of Psychedelics and Psychostimulants," will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams on February 26, 2026, at 5 PM. CME credit is available. Contact kralc@upmc.edu for an invitation. Logos for the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC appear at the bottom. A professional headshot of Dr. Emerick is included on the left.

Grand Rounds on February 26 at 5:00pm: Dr. Trent Emerick will present "Perioperative Implications of Psychedelics and Psychostimulants."

📅 Event details: calendar.pitt.edu/event/anesth...

Promotional ad for “Morbidity and Mortality Meeting,” part of the Pitt/UPMC Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine Spring 2026 Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology Forum. The ad features University of Pittsburgh and UPMC logos and a headshot of Joshua Knight, MD, FASE, Medical Director of Quality, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh/UPMC and Associate Professor of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. The event is scheduled for February 25 at 6:30 am, virtual via Microsoft Teams, CME credit available.

🫀 Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology Forum on February 25 at 6:30 am: Dr. Joshua Knight will host a Morbidity and Mortality Meeting.

📅 Event details: calendar.pitt.edu/event/cardio...

Pittsburgh CRNA Symposium

Pittsburgh CRNA Symposium — Saturday, Feb 28, 2026. Join 200+ CRNAs and SRNAs for inspiring expert talks, cutting‑edge tech insights, and 10 CE credits. Enjoy networking, education, and opportunities for growth and connection! www.pghcrnasymposium.org

Promotional flyer for a University of Pittsburgh Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine Grand Rounds event, Spring 2026. The featured speaker is Deepika Mohan, MD, MPH, Associate Professor of Surgery and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. The event, titled "Improving Physician Decision Making Using Serious Games: A Trial from Trauma Triage," will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams on February 19, 2026, at 5 PM. CME credit is available. Contact kralc@upmc.edu for an invitation. Logos for the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC appear at the bottom. A professional headshot of Dr. Mohan is included on the left.

Grand Rounds on February 19 at 5:00pm: Dr. Deepika Mohan will present " Improving Physician Decision Making Using Serious Games: A Trial from Trauma Triage."

📅 Event details: calendar.pitt.edu/event/anesth...

Siamak Salavatian, MEng, PhD

🔬 Siamak Salavatian, MEng, PhD has been named winner of a Phase 1 award in the University of Pittsburgh Un-Challenge (PUnCh) competition, which funds transformative ideas that challenge conventional approaches to improving health. www.anesthesiology.pitt.edu/news/salavat...

Opioid Awareness Fundraiser: Join us for a night of appetizers, music, raffles, silent auctions, and a cash bar! All proceeds directly benefit the Light of Life Rescue Mission. Saturday, March 28, 2026 from 6 to 10 pm at Phipps Conservatory.

🌷 Our department will host the 6th annual fundraiser to benefit Light of Life Rescue Mission on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Phipps Conservatory. The event, organized this year by Drs. Morgan Zopp and David Brinton, is open to the public.

📆 RSVP today: www.anesthesiology.pitt.edu/news/anesthe...

Promotional graphic for the University of Pittsburgh Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine’s Spring 2026 Faculty Development Lecture Series. The featured speaker is David G. Metro, MD, FASA, Interim Executive Vice Chair for Faculty Affairs and Senior Vice Chair for Education in the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh/UPMC and Professor of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine and Clinical and Translational Science at the University of Pittsburgh. His lecture is titled “Basic Personal Financial Management” and will be held virtually via Teams on February 12 at 5:00 pm. CME credit is available. A professional headshot of Dr. Metro appears on the left. Logos for the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC are at the bottom.

📚 Faculty Development Lecture on February 12 at 5:00pm: Dr. David Metro will present "Basic Personal Financial Management." Faculty members and trainees in our department are invited to attend.

📅 Event details: calendar.pitt.edu/event/anesth...

Graphic featuring a library filled with different publications. The University of Pittsburgh logo and the word "Publications" in bold, yellow font are placed in the lower right quadrant of the graphic, contained within a blue box.

📚 February #publications list is out! Check out the publications authored or co-authored by members of our team that were published over the past month: www.anesthesiology.pitt.edu/news/februar...

UPMC Presbyterian Surgical Services Family Day on January 18, 2026

CRNAs volunteering at the Neighborhood Resilience Project in the Hill District to pack student weekend lunch backpacks and clean and organize the facility for an upcoming event.

CRNAs at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital held a dinner at the Women's Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh, supporting survivors of domestic violence.

The nurse anesthetists at UPMC Mercy celebrated National CRNA Week with a series of events planned by Erica Wiesen, MSN, CRNA, Assistant Clinical CRNA Director, and Kirsten Radaker, MSN, CRNA, Clinical CRNA Director. The week featured daily treats to show appreciation for the Mercy CRNAs, including a yogurt parfait bar, donuts, and hot chocolate bar.

We celebrated National CRNA Week (Jan 18–24, 2026), honoring our 400+ CRNAs for their service with community events and team celebrations, showcasing their dedication to care in and beyond the OR. www.anesthesiology.pitt.edu/news/celebra...

Promotional graphic for the University of Pittsburgh Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine’s OB Anesthesiology & Women’s Health Grand Rounds, Spring 2026. The featured speaker is Brian Bateman, MD, MSc, MBA, Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine Endowed Professor and Chair of the Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine. He is also a courtesy Professor of Epidemiology and Population Health. His special guest lecture, titled “Studying the Safety of Medications in Pregnancy,” will be held virtually on February 10 at 6:45 am. CME credit is available. A professional headshot of Dr. Bateman appears on the left. Logos for the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC are at the bottom.

🤰 OB Anesthesiology & Women's Health Grand Rounds on February 10 at 6:45 am: Dr. Brian Bateman will present “Studying the Safety of Medications in Pregnancy.”

📅 Event details: calendar.pitt.edu/event/ob-ane...

Ashley surrounded by colleagues at the award ceremony.

🌟 Ashley Donatucci, PA-C, Senior Physician Assistant at the Center for Perioperative Care at UPMC Shadyside, has been honored as a 2026 UPMC Dignity and Respect Champion. www.anesthesiology.pitt.edu/news/ashley-...

National Women Physicians Day: Celebrating the contributions of female physicians and commemorating the birthday of Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, the first woman to earn a medical degree in the United States in 1849.

On National Women Physicians Day, we celebrate the outstanding contributions of women in medicine and acknowledge the barriers they've overcome to advance clinical care and innovation, education and training, and medical research.

Staff Spotlight: Bill Thomson, MBA, MHA, Executive Administrator for Faculty Affairs and Research Operations

#StaffSpotlight | We are pleased to feature Bill Thomson, MBA, MHA, in this edition of our Administrative Staff Spotlight series. Read our Q&A and learn more about Bill: www.anesthesiology.pitt.edu/news/adminis...

Promotional graphic for the Research Rounds hosted by the University of Pittsburgh Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine, Spring 2026. The event is scheduled for February 2 at 3pm, offered both virtually via Microsoft Teams and in person at A1318 Scaife Hall. Attendees are instructed to email anescommunications@upmc.edu for the meeting link. CME credit is available. The featured speaker is Yao Wang, PhD, Research Assistant Professor, Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. His presentation is titled: “A Novel Approach to Reduce Fentanyl Craving and Relapse.” A headshot of Dr. Wang is shown on the left. University of Pittsburgh and UPMC logos are displayed at the bottom.

🔬 Research Rounds on February 2 at 3:00pm: Dr. Yao Wang will present “A Novel Approach to Reduce Fentanyl Craving and Relapse."

📅 Event details: calendar.pitt.edu/event/anesth...

Physician Anesthesiologists Week: Celebrating professional excellence, clinical innovation, and commitment to outstanding patient care.

💜 It's Physician Anesthesiologists Week, and we are celebrating our anesthesiologists and their professional excellence, clinical innovation, and commitment to outstanding patient care.

Promotional flyer for a University of Pittsburgh Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine Grand Rounds event, Spring 2026. The featured speaker is Sarah Merriam, MD, MS, Associate Professor of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh; Director, Degree Granting Programs in Health Professions Education, Institute for Clinical Research Education (ICRE), University of Pittsburgh; and Advisory Dean, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. The event, titled " Delivering Feedback that Drives Growth," will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams on January 29, 2026, at 5 PM. CME credit is available. Contact kralc@upmc.edu for an invitation. Logos for the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC appear at the bottom. A professional headshot of Dr. Merriam is included on the left.

Grand Rounds on January 29 at 5:00pm: Dr. Sarah Merriam will present "Delivering Feedback that Drives Growth."

📅 Event details: calendar.pitt.edu/event/anesth...

U.S. flag above a UPMC Washington flag.

Scenic view of UPMC Washington.

We're excited to welcome the UPMC Washington CRNAs to our department!

This talented team of 25 CRNAs joins our department effective today, expanding our clinical reach and strengthening anesthesia care across Southwestern Pennsylvania.

www.anesthesiology.pitt.edu/news/upmc-wa...

Opioid Awareness Fundraiser: Join us for a night of appetizers, music, raffles, silent auctions, and a cash bar! All proceeds directly benefit the Light of Life Rescue Mission. Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 6 to 10 pm at Phipps Conservatory.

🌷 Our department will host the 6th annual fundraiser to benefit Light of Life Rescue Mission on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Phipps Conservatory. The event is open to the public. For more details, visit: www.anesthesiology.pitt.edu/news/anesthe...

Graphic featuring a photo of Siamak Salavatian, MEng, PhD and the banner for NANS 2026 Annual Meeting taking place from January 22 to 25 in Las Vegas, NV.

🔬 Siamak Salavatian, MEng, PhD, Associate Professor and Director of Neuromodulation Research in our department, will present two sessions on cardiac neuromodulation at the North American Neuromodulation Society (NANS) annual meeting: www.anesthesiology.pitt.edu/news/dr-siam...

Promotional flyer for a University of Pittsburgh Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine Grand Rounds event, Spring 2026. The featured speaker is Christian Martin-Gill, MD, MPH, FACEP, FAEMS, Chief of the Division of Emergency Medical Services and Professor of Emergency Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC. The event, titled ""Is There a Doctor on the Plane?" Answering the Call to Manage In-Flight Medical Emergencies" will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams on January 22 at 5 PM. CME credit is available. Contact kralc@upmc.edu for an invitation. Logos for the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC appear at the bottom. A professional headshot of Dr. Martin-Gill is included on the left.

Grand Rounds on January 22 at 5:00pm: Dr. Christian Martin-Gill will present ""Is There a Doctor on the Plane?" Answering the Call to Manage In-Flight Medical Emergencies."

📅 Event details: calendar.pitt.edu/event/anesth...

UPMC Passavant anesthesiology team gathered for a social event to celebrate teamwork

🥰 Department of Anesthesiology at UPMC Passavant recently came together for an evening of community and connection to celebrate teamwork beyond the operating room. Thank you to everyone who joined for making this evening so special!

UPMC Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine Excellence Awards

🏆 Congratulations to the faculty, CRNAs, and staff who were selected as recipients of our department’s 2025 Department Excellence Awards! www.anesthesiology.pitt.edu/news/2025-de...