British Journal of Anaesthesia

• Erdoes G, Gunaydin S, Haas T, Koster A, Hofmann A. Patient blood management: the implementation gap does not lie in the lack of evidence, but misconceptions, structural deficits, lack of responsibility, behaviour and culture. Comment on Br J Anaesth 2026; 137: 74-88. Br J Anaesth. Published online August 10, 2026. doi:10.1016/j.bja.2026.06.042

Cureus

• Halpern LM, Corell C, Perrins K, Zhang DA, Ryan K, Carl JR. Preoperative Gabapentin in Pediatric Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Peripheral Nerve Blockade: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Cureus. 2026;18(7):e113552. Published 2026 Jul 28. doi:10.7759/cureus.113552

Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids

• LaMontagne LG, Fillingim RB, Lopez-Quintero C, Mickle AM, Patel S, Brownstein M, Li Y, Velilla Jimenez LM, Williamson JB, Sibille KT, Li Z, Cook RL, Wang Y. Baseline Factors Associated with Intention to Initiate Medical Cannabis among Older Adults with Chronic Pain in a Prospective Cohort. Med Cannabis Cannabinoids. 2026;9(1):199-210. Published 2026 May 29. doi:10.1159/000552277

Medicine

• Huang Q, Peng Y, Xiao L, Zhang S, Lu Z, Lin H. A parabolic correlation between stress hyperglycemia ratio and 28-day mortality in US participants with diabetes and heart failure. Medicine (Baltimore). 2026;105(34):e50235. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000050235

Book Chapters

Video Atlas of Upper and Lower Airway Management

• Berkow L. Out of the OR Difficult Airway. In: Rosenblatt W, ed. Video Atlas of Upper and Lower Airway Management. 2nd ed. Wolters Kluwer Health; 2026.
• Berkow L. Aintree Catheter Use for SGA to ETT Conversion. In: Rosenblatt W, ed. Video Atlas of Upper and Lower Airway Management. 2nd ed. Wolters Kluwer Health; 2026.
• Berkow L. Airway management for robotic airway surgery. In: Rosenblatt W, ed. Video Atlas of Upper and Lower Airway Management. 2nd ed. Wolters Kluwer Health; 2026.

Evidence-Based Guide to Difficult Airway Management

• Berkow L. Airway Complications. In: Gomez-Rios M, ed. Evidence-Based Guide to Difficult Airway Management. Springer; 2026.
• Mohamed B, Berkow L. Airway Management During CPR. In: Gomez-Rios M, ed. Evidence-Based Guide to Difficult Airway Management. Springer; 2026.

Our six pain medicine fellows recently participated in a workshop to prepare them for the realities of performing interventional pain procedures. They identified spine anatomy and practiced guiding needles and locating targets under fluoroscopy, which are essential skills for safe and successful procedures.

Juan Mora, M.D., associate professor of anesthesiology, and David Lizdas, M.S., engineer III, led the training session utilizing the tools and resources of the UF Center for Safety, Simulation & Advanced Learning Technologies (CSSALT). CSSALT offers simulated medical education and training to healthcare professionals and learners.

In this workshop, fellows used CSSALT’s mixed-reality fluoroscopy simulator with a voice-controlled simulated C-Arm. Other features of the simulator include a large language model with natural language control, a tracked needle, and camera controller.  

Lizdas is one of the creators of the simulator. “With this simulator, trainees are able to insert and steer a real needle into a ballistics gel block with 3D-printed bones, control a C-Arm with conversational voice commands, and view simulated fluoroscopy images,” he explained.  

Mora spoke about some additional benefits of the simulator: “An extra advantage is that the trainees can verbally communicate with a simulated radiology technician to obtain the adequate fluoroscopy view to perform the procedure, which is quite important for a team-based approach.”

Simulated training allows learners to practice in a safe and controlled environment. Mora praised the amazing job the CSSALT team has done in replicating a realistic work environment that is also user friendly. “Having a simulation space where fellows have exposure to rare interventions is really valuable,” he said. “When they graduate, they can be confident in performing each and every one of the procedures that are needed during their independent practice and have the ability to serve a wider population with pain complaints.”

Learn about our Pain Medicine Fellowship.  

Terrie Vasilopoulos, Ph.D., associate professor of anesthesiology and program director for the Academy in Medical Education Scholarship, has been appointed to the William M. Hall Professorship in the UF School of Physician Assistant Studies.

Vasilopoulos was chosen for her expertise, accomplishments, and dedication to advancing the University of Florida College of Medicine’s mission of improving patient care, research, and education. In this role, she will use her experience evaluating educational technology to help strengthen the program’s research education.

The school is a state-funded graduate level educational program for physician assistants, in recognition of the tremendous need and demand for advanced practice providers nationwide. The program equips students with a broad range of medical knowledge and surgical skills to provide high-quality and compassionate health care to a diverse patient population.

The endowed professorship began July 1, 2026, and it will last for three years.

Congratulations to Dr. Vasilopoulos on her new position!

View opportunities to join our faculty.

Christopher Edwards, M.D., and Sandra Gonzalez, M.D., both associate professors of anesthesiology, received special recognition for serving as consultants for the Malignant Hyperthermia (MH) Hotline, which is a national 24-hour consultation service for MH emergencies provided by the Malignant Hyperthermia Association of the United States (MHAUS). Edwards has served on the hotline for seven years and Gonzalez has served five.

The hotline provides expertise on malignant hyperthermia to clinicians who are actively managing a suspected MH crisis. Consultants offer guidance on MH susceptibility, perioperative planning, and medical management.

While on a call, Edwards, Gonzalez, and other hotline consultants will ask diagnostic questions, help assess the likelihood of MH, and provide recommendations for treatment and management. The hotline handles 800 to 1,000 cases per year, proving to be a critical service to the medical and anesthesiology communities.

Edwards and Gonzalez commit to at least two consecutive two-week periods each year, where they must be available 24 hours a day. The hotline contributions they have made have left a significant impact on patient safety, collegiality, and service to the anesthesiology community.

The University of Florida Department of Anesthesiology houses the North American Malignant Hyperthermia Registry for MHAUS. The registry is made up of reports from anesthesiologists whose patients experienced MH, biopsy center directors who conduct MH susceptibility tests, individuals who have had an MH episode or who have undergone genetic testing for MH susceptibility, and family members of those diagnosed with MH.

Many thanks to Drs. Edwards and Gonzalez for their years of service!

A new book co-edited by Rene Przkora, M.D., Ph.D., provides a comprehensive reference for the management of pain before, during, and after surgery. Perioperative Pain Management: From Preoperative Optimization to Transitional Postoperative Care, published in July by Springer, addresses pain treatment across several areas of healthcare, including anesthesia, surgery, pharmacy, nursing, and physical therapy. The book is organized around the stages of surgical care, beginning with an overview of pain pathways and the role of pain management in surgery.

Along with co-editing the book, Przkora co-wrote the chapter “Nerve Injuries and Neuropathic Pain: Focuses on the Identification and Treatment of Nerve-Related Pain Issues.” In addition, department colleague Patrick Tighe, M.D., M.S., contributed the chapter “Chronic Postsurgical Pain: Identification and Management,” co-written with former department member Timothy Feldheim, M.D., M.S.

Chapter by chapter, evidence-based strategies and protocols are detailed along with clinical case studies intended to illustrate their use in patient care. Topics include medications, techniques, and interventions used to assess and manage pain in patients undergoing surgical procedures. The book also addresses pain management during extended recovery and the treatment of postoperative pain that continues over the longer term.

According to the publisher, “This indispensable resource covers the entire perioperative period, ensuring that healthcare professionals have access to the latest techniques, medications, and interventions available for patients undergoing surgical procedures.” The book is designed to be an essential reference for anesthesiologists, surgeons, pain management specialists, and other healthcare professionals.

Congratulations to Dr. Przkora and Dr. Tighe!

Learn about joining our faculty.

More than 20 residents and fellows from the UF Departments of Anesthesiology, Emergency Medicine, Neurology, and Surgery participated in this year’s Multidisciplinary Critical Care Medicine Boot Camp, held over two and a half days in August.

UF College of Medicine faculty provided attendees with a common curriculum for critical care medicine. Participants had access to an airway workshop, advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS) team training, mechanical ventilation training, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation fundamentals and simulations, Impella and ventricular assist device education, cardiac procedures, comprehensive advanced life support (CALS) simulations, and ultrasound learning.

Peggy White, M.D., associate professor, director of our Multidisciplinary Adult Critical Care Medicine Fellowship, spoke about the faculty contributions: “Their expertise and commitment created a rigorous and collaborative learning environment.”

White organized the first boot camp in 2019, and she co-led ACLS team training, CALS simulation, and an acute respiratory distress syndrome simulation for this year’s boot camp.

White also spoke about the successful cooperation of the participating departments: “The success of this boot camp reflects the strong interdepartmental partnership that advances both education and patient care at UF Health.”

Numerous faculty and staff worked hard to put together this year’s boot camp and make it a success. Many thanks to the Anesthesiology Education Office and the instructors below.

Learn about our Multidisciplinary Critical Care Medicine Fellowship Program.

Chris Goldstein, M.D., was chosen by our residents as the July 2026 Faculty Educator of the Month!

Dr. Goldstein’s nominations talk about his effective approach to teaching residents: “He is an exceptional teacher who always takes the time to explain and teach with patience.” A resident says Dr. Goldstein understands the importance of a balanced schedule, “He consistently makes sure we get our morning, brunch, lunch, and even extra breaks. That’s something we don’t take for granted.” 

Congratulations, Dr. Goldstein!

Mohammed Mohammed, M.D., was chosen by his peers as the July 2026 Resident of the Month.

Dr. Mohammed’s nominations highlight his collaborative attitude and positive disposition: “He is always willing to step up and help support his co-residents. A true team player who consistently brings a great attitude.” One co-resident spoke about his strong work ethic.

Congratulations, Dr. Mohammed!

Please help us welcome David Fishman, M.D., FASA, and Lauren Callahan, M.D., to the UF Department of Anesthesiology. They join the Division of Multispecialty Anesthesiology as an associate professor and an assistant professor, respectively.

Fishman was recently an associate professor of anesthesiology at North Shore University Hospital, where he was also a part of its clinical competence committee. Prior to this position, he was the clinical director and the residency program director at SUNY Downstate Medical Center. He received Teacher of the Year from Suny’s Department of Anesthesiology three times.

Fishman earned his medical degree from SUNY Health Science Center. He also completed his anesthesiology residency at SUNY Health, where he was a chief resident. Before his residency, he completed an internship in medicine at Long Island College Hospital. He has a Bachelor of Arts from New York University.

In his spare time, Fishman enjoys cooking, baking, watching British crime dramas, and swimming.

Callahan earned her medical degree from the University of Central Florida (UCF) College of Medicine (COM). She completed her anesthesiology residency at Emory University. She has a Bachelor of Arts in public health studies and behavioral biology from Johns Hopkins University.

During medical school, Callahan was awarded the UCF COM Institutional Scholarship and was the recipient of the Medical Student Anesthesia Research Fellowship from the Foundation for Anesthesia Education and Research. Through this fellowship, she won first place in the category “Medical Student Abstract” for her abstract. Her most recent research focused on intraoperative cerebral oxygenation, electroencephalography, and delirium following cardiac surgery.

In her spare time, Callahan enjoys spending time with her husband and miniature Australian shepherd, walking trails, and trying new restaurants.

View opportunities to join our faculty.

Annals of Cardiac Anaesthesia

• Stukov Y, Aladaileh M, Rackauskas M, Maybauer MO. ProtekDuo Cannulation via Right External Jugular Vein: A First in Man Method Description. Ann Card Anaesth. 2026;29(3):427-429. doi:10.4103/aca.aca_279_25

Anesthesia and Analgesia

• Ju LS, Khan ZA, Gravenstein N, Setlow B, Martynyuk AE. Brain Sex Steroid-Mediated Intergenerational Sex-Specific Neurocognitive Effects of Paternal Sevoflurane Exposure in Rats. Anesth Analg. Published online July 9, 2026. doi:10.1213/ANE.0000000000008197
• Jones A, Alfonso P, Olsen K. A Novel Method To Reduce Aspiration Risk In Anesthesia And Critical Care Settings Using Alginate Gel Formulation. Anesth Analg. 2026;143(2):e25-e27. doi:10.1213/ANE.0000000000008142

Clinical Anatomy

• Barbieri IP, Flores JC, González DL, Lofredo A, Iwanaga J, Boezaart AP, Reina MA, Buchholz B. The Pterygopalatine Ganglion Within the Pterygopalatine Fossa: Quantitative Topography and Implications for Posteriorly Directed Percutaneous Access. Clin Anat. Published online July 3, 2026. doi:10.1002/ca.70174

Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association

• Ruzics EA, Reynolds PS, Morse Z, Shipman J, Ham KM. Development of a predictive model for estimation of postoperative risk following brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome surgery. J Am Vet Med Assoc. Published online July 17, 2026. doi:10.2460/javma.26.01.0071

Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia

• Erdoes G, Haas T, Koster A, Spiess B. The Missing Beat of the New Kids on the Block: Type O Whole Blood and Cryopreserved Platelet Concentrates in High-Risk Bleeding Settings. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth. Published online June 24, 2026. doi:10.1053/j.jvca.2026.06.029

Journal of Neurological Sciences

• Walker LM, Nogueira RC, Vasilopoulos T, et al. A response to “Is hypocapnia a marker of injury severity rather than a therapeutic target after acute ischemic stroke?”. J Neurol Sci. Published online July 24, 2026. doi:10.1016/j.jns.2026.126112

Journal of Neurosurgery. Case Lessons.

• Piyawattanametha N, Marek T, de Ruiter GCW, Reina MA, et al. A novel microvascular arterio-neural pathway for intraneural ganglion cyst formation secondary to cystic adventitial disease: illustrative case. J Neurosurg Case Lessons. 2026;12(3):CASE26411. Published 2026 Jul 20. doi:10.3171/CASE26411

Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma

• Pazik M, Vasilopoulos T, de Faria L, et al. Nine Months of Fluoxetine Aids in the Reduction of Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms following a Traumatic Musculoskeletal Injury: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Orthop Trauma. Published online July 13, 2026. doi:10.1097/BOT.0000000000003243

Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities

• Chuba E, Kitio SAY, Kaynar AM, Rosario BL, McDermott S. Racial Differences in Outcomes After Perioperative Myocardial Infarction: A Multicenter Analysis of Noncardiac Surgical Patients. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities. Published online July 27, 2026. doi:10.1007/s40615-026-03140-6

Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine

• Gautier P, Sala-Blanch X, Reina MA, et al. Anatomic basis of the PENG block: dissection, cryo-cross-sections, and histology challenge a pericapsular target. Reg Anesth Pain Med. Published online July 24, 2026. doi:10.1136/rapm-2026-107853

Four CA-2 residents scored in the top 10% nationally on the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) BASIC Examination this summer. Congratulations to Paola Silva Enriquez, M.D., Dawei Guan, M.D., Wendy Guo, M.D., and Ben Yitzhak, M.D.

The BASIC Examination is the first test of the ABA board certification process and is usually taken at the end of a resident’s first clinical anesthesia year (CA-1). It marks an important early milestone in a resident’s journey toward becoming a board-certified anesthesiologist. These high scores speak to the exceptional effort and depth of preparation our residents invest in their education.

Silva Enriquez stressed the importance of consistency in preparing for the test: “This exam can definitely seem intimidating, but if you’re consistently preparing your daily cases, and keeping up with regular practice questions, you’ll be much more prepared than you realize. Trust the process and the work you put in every day.”

Guo reiterates the significance of consistency in her advice to future test-takers: “Take the time to truly understand a topic by reading the explanation. Try to be consistent by doing a few questions every day and re-reviewing missed questions and concepts.”

The exam covers four content categories: basic sciences, clinical sciences, organ-based basic and clinical sciences, and special problems or issues in anesthesiology. These areas focus on the scientific basis of clinical anesthetic practice, including pharmacology, physiology, anatomy, anesthesia equipment, and monitoring.

Learn about our residency program.

Our Critical Care Medicine Fellowship at the University of Florida is a one-year, ACGME-accredited program that prepares fellows to direct intensive care units and manage all the issues that arise in the care of critically ill surgical patients. Rylee Pence, M.D., is one of our current critical care-emergency medicine fellows. Before joining us, she completed an emergency medicine residency at Summa Health System in Akron, Ohio, where she was an administrative chief resident.

Q. How has your fellowship been going?

A. My fellowship has been going exceptionally well. Every day at UF Health exposes me to a remarkable breadth of pathology, and I’ve been consistently impressed by the depth of teaching on rounds. Our attendings create an environment where complex physiology is broken down thoughtfully, and I feel myself growing rapidly as a critical care clinician.

Q. What has been a highlight of the program so far?

A. One of the biggest highlights has been the level of education and hands‑on experience with mechanical circulatory support. Managing ECMO patients has been especially meaningful; not just learning the technical aspects but understanding how these devices integrate with a patient’s physiology and how subtle adjustments can change the entire clinical picture.

Q. Why did you decide to come to the University of Florida for your critical care medicine fellowship?

A. I was strongly influenced by my mentor, Caleb Harrell, a graduate of this program, who spoke highly of the training and culture here. What ultimately drew me to UF was the diversity of ICU environments, the blend of anesthesia, surgical, and EM-trained intensivists, and the consistently high acuity. It felt like a place where I could develop a well‑rounded, multidisciplinary approach to critical care.

Q. Why is critical care medicine important and what drew you to the specialty?

A. Critical care allows me to care for the patients who have always captivated me in the emergency department — the ones with complex physiology and rapidly evolving illness. I love the intersection of emergency medicine and critical care medicine because the skill sets complement each other. I’m especially drawn to the cardiothoracic ICU, where thinking through how mechanical support interacts with native physiology is both challenging and deeply rewarding.

Q. What is your favorite thing about Gainesville?

A. I appreciate how easy it is to enjoy time off here. Whether it’s visiting the springs, spending a day at the parks in Orlando, or heading out to the coast, there’s always a way to recharge and enjoy the outdoors. It’s a great balance to the intensity of fellowship.

Q. What is next for you after fellowship?

A. After fellowship, I plan to move closer to family and work in a role that allows me to split my time between the ICU and the emergency department. I’m excited about continuing to build a career that blends both acute resuscitation and longitudinal critical care.

Learn more about our Critical Care Medicine Fellowship.

Incoming Endoscopic Spine Fellows

Adam Delora, M.D., M.S.,

Delora earned his medical degree from the University of New Mexico. He completed an emergency medicine residency at the University of Houston and then two fellowships: a neurocritical care fellowship at Cleveland Clinic and a pain medicine fellowship at Rush University. He also has a Master of Science in computer science and a Bachelor of Arts in chemistry from the University of New Mexico.

During his residency, Delora scheduled events for his program and helped create a rigorous curriculum. He was a member of the college’s stroke committee, where he developed policies for the acute management of strokes. His most recent experiences had him in rural areas of Texas and Ohio, where he provided coverage for emergency departments.

 Abdul Qudoos Shahid, M.D.

Shahid earned his medical degree from the Iberoamerican University in the Dominican Republic. He completed his anesthesiology residency at the University of Oklahoma Health Center, a pain and palliative medicine fellowship at Ohio State University, and an interventional pain fellowship at the University of Rochester. He went to Marquette University for his undergraduate degree.

In his last year of residency, Shahid won the Resident Academic Award and the John L. Plewes Award for being an outstanding resident. At the 2011 Midwest Anesthesia Residents’ Conference, his case won best presentation. He has also conducted research about the modulation of neural pathways and its effects on ischemic heart via spinal cord stimulation. In addition, he has been on humanitarian mission trips to Pakistan and Guatemala to provide medical services.

Incoming Pain Medicine Fellows

Nikhil “Nick” Bhana, M.D.

Bhana earned his medical degree from Cooper Medical School of Rowan University. He completed his emergency residency at the University of Massachusetts. He has a Bachelor of Science in biology from Temple University.

As a resident, he worked on complex pain cases and got hands-on experience in the interventional pain management office at the University of Massachusetts. Additionally, he was a clinical researcher for Harvard Medical School’s Department of Internal Medicine, where he helped perform a survey aimed at preventing unnecessary separation of mothers and newborns during the COVID-19 pandemic, showing that skin-to-skin care and breastfeeding are safe for SARS-CoV-2-infected mothers.

Justin Buck, D.O.

Buck earned his medical degree from Lincoln Memorial University-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed a transitional year at Mercy Catholic Medical Center and his physical medicine and rehabilitation residency at the University of Central Florida. He has a Bachelor of Science in biology from Queens University of Charlotte.

At medical school, Buck was voted student doctor for March 2019 by his peers for making noteworthy contributions to the student body. During his residency, he gained experience in treating diverse pain conditions and practicing regenerative medicine techniques. At HCA Florida West Hospital, he was a pain stewardship committee member, where he helped refine hospital protocols and advance pain management practices.

Ryan Keller, D.O.

Keller earned his medical degree from Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his anesthesiology residency at the University of Chicago. He has a Bachelor of Science in business from Southern Illinois University.

Keller was most recently an anesthesiologist at Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center, where he was the educational and M&M lead for the anesthesia department. Prior to that he was the medical director for Steamboat Orthopedic and Spine Institute, where he led and assisted with the development of a new outpatient orthopedic surgery center. In this role, he provided upper extremity peripheral nerve blocks and spinals for lower extremity procedures daily.

Joel Rodriguez, M.D.

Rodriguez received his medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. He finished his emergency medicine residency at John Peter Smith Hospital. He has a Bachelor of Science in biology from Baylor University.   

During his residency, Rodriguez did an away rotation at UF, where he participated in a case study about the treatment of low back pain with fluoroscopic percutaneous sacroplasty. His second case study focused on using an anterior cutaneous nerve block for chronic abdominal pain due to anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment. He was a medical mission team leader for the University of Texas Southwestern, where he organized a one-week surgical and medical trip to Guatemala.

Sounak Roy, M.D.

Roy earned his medical degree from Vanderbilt University. He completed his anesthesiology residency at the University of Florida College of Medicine in Jacksonville. He has a Bachelor of Science in molecular biology and biomedical science from Johns Hopkins University.

As a resident, Roy was the liaison and physician representative for the Pain Oversight and Stewardship Committee, where he collaborated with others to promote safe, evidence-based use of narcotics and controlled substances. In this role, he also assessed protocol-driven results and refined policies with management. At John Hopkins, he was awarded the Dean’s Undergraduate Research Award, where he developed a novel immunofluorescence protocol to detect prostate cancer. Additionally, his research was recognized by the American Association for Cancer Research with the Thomas J. Bardos Science Education award.  

George “Bailey” Walbridge, D.O.

Walbridge received his medical degree from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine. He finished his emergency medicine residency at Western Michigan Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine. He has a Bachelor of Science in science from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.

During medical school, Walbridge earned the Carmen Pettapiece Research Fellowship award for an exploratory study to assess the profile of clients at the Portland Needle Exchange during COVID-19. At Western Michigan, he was a primary investigator for two cases: one about Haldol and Toradol in the treatment of acute on chronic back pain, and the other about anesthetic technique for multiple lacerations and patient satisfaction.

Learn about our Endoscopic Spine Fellowship.

Learn about our Pain Medicine Fellowship.

Dianne Fontanez-Nieves, M.D., assistant professor of anesthesiology, was chosen by our residents as the June 2026 Faculty Educator of the Month!

Dr. Fontanez-Nieves’ nominations speak about her bright disposition and goal to create a welcoming learning environment: “Dr. Fontanez-Nieves is always a delight to work with. She creates a positive learning environment, is incredibly patient, and genuinely enjoys teaching.” Another resident described her as supportive: “She encourages us to try new techniques and provides the guidance and support needed to build confidence and hone our skills. She is an outstanding educator and mentor all around.”

Congratulations, Dr. Fontanez-Nieves!

Please help us welcome Kyle Chan, M.D., who joins the UF Department of Anesthesiology as an assistant professor in the Divisions of Liver Transplant and Multispecialty Anesthesiology.

Chan earned his medical degree from the UF College of Medicine and recently completed his anesthesiology residency here at our department, where he was a chief resident. He received his Bachelor of Arts in public health and molecular & cellular biology from the University of California, Berkley.

During residency, Chan collected many accolades, such as lifetime membership into the Alpha Omega Alpha honor medical society and an outstanding achievement award in the Division of Liver and Transplant Anesthesiology at this year’s graduation ceremony. In his CA-2 year, he was a part of the paired period team that piloted a new model for helping interns transition into the operating room. He also participated in research, including studying the benefits of ascorbic acid after postreperfusion syndrome, airway management in trauma and emergency medicine bays, and how early training of residents improves long-term retention on performing informed consent.

In his free time, Chan enjoys playing violin, chess, and basketball.

View opportunities to join our faculty.

Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology Fellows

Michael “Mikey” Berentzen, M.D.

Berentzen earned his medical degree from St. Louis University School of Medicine and finished his residency here at the University of Florida (UF) Department of Anesthesiology. He has a Bachelor of Science in human biology from Utah State University.  

During his residency, Berentzen was the chair of the Visiting Professors Committee and a member of the Resident Recruitment Committee. At the 2025 Gulf Atlantic Anesthesia Resident’s Research Conference, he earned third place for his oral presentation. His recent research interests cover catheter placement and the mitral valve.  

Kellen Creech, D.O., MPH, M.S.

Creech received his medical degree and Master of Public Health from Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his anesthesiology residency here at the UF Department of Anesthesiology, where he was a chief resident. Additionally, he has a Master of Medical Sciences from the University of South Florida and a Bachelor of Science in biology from Ave Maria University.  

During residency, Creech was a member of the paired period committee and the Anesthesia Process Improvement Committee. Additionally, he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha honor medical society and UF Gold Humanism Honor Society for his high academic achievement, leadership, and character.

Kody Russelburg, D.O.

Russelburg earned his medical degree from Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine and finished his anesthesiology residency at the University of Central Florida. He has a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry from the University of Southern Indiana.  

During residency, Russelburg earned Best Overall Resident and the Trauma Star award. He also scored in the top ten percent on the American Board of Anesthesiology BASIC Exam. In addition, he has been involved in quality improvement projects that have focused on preoperative methadone for elective spinal surgeries and improvement of medication labeling.   

Allyson Tragesser, M.D.

Tragesser received her medical degree from the UF College of Medicine (COM) and completed her residency here at the UF Department of Anesthesiology, where she was a chief resident. She also earned her Bachelor of Science in health science at UF.  

Tragesser was  inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha honor medical society for her high educational achievement and professionalism. As a chief resident, she earned numerous accolades, like the Outstanding Resident Educator Award from the UF COM Society of Teaching Scholars and seven awards at the 2026 Residents’ Graduation, including the Chair’s Award for Best Resident and an outstanding achievement award in the Division of Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology.  

Learn about our Adult Cardiothoracic Fellowship Program.

Pedrito Hernández Pérez, M.D., was chosen by his peers as the June 2026 Resident of the Month!

Dr. Hernández Pérez’s nominations highlight his hard work and consideration: “His pre-op work is thorough and thoughtful, and his initiative and reliability don’t go unnoticed.” A co-resident pointed out his can-do attitude: “He is a pleasure to work with. He always has a great attitude and never hesitates to help out even if it means staying late.”

Congratulations, Dr. Hernández Pérez!

Stories from over 50 years of exceptional experiences as an anesthesiologist are not often shared widely. This year, however, André P. Boezaart, M.D., Ph.D., FASRA, emeritus professor with the University of Florida (UF) Department of Anesthesiology, received the 2026 Gaston Labat Award from the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine in April. At the acceptance ceremony, he delivered an autobiographical lecture, “My Half-Century Love Affair with Regional Anesthesia: Hard Lessons from War to Microanatomy to Acute Pain Medicine and Beyond,” which was recently published by Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine.

Boezaart’s narrative began in 1975, when as a young anesthesiologist conscripted into the South African Defense Force, he served in a forward surgical unit during “the Secret War” of Operation Savannah in Angola. Over the course of treating soldiers’ injuries, he and his colleagues improvised a procedure that, according to Boezaart, “may have been the first continuous peripheral nerve blocks.” By inserting a central venous catheter adjacent to the axillary artery and securing it, they could deliver local anesthetic repeatedly for daily treatment and interfacility transport. This technique made repeated blocks possible for the wounded soldiers, and it was only after the wartime records were declassified in 2006 that the origins of the ingenious technique could be shared.

The practitioner’s work extended beyond war wounds. During the 1980s, he and his colleagues implemented continuous epidural labor analgesia, establishing the “walking epidural” concept that has become common practice worldwide. Later, in a triumph of innovation over challenge, a 20% failure rate for thoracic epidural blocks ultimately led to the adoption of electrically stimulated catheters, which reduced failures to near zero.

As part of his lecture, Boezaart reflected on his vantage point during the evolution of regional anesthesia. While the field grew to include continuous epidurals, nerve stimulation, and ultrasound guidance, his experiences underscored the necessity of humility, as lessons learned from difficult experiences led to breakthroughs. “Most of the important lessons about regional anesthesia and acute pain medicine I learned by improvising and getting things wrong,” wrote Boezaart. “If there is a single lesson from these fifty years, it is that progress never comes from defending what we think we know but rather from the discomfort of realizing we were wrong and the discipline to adopt, adapt, and improve.”

The narrative of his personal history with acute pain medicine also revealed how microanatomy shapes outcomes. His discovery of a book by Miguel A. Reina, M.D., Ph.D., a courtesy faculty member with the Department of Anesthesiology, dramatically enhanced his understanding of regional anesthesia. This led to a close friendship, scientific collaboration, and numerous shared publications. Boezaart’s lecture details how microanatomical understanding guide current treatment and informs future advances. 

The lecture concluded on a philosophical note: progress in pain care depends on learning from uncomfortable errors. “Being wrong and making mistakes is uncomfortable, but it’s also the best form of ongoing education,” said Boezaart. “If we’re never wrong, we’re not asking hard enough questions. . . We have much to learn, so learn we must, not only for ourselves but also for those who depend on us and are forced by circumstance to endure pain.” From a wartime field hospital to the hallways UF Health, the message remains clear: humility, curiosity, and a willingness to adapt are the hallmarks of clinical advancement.

Congratulations to Dr. Boezaart!

Learn about joining our faculty.

Incoming Critical Care Medicine Fellows

Younus Aqeel, M.D.

Aqeel earned his medical degree from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. He completed his emergency medicine residency at St. John’s Riverside Hospital and a resuscitation and emergency critical care fellowship at Albany Medical Center. His Master of Science in experimental and molecular pathology is from the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, and his Bachelor of Science in chemistry is from the University of California, Irvine.

Aqeel’s interests include researching the role and utility of artificial intelligence (AI) in emergency medicine. His recent project focused on patient attitudes towards the use of AI. As a medical student, Aqeel was recognized for his research efforts and received a research fellowship award. He also shared his poster about necrotizing pancreatitis at the 2024 Mediterranean Emergency Medicine Congress in Greece.

Matthew Bzdega, M.D.

Bzdega learned his medical degree from the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine and completed his residency here at the UF Department of Anesthesiology. He also finished an anesthesia research fellowship here, where he focused on simulation and mathematical modeling. He has a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan University and a Bachelor of Science in applied physics from Emory University.  

After his training, he worked for the PeaceHealth Medical Group at the Ketchikan Medical Center in Oregon as the department chair of anesthesiology and later the chief medical officer. He was most recently the chief medical officer for PeaceHealth at Peace Harbor Medical Center. In addition, he has been on medical mission trips to the Philippines, Haiti, and Honduras.

Blake Callahan, M.D.

Callahan received his medical degree from the University of Central Florida (UCF) College of Medicine (COM) and completed his emergency medicine residency at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center. He also did a general surgery internship with UCF. Additionally, he has a Master of Science in medical science from the University of South Florida and a Bachelor of Science in biology from Florida State University.  

As a medical student, Callahan was awarded the UCF COM Institutional Scholarship and the Anthony Cipparone Medical Student Endowed Scholarship. He also published articles about proximal humerus fractures and mutant amino acids. His most recent peer-reviewed article was about a predictive nomogram-based model for lower extremity compartment syndrome after trauma.  

Jaydip Desai, D.O.

Desai received his medical degree from the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his emergency medicine residency at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. He also has a Bachelor of Arts in cell biology and neuroscience from Rutgers University in New Jersey.  

Desai was recently involved in two research projects: the first using clinical gestalt in the diagnosis of ureteral colic, and the second investigating the outcomes of dual antibiotic administration in patients with septic shock. His current project focuses on creating a method of didactic teaching that informs learners about botany and toxicology.  

Chengcheng Zheng, M.D.

Zheng received his medical degree from Florida International University and completed his residency here at the University of Florida (UF) Department of Anesthesiology.  

Zheng’s research has covered topics like nasopharyngeal carcinoma and hematomas. At the 2025 American Society of Anesthesiologists annual meeting, he shared his poster on perioperative management of spontaneous subdural hematomas after red yeast rice-induced liver injury. He also presented this research at the 2025 Society of General Internal Medicine annual meeting with his group.  

Incoming Adult Combined Cardiothoracic Critical Care Fellow

Elizabeth Miller, M.D.

Miller earned her medical degree from Wake Forest University and finished her residency here in the UF Department of Anesthesiology. She also completed residency with the UF Department of Surgery before turning to anesthesia. She has a Bachelor of Arts in biology and sociology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  

Miller has co-authored publications on various topics, like bone marrow, inflammation, and blockades. At the 2025 American Society of Anesthesiologists annual meeting, she shared her research on prosthetic leaflet impalement after modified Y-incision aortic annular enlargement. She was also honored with the Great Catch award by the UF Health Sebastian Ferrero Office of Clinical Quality and Patient Safety for her high-quality patient care.  

Learn about our Critical Care Medicine Fellowship Program.

Learn about our Adult Combined Cardiothoracic Critical Care Fellowship.

On Monday, July 6, our current chair and three of our former chairs visited Professor Emeritus of Anesthesiology and Pediatrics Shirley Graves, M.D., to congratulate her on being selected for one of the university’s most prestigious honors, the Distinguished Achievement Award. In the award letter, University of Florida (UF) President Don Landry wrote, “Your remarkable accomplishments and dedicated leadership have brought honor and prestige to our institution.”  

Graves is a pioneering clinician and educator whose leadership in pediatric anesthesiology and critical care has shaped patient safety, training, and standards of care for more than three decades. At UF, she established and directed the first Pediatric Intensive Care Unit as medical director and clinical unit chief; she also served as chief of the Division of Pediatric Anesthesia, and as medical director and clinical unit chief of the Post‑Anesthesia Care Unit. Additionally, she led a pediatric anesthesiology subspecialty residency program. Chair of the Department of Anesthesiology, Gregory Janelle, M.D., FASE, FASA, wrote in his nomination letter, “Dr. Graves’ career embodies the intellectual rigor, program-building vision, and humanistic leadership that this award seeks to recognize…she built programs that endure, shaped national standards that persist, and mentored leaders who carry forward her example.”

“Dr. Graves’ career required both courage and persistence. Entering medicine when doors were not readily open to women, she didn’t simply walk through them; she widened them for the rest of us.”

Tammy Euliano, M.D., professor of anesthesiology and obstetrics & gynecology, credited Graves with opening doors for women in medicine. “I am fortunate to have trained under and then worked with Dr. Graves in the last decade of her long career, and I am a far better physician for it,” she wrote in her nomination letter. “Dr. Graves’ career required both courage and persistence. Entering medicine when doors were not readily open to women, she didn’t simply walk through them; she widened them for the rest of us.” Graves was the first woman to serve as program chair for the American Society of Anesthesiologists Annual Meeting (1997) and the first woman president of the Florida Society of Anesthesiologists (1978), establishing a model for inclusive leadership in anesthesiology.

Her work advanced perioperative safety for children. This included providing early evidence guiding pulse oximetry-based oxygen supplementation in the PACU, clarifying best practices in airway management and fluid therapy, and advancing neonatal and pediatric monitoring. Internationally, she coauthored the Utstein-style consensus for uniform reporting of drowning outcomes that continues to underpin global research and resuscitation practice. Nikolas Gravenstein, M.D., the Jerome H. Modell Distinguished Professor of Anesthesiology and former department chair, said in his nomination letter, “Her impact on the care of critically ill children in Florida was so important that in 2001 the Shands Hospital Board of Directors named the pediatric intensive care unit after her and Pediatric Surgeon Dr. James Talbert.”

Graves has mentored generations of trainees, built consensus in multidisciplinary teams, and led community service initiatives. She exemplifies intellectual rigor, humane care, and institution-building leadership; qualities that have tangibly improved outcomes for children and have advanced the field of anesthesiology.

This significant award has been bestowed upon only 38 people since 1993. Congratulations, Dr. Graves!

Sappenfield was promoted to clinical professor of anesthesiology, while Gonzalez and Jones earned the clinical associate professor title. Earning a promotion marks a major career milestone, reflecting years of committed effort and dedication. Each of these individuals has provided exceptional service to our patients, our profession, and our university.

Sappenfield joined the department in 2013 as an assistant professor in the Divisions of Liver & Transplant Anesthesiology, Perioperative Medicine, and Multispecialty Anesthesiology. In 2019, he was promoted to associate professor and in 2023, he was appointed the clinical director of research for the Division of Multispecialty Anesthesiology. Furthermore, he is the trauma surgery liaison for a Level 1 trauma center at UF Health. In a recent performance review, our department chair highlighted his trauma care efforts: “Dr. Sappenfield’s commitment to trauma anesthesia, both here and nationally, remains steadfast and is exemplified by his invitation to present at national meetings.” His teaching efforts have also been recently acknowledged at the 2026 Residents’ Graduation and Awards Ceremony with the Haven M. Perkins Lifetime Teaching Award.

Gonzalez joined the department’s faculty as an assistant professor in 2014 but already had history with us as she completed her residency here. She plays a huge role in pediatric health care as the medical director for UF Health Children’s Surgical Center. In a recent performance review, our department chair emphasized her teaching and patient care work, “Dr. Gonzalez’s clinical teaching evaluations remain excellent, and she continues to provide exceptional care to complex pediatric patients.” In addition, she was recognized by the UF College of Medicine for her teaching and mentoring contributions with the Exemplary Teacher award and Exemplary Mentor award in 2017. Since then, she has received the Exemplary Teacher award two more times in 2020 and 2024. 

Jones joined the department as an assistant professor in the Division of Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology in 2018. Since then, he has become the clinical research director of the division as well as the assistant program director of the division’s fellowship program. He also serves as the anesthesiology representative for the UF Medical Review Board for heart transplants. In a letter of recommendation, our cardiothoracic anesthesiology division chief emphasized his quality care awareness and patient safety efforts, “Dr. Jones’ devotion to daily clinical practice improvement has tremendously impacted streamlining the workflow of the operating rooms.” In 2025, he earned his third Exemplary Teacher award from the UF College of Medicine and the UF Innovate award from the university. At the department’s Celebration of Research this year, he and his team received the Top Experimental or Observational Clinical Trial Abstract award.

Congratulations to Drs. Sappenfield, Gonzalez, and Jones for their promotions as well as Dr. Tammy Euliano, M.D., for successfully navigating the post-tenure review process and remaining a professor with tenure! 

View opportunities to join our faculty.

Prior to joining us, Fiorda Diaz was a clinical assistant professor at the University of Iowa Department of Anesthesia. He earned his medical degree from La Universidad del Zulia in Venezuela, where he also completed his anesthesiology residency. He finished his neuroanesthesia fellowship at Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center.

Fiorda Diaz has an extensive research background. He has been a co-investigator or sub-investigator for more than 90 trials, including one about the utilization of point-of-care ultrasonography to assess hemodynamics and lung pathology in COVID-19 patients. He has also co-authored numerous peer-reviewed publications as well as some book chapters. Additionally, he serves as a journal reviewer for three journals, one being Frontiers in Medicine.

In his free time, Fiorda Diaz enjoys cooking, hiking, and learning new languages.

George was a neuroanesthesia and neurocritical care consultant at Caritas Hospital in India before joining us. She received her MBBS degree from the Christian Medical College in India, where she also completed a medical degree in anesthesiology. She earned her Doctor of Medicine in neuroanesthesia and neurocritical care at Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences, a pioneer in comprehensive epilepsy care and a leading quaternary referral center.

George’s research interests focus on transcranial Doppler and intraoperative neuromonitoring, specifically investigating their role in optimizing patient safety and significantly improving postoperative outcomes. In 2022, she received first prize in the “Free Paper” category at the Indian Society of Neuroanesthesiology and Critical Care meeting for her presentation “Evaluation of transcranial Doppler velocity variations and cerebral oxygenation using NIRS.”

In her free time, George enjoys spending time with her family and exploring the outdoors.

Welcome, Drs. Fiorda Diaz and George!

View opportunities to join our faculty.

Among this talented cohort, six are graduates from our own UF College of Medicine. This year’s match process was highly competitive, with our department reviewing 1,250 applications and conducting interviews with over 200 exceptional candidates. These new residents represent various backgrounds and come from medical schools across the country, and each one stood out as a top candidate during our selection process.

To our new residents: Welcome to the UF anesthesiology family! We’re thrilled to have you here and look forward to supporting your growth as future anesthesiologists.

New Interns

Garrett Abernathy, DO

Undergrad: Northern Arizona University
Med School: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine

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Elias Bouyounes, DO

Undergrad: University of Florida
Med School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Carolinas Campus

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F. Capote Alvarez, MD

Med School: University of Medical Sciences of Havana
Most Recent: Critical Care and Emergency Medicine Residency

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Tony DeStephens, DO

Undergrad: University of South Florida
Med School: William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine

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Quyn Duffy, MD

Undergrad: Nova Southeastern University
Med School: Medical College of Wisconsin

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Wills Dunham, MD

Undergrad: Vanderbilt University
Med School: University of Florida College of Medicine

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Cole Farnsworth, DO

Undergrad: Brigham Young University
Med School: Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine

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Holly Gomez, MD, PhD

Undergrad: Oakland University
Graduate: University of Florida
Med School: University of Florida College of Medicine

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Lisa Ju, MD, PhD

Undergrad: Nanjing University
Graduate: University of Florida
Med School: Medical College of Nanjing University

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Austin Kansol, MD

Undergrad: University of Florida
Med School: University of Florida College of Medicine

Galyna Khramova, MD

Undergrad: University of Florida
Med School: University of Florida College of Medicine

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Alex Kimberling, DO

Undergrad: Brigham Young University
Med School: Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine

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Ivy Kioutchoukova, MD

Undergrad: University of Florida
Med School: University of Florida College of Medicine

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Tyler Klingler, DO

Undergrad: Utah Valley University
Med School: Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine

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Ben Lack, MD

Undergrad: University Florida 
Med School: Florida Atlantic University

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Juan Medina Colón, MD

Undergrad: University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras Campus
Med School: University of Puerto Rico

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Daniel Mestre, MD

Undergrad: University of Florida 
Med School: University of Florida College of Medicine

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Santiago Ortiz, DO

Undergrad: University of Florida 
Med School: Nova Southeastern University

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Patrick Pham, MD

Undergrad: University of Notre Dame
Med School: Oregon Health & Science University

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Erick Pons, MD

Undergrad: University of Florida
Med School: Ohio State University

New CA-1 Residents

Sadaf Afraz, DO

Undergrad: Ryerson University 
Med School: Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Transitional Year: Internal Medicine Residency, Cleveland Clinic Florida

Amro Alashi, MD

Undergrad: Florida International University
Med School: Florida International University College of Medicine
Transitional Year: General Surgery Residency, TriHealth 

Nina Mercado Garcia, MD

Med School: Universidad del Magdalena Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud
Transitional Year: Pediatrics Residency, University of California, San Francisco
Dr. Mercado Garcia is our advanced commitment resident from last year.

Zollie White, III, MD, PhD

Undergrad: University of Alabama at Birmingham
Med School: University of Virginia
Transitional Year: Internal Medicine Residency, Cape Fear Valley Health System

John Wright, MD

Undergrad: University of Mississippi
Med School: University of Arkansas
Transitional Year: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences 

Learn more about our residency program.

Anesthesia and Analgesia

Bashir AH. A new study partner: leveraging artificial intelligence for the Anesthesiology APPLIED Exam. Anesth Analg. Published online June 15, 2026. doi:10.1213/ANE.0000000000008159

Birth

Oli C, Rhomberg M, Garvan C, et al. Respectful maternity care and postpartum emotional distress: the mediating role of baby-friendly hospital initiative practices and moderation by support. Birth. Published online June 29, 2026. doi:10.1111/birt.70089

BMC Medical Education

Fox H, Garvan C, Pradhan A, Sims SM, Bruggeman B. Current practices in obstetrics and gynecology transition to residency courses: graduates’ perspectives on activities, topics, and overall educational benefit. BMC Med Educ. Published online June 12, 2026. doi:10.1186/s12909-026-08977-3

OTA International

Kakalecik J, Brnjos K, Habib A, Vasilopoulos T, Hagen JE, Krupko TA. Risk factors for revision amputation and infection after definitive closure of traumatic amputations: a retrospective cohort study at a Level I academic trauma center. OTA Int. 2026;9(3):e490. Published 2026 Jun 23. doi:10.1097/OI9.0000000000000490

Pain Management

Deer T, Shah A, Reece D, Vu CM, Umapathy S, Chopra H, Buday CM, Garcia RA, et al. Best practices for the LinQ sacroiliac joint stabilization procedure for the treatment of sacroiliac joint disorders. Pain Manag. Published online June 4, 2026. doi:10.1080/17581869.2026.2674158

Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience

Sharififar S, Lamprecht C, Khanna AY, Rashidi P, Ackerman P, Zarreii P, Garvan C, Azari H, Krishnan C. Backward incline walking in stroke rehabilitation: a pilot feasibility study. Restor Neurol Neurosci. Published online June 23, 2026. doi:10.1177/09226028261451969

Trends in Anaesthesia and Critical Care

Urdaneta F, Silva V, Barrios A, Adkins LE, White JD. Intubation failure and the need for emergency frontal neck access in the NORA setting: a warning about nasogastric tube (Sofferman) syndrome. Trends Anaesth Crit Care. 2026;69:101665. doi.org/10.1016/j.tacc.2026.101665

Ryan King, M.D., was chosen by his peers as the May 2026 Resident of the Month!

Dr. King’s nominations emphasize his positive attitude: “His work ethic and positive attitude make him someone I enjoy working with.” Another co-resident said, “Awesome team member on mole. Always on top of his work, he helped us out in difficult cases.”

Congratulations, Dr. King!

Elvio Mazzotta, M.D., assistant professor of anesthesiology, was chosen by our residents as the May 2026 Faculty Educator of the Month!

Dr. Mazzotta’s nominations highlight his calm demeanor and valuable knowledge: “Great teacher, very easy to work with, calm and collected.” Another nomination said: “Pleasure to work with. Willing to try new things. I always look forward to working with him, and I learn something valuable every time I do.”

Congratulations, Dr. Mazzotta!!

Over 40 of our department members, including faculty, residents, and fellows, played an active role in making the meeting a success by participating in 7 sessions or workshops and sharing a total of 18 posters. Covered topics included airway management, liver transplantation, and aortic arch surgery.

The FSA Annual Meeting is the largest gathering of anesthesiologists in the Southeastern United States.

Nine of our faculty members led or moderated sessions or workshops: Joseph AbuRahma, M.D., Brandon Lopez, M.D., Emuejevoke Chuba, M.D., Amanda Frantz, M.D., Kenneth John, M.D., Yong G. Peng, M.D., Ph.D., Bharathram Vasudevan, MBBS, M.D., Shakthi Venkatachalam, MBBS, Peggy White, M.D.

Peng, professor of anesthesiology, and White, associate professor of anesthesiology, were both moderators for a point-of-care ultrasound workshop and co-led a cardiac ultrasound hands-on station.

Peng credited the workshop’s success to the FSA Organizing Committee for supporting the event and to the instructors for sharing their expertise.

Abigail Schirmer, M.D., newly graduated resident, was a moderator for “The Road to Becoming a Successful Anesthesiologist — A Session for Trainees,” while Frantz, associate professor of anesthesiology, was a part of its panel.

Schirmer was also the recipient of the Top Anesthesiology Trainee award, being one of three residents to earn it. Additionally, two faculty-mentored UF College of Medicine students Snigdha Sama and Helena Krogman were selected for the Top Medical Student award.

Congratulations to all our fantastic department members who contributed to this event and represented our department!

The next FSA Annual Meeting will be in 2027 from June 11 to 13. The call for abstracts for the next annual meeting will open November 2026.

Sessions and Workshops

• Perioperative management of mechanical circulatory support devices for non-cardiac surgery
  • Moderator: Dr. Ahmed Zaky
  • Speakers: Dr. Emuejevoke Chuba, Dr. Kenneth John, and Dr. Bharathram Vasudevan
• Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) workshop
  • Moderator: Dr. Yong G. Peng and Dr. Peggy White
  • Mini lecture: Image Acquisition Techniques; Speaker: Dr. Peggy White
  • Mini lecture: ASA POCUS Certification Pathway; Speaker: Dr. Yong G. Peng
  • Hands-on station: Cardiac ultrasound led by Dr. Peggy White and Dr. Yong G. Peng
• Clinical snap talks: Is a cardiac anesthesiologist needed?
  • Moderator: Dr. Imani K. Thornton
  • Speaker: Dr. Joseph AbuRahma
• OB challenging case panel
  • Moderator: Dr. Jennifer Hochman Cohn
  • Speakers: Dr. Mariana Acosta and Dr. Shakthi Venkatachalam
• The road to becoming a successful anesthesiologist — a session for trainees
  • Moderato: Dr. Abigail Schirmer
  • Panel: Dr. Amanda Frantz, Dr. Benjamin Houseman, and Dr. Tatiana Jamroz
• Intraoperative MI in liver transplantation: Fast-track rescue with VA-ECMO
  • Speakers: Lori Jean-Baptiste, M.D.; Brandon Lopez, M.D.
• Rigid bronchoscopy intubation in a patient with difficult airway and mediastinal mass
  • Speakers: Carmelina Gonzalez, D.O.; Paul Campbell, M.D.

Posters

Digital posters

• Anesthesia fellowship in the post-COVID era: National trends and academic implications
  Kendall Jenkins, M.D.¹; Kiana Foster, B.S.²; Cynthia Garvan, Ph.D.¹; Nikolaus Gravenstein, M.D.¹; Emuejevoke Chuba, M.D.^{1
  1} University of Florida; ² FIU Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine
• Intraoperative TEE-guided VV ECMO intervention in refractory post-CPB respiratory failure during redo aortic arch surgery
  Jonathan Holt¹; Yong G. Peng, M.D., Ph.D., FASE^{2
  1} University of Florida; ² Department of Anesthesiology, University of Florida College of Medicine
• The downside of draining: A case of post removal spinal hematoma
  Meena Kanhai, M.D.; Kevin Priddy, M.D.; Alessandra Costello-Serrano, M.D.; Natalie Lowe, M.D.; Erika Taco-Vasquez, M.D.
  University of Florida Department of Anesthesiology
• Third trach’s a charm: Management of failed tracheostomy in a prior difficulty airway
  Kade Eppich, M.D.; Amanda Frantz, M.D.; Letitia Bible, M.D.; Ryan Parker, M.D., Ph.D.
  University of Florida
• The efficacy of biplane versus single-plane ultrasound in facilitating caudal epidural anesthesia in pediatric patients
  Sonia Mehta, M.D.; Anjali Patel
  University of Florida Department of Anesthesiology
• Ultrasound-guided two-for-four high ankle block: A motor-sparing technique for selective ankle surgery
  Alisha Shah, M.D.; Soleil Schutte, M.D.; Hadia Maqsood, MBBS; Svetlana Chembrovich, M.D.; Linda Le-Wendling, M.D.; Meena Kanhai, M.D.; Barys Ihnatsenka, M.D.
  University of Florida Department of Anesthesiology
• Unloading the failing heart: Coordinating ECMO and Impella support in a high-risk cardiac trauma case
  Gabriel Flambert, B.S.¹; Arthur De Souza¹; Yong G. Peng, M.D., Ph.D., FASE, FASA^{2
  1} University of Florida College of Medicine; ² University of Florida Department of Anesthesiology
• When propofol isn’t enough: Sedation resistance in a CYP2C19 ultra-rapid metabolizer
  Michael Lafferty; Jaime Tellez; Amanda Frantz, M.D.; Peggy White, M.D.
  University of Florida College of Medicine
• Simulation-based validation of motion extraction for quantitative train of four assessment
  Adam Wolach, M.D.; Nikolaus Gravenstein, M.D.
  University of Florida Department of Anesthesiology
• Vasopressor requirements across anesthestic modalities during transesophageal echocardiography in severe left ventricular dysfunction
  Renee Cress; Emuejevoke Chuba, M.D., MSCR; Terrie Vasilopoulos, Ph.D.; Anson Wang, M.D.; Thomas J Lewandowski, FACC, FASE; Yong G. Peng, M.D. Ph.D., FASE, FASA
  University of Florida
• Femoral nerve catheters: Not all rashes are infections
  Sneha Raola, M.D.; Alisha Shah, M.D.; Paola Silva, M.D.; Erica Taco-Vasquez, M.D.
  University of Florida Department of Anesthesiology
• Clot thickens: The hemoglobin story after intraoperative prothrombin complex concentrate use in liver transplantation
  Luis Carvajal, B.S.¹; Carmelina Gorski, B.S.¹; Michael Lafferty, B.S.¹; Terrie Vasilopoulos, Ph.D.²; Asad Bashir, M.D.^{2
  1} University of Florida College of Medicine; ² University of Florida Department of Anesthesiology

Posters

• Anesthetic management of a preterm parturient with infectious endocarditis
  Kyle Chan, M.D.; Adam Wendling, M.D.; Matthew Andoniadis, M.D.
  University of Florida College of Medicine
• Anesthesia fellowship in the post-COVID era: National trends and financial implications
  Kiana Foster, B.S.¹; Kendall Jenkins, M.D.²; Cynthia Garvan, Ph.D.²; Nikolaus Gravenstein, M.D.²; Emuejevoke Chuba, M.D.^{2
  1} FIU Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine; ² University of Florida
• Effective communication for a successful intervention in patient undergoing complex aortic pathology procedure
  Arthur De Souza, B.S.¹; Gabriel Flambert, B.S.¹; Yong G. Peng, M.D., Ph.D., FASE, FASA^{2
  1} University of Florida College of Medicine; ² Department of Anesthesiology,
• The effectiveness of intraoperative endotracheal extubation in liver transplantation
  Ciara Saccente; Rehan Shah; Kha D Vo; Jonathan Hooper; Asad Bashir, M.D.
  University of Florida College of Medicine
• Awake ambulatory spine surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis: A case report
  Helena Krogman; Shahrukh Bengali, M.D.; Sanjeev Kumar, M.D.
  University of Florida
• Case report: Clinical and psychiatric considerations of intraoperative awareness during electroconvulsive therapy
  Carmelina Gorski, B.S.¹; Brent Carr, M.D.^{2
  1} University of Florida College of Medicine; ² University of Florida Department of Anesthesiology

Twenty-two residents moving into their first clinical anesthesia year (CA1) attended our 2026 Basic Skills Boot Camp. Held June 1–5, 2026, this intensive five-day program bridges the gap between classroom knowledge and the fast-paced realities of the operating room, equipping residents with the hands-on skills, clinical tools, and professional mindset they need before their paired period begins.

This year’s boot camp placed a strong emphasis on hands-on, experiential learning with several new sessions introduced that put residents directly in contact with actual equipment in the ORs. Across five full days, residents moved through a curriculum spanning CPR, ultrasound-guided needling skills, arterial lines, drug delivery, point-of-care training, Epic, and more.

In its second year, the Omnicell AWS Training and Narcotics Accountability with the pharmacy team is already proving its worth. Pharmacy staff noted a marked improvement in the preparedness of CA1s who completed the training last year and were grateful to see it return.

The week closed with residents better equipped technically, clinically, and personally for the demands of paired period and their careers ahead.

Numerous faculty, residents, and staff worked hard to put together this year’s boot camp and make it a success. Many thanks to the teams at the Anesthesiology Education Office, the Center for Safety, Simulation & Advanced Learning Technologies, the Center for Experiential Learning and Simulation, and the instructors below.

In addition to recognizing each of our resident graduates, the department presented several awards highlighting the exceptional contributions of residents, faculty, and CRNA/CAAs throughout the academic year. One of these awards was the Michael A. Fowler, M.D., Anesthesiology Resident Award. This award was handed out for the first time this year in honor of Dr. Fowler, an associate professor and assistant program director for intern education, who passed away last year. The award was established by the Fowler family to honor his enduring commitment to education and mentorship within the field of anesthesiology.

As our graduates accepted their certificates from Timothy Martin, M.D., MBA, associate chair for education, many paused to thank the loved ones and mentors who helped them along the way.

Congratulations to each of our 25 resident graduates of the class of 2026!

View all of our award recipients below as well as where are graduating residents are going next.

Chair’s Awards

These recipients were selected by Department Chair Gregory Janelle, M.D., FASE, FASA, for outstanding service to the department.

Best Resident Award

Allyson Tragesser, M.D.

Chair’s Education Award

Samsun Lampotang, Ph.D., FSSH, FAIMBE

Chair’s Quality Award

Shakthi Venkatachalam, MBBS

Chair’s Research Award

Terrie Vasilopoulos, Ph.D.

best faculty member award

Amir Jafari, D.O.

Unsung Hero Award

Thomas Guyton, M.D.

Chair’s CRNA Award

Francesca Massey, CRNA

Chair’s CAA Award

Spencer Dechert, MS, CAA

Outstanding Resident Awards

The recipients of these awards were selected by departmental faculty.

Outstanding Senior Resident

Allyson Tragesser, M.D.

Outstanding Junior Resident

Caitlyn Hudson, M.D.

Michael A. Fowler, M.D., Anesthesiology Resident Award

Wendy Guo, M.D.

Division Awards

These recipients were selected by the faculty in each division for outstanding achievement.

Acute Pain Medicine-CA1

Wendy Guo, M.D.

Acute Pain Medicine-CA1

Paola Silva Enriquez, M.D.

Acute Pain Medicine-CA1

Ignacio Quintana, M.D.

Acute Pain Medicine-CA3

Allyson Tragesser, M.D.

Acute Pain Medicine-CA3

Andrew Burchak, M.D.

CARDIOTHORACIC ANESTHESIOLOGY-CA2

Adedimeji Adepoju, M.D.

CARDIOTHORACIC ANESTHESIOLOGY-CA3

Kellen Creech, D.O.

CARDIOTHORACIC ANESTHESIOLOGY-CA3

Allyson Tragesser, M.D.

Critical Care medicine-CA1

Justin Bowman, M.D.

Critical Care medicine-Intern

Omowonuola Ogundele, M.D.

Liver & Transplant Anesthesiology

Kyle Chan, M.D.

Multispecialty Anesthesiology

Allyson Tragesser, M.D.

NeuroAnesthesiology

Xiao Rui Yang, M.D.

Non-Operating Room ANESTHESIOLOGY (NORA)

Kevin Marfiak, D.O.

Obstetric Anesthesiology

Taylor Gowen, M.D.

Pain Medicine

Paola Silva Enriquez, M.D.

Pediatric Anestehsiology-CA2

Alexandra Carroll, M.D.

Pediatric Anestehsiology-CA3

Abigail Schirmer, M.D.

Perioperative Medicine-CA1

Wendy Guo, M.D.

Perioperative Medicine-Intern

Zachary Schroeder, D.O.

Transition to Practice

Taylor Gowen, M.D.

VA Anesthesiology Junior Resident of the Year

Aksana Aliakseyeva, M.D.

VA Anesthesiology Senior Resident of the year

Allyson Tragesser, M.D.

VA Pain Clinic Anesthesia Resident of the year

Rasheedat Zakare-Fagbamila, M.D.

Resident and CRNA/CAA Awards

These recipients were selected by the residents and our CRNAs and CAAs.

Michael E. Mahla Exceptional Resident of the Year

Allyson Tragesser, M.D.

Distinguished Team Player

Casey Taylor, D.O.

CRNA and CAA Resident of the Year

Taylor Gowen, M.D.

Exceptional CRNA or CAA of the Year

Lynn Leonard, CAA

Teaching Awards

These recipients were selected by the graduating residents.

T.W. Andersen Teacher of the Year

Anthony Barrios, M.D.

Haven M. Perkins Lifetime Teaching Award

Joshua Sappenfield, M.D.

Resident Graduates

Our 2026 graduates and where they are going next:

• Steven Ayala, M.D. — Dr. Ayala will join Good Samaritan in West Palm Beach, FL.
• Akosua Ayesu-Offei, M.D. — Dr. Ayesu-Offei will join the University of Alabama.
• Michael Berentzen, M.D. — Dr. Berentzen will remain at UF for Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology Fellowship.
• Andrew Burchak, M.D. — Dr. Burchak will join Naval Medical Center in San Diego, CA.
• Christopher Cavazos, M.D. — Dr. Cavazos will join US Anesthesia Partners in Arlington, TX.
• Kyle Chan, M.D. — Dr. Chan will remain at UF as a faculty member.
• Kellen Creech, D.O. — Dr. Creech will remain at UF for Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology Fellowship.
• Camila Gonzalez, D.O. — Dr. Gonzalez will join Imperial Point Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
• Taylor Gowen, M.D. — Dr. Gowen will join Alta Anesthesia Associates in Brunswick, GA.
• Zeerak Khan, M.D. — Dr. Khan will join University of Alabama in Birmingham.
• Megan Koenig, M.D. — Dr. Koenig will join Providence Anesthesiology Associates in Hickory, NC.
• Jessica Mandel, M.D. — Dr. Mandel will join Physician Anesthesiology Services in Denver, CO.
• Kevin Marfiak, D.O.— Dr. Marfiak will join UF Health – Halifax Health in Daytona Beach, FL.
• Elizabeth Miller, M.D. — Dr. Miller will remain at UF for Adult Combined Cardiothoracic Critical Care Fellowship.
• Cameron Myers, M.D. — Dr. Myers will join Orlando Health Wiregrass Ranch Hospital in Wesley Chapel, FL.
• Sneha Raola, M.D. — Dr. Raola will join Buena Vista Anesthesia Medical Group in Pasadena, CA.
• Abigail Schirmer, M.D. — Dr. Schirmer will remain at UF for Pediatric Anesthesiology Fellowship.
• Jarrett Schmidt, D.O. — Dr. Schmidt will join Advent Health in Tampa, FL.
• Dylan Schoo, M.D. — Dr. Schoo will join Naval Medical Center in Camp Lejeune, NC.
• Ahmed Shoola, M.D. — Dr. Shoola will join Uniontown Hospital in Uniontown, PA.
• Casey Taylor, D.O. — Dr. Taylor will join the United States Air Force.
• Allyson Tragesser, M.D. — Dr. Tragesser will remain at UF for Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology Fellowship.
• Jon Vardanyan, M.D. — Dr. Vardanyan will join Seven Hills Anesthesia in Cincinnati, OH.
• Eduardo Walker, M.D. — Dr. Walker will pursue his pediatric anesthesiology fellowship at Texas Children’s Hospital.
• Chengcheng Zheng, M.D. — Dr. Zheng will remain at UF for Critical Care Medicine Fellowship.

Learn more about our residency program.

Please help us welcome Allison S. Haller, M.D., to the University of Florida (UF) Department of Anesthesiology. She joined us as an assistant professor in the Division of Multispecialty Anesthesiology.

Haller previously spent eight years as an assistant professor with our department. She earned her medical degree from the UF College of Medicine and completed her anesthesiology residency and regional anesthesia and acute pain medicine fellowship with us. Additionally, she has a Bachelor of Science in nutrition from UF, making her a quadruple Gator!

During her first professorship with us, she co-authored some publications on epidurals and abdominis plane blocks. She also took a special interest in mentoring and often played a key role in preparing residents for scientific meetings. In 2015, she was our faculty sponsor at the Gulf Atlantic Anesthesia Residents’ Research Conference. Haller’s current clinical interests revolve around outpatient surgery and cases requiring regional anesthesia.  

In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, reading, and watching UF sports with friends and family.

Welcome, Dr. Haller!

View opportunities to join our faculty.

A&A Practice

Krogman H, Goordeen A, Mora JC. Comparative Outcomes of Lateral and Posterior Approaches to Minimally Invasive Sacroiliac Joint Fusion in a Single Patient: A Case Report. A A Pract. 2026;20(5):e02215. Published 2026 May 20. doi:10.1213/XAA.0000000000002215

American Journal of Case Reports

Kotadia MS, Saulino D, Soma D, Bashir AH. Glue Embolus-Induced Portosplenic Thrombosis in Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt: A Novel Finding During Liver Transplantation. Am J Case Rep. 2026;27:e952418. Published 2026 May 26. doi:10.12659/AJCR.952418

ASA Monitor

Jagannathan N, Berkow LC, Foley LJ, Hagberg CA. Why the airway still matters: SAM at 30 years, and the case for a global airway community. ASA Monitor. 2026;90(5):e4-e5. doi:10.1097/01.ASM.0001193256.75650.2c

British Journal of Nutrition

Tamargo JA, Simic K, Capote S, Przkora R, Sibille KT, Cruz-Almeida Y, Anton SD. Krill Oil for Pain in Elders (KOPE): Protocol for a Pilot, Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial Assessing Feasibility and Acceptability of 4 g/d Krill Oil Supplementation in Older Adults with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain and Mobility Limitations. Br J Nutr. Published online May 18, 2026. doi:10.1017/S0007114526107557

Current Anesthesiology Reports

Gahagan K, Sharifi N, Smith C, Brennan M. The role of gastric ultrasound in assessing gastric content and aspiration risk. Curr Anesthesiol Rep. 2026;16:6. doi:10.1007/s40140-026-00706-2

Journal of the Neurological Sciences

Walker LM, Nogueira RC, Vasilopoulos T, et al. A response to the Comment on “The effect of end-tidal carbon dioxide levels on dynamic cerebral autoregulation and clinical outcome in acute ischemic stroke: an INFOMATAS study”. J Neurol Sci. 2026;486:125966. doi:10.1016/j.jns.2026.125966

Perfusion

Capoccia M, Brewer JM, Rackauskas M, Becker TK, Maybauer DM, Stukov Y, Aladaileh M, Lorusso R, Maybauer MO. Extracorporeal life support in lung transplantation with dual-lumen cannulas: A systematic review. Perfusion. 2026;41(1_suppl):137S-149S. doi:10.1177/02676591261430619

Tremor and Other Hyperkinetic Movements

Senthil S, Kumar S, Shukla AW. Risk of Cervical Spine Complications in Individuals with Cervical Dystonia Treated with Botulinum Toxin Therapy. Tremor Other Hyperkinet Mov (N Y). 2026;16:31. Published 2026 May 20. doi:10.5334/tohm.1203

In June, 25 of our residents are graduating and moving on in their careers. One of these outstanding graduates is Kellen Creech, D.O., MPH.

Creech received his medical degree from Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine and served as one of our chief residents for the past academic year. He shared with us some of his thoughts on the residency program and living in Gainesville.

Q: Why did you choose the University of Florida for residency? 

A: Honestly, what stood out to me most about the University of Florida was the combination of really strong clinical training and a genuinely supportive culture. I experienced this as a medical student who rotated within the anesthesiology department. I also worked with a recent graduate of the program as a medical student and realized that she had the skills of the anesthesiologist I wanted to become.

Outside the hospital, Gainesville is an easy place to live during training: affordable, good quality of life, short commutes, and enough to do outside of work to keep balance. Overall, I think UF prepared me well and I would choose this program again without any hesitation.

Q: What is one thing you wish you had known on your first day of residency? 

A: Probably where to go, UF Health is a big place, and it is easy to get lost.

Q: What is one highlight of your time in the residency program? 

A: It’s too hard to choose just one, so I’ll give you a few highlights: mole (night shift) rotations, presenting at SCA conferences, and being a chief resident this past year.

Q: What is your favorite thing about Gainesville?

A: My wife and I really enjoy going to UF baseball games!

Q: What are your post-residency plans?

A: I’ll be starting cardiothoracic anesthesia fellowship here at UF this summer!

Learn more about our residency program.

Please help us welcome Zeeshan Khan, Ph.D., to the UF Department of Anesthesiology. He joined us as an assistant scientist in our Research Division.

Khan has worked as a post-doctoral researcher in the laboratory of Anatoly Martynyuk, Ph.D., professor of anesthesiology and neuroscience, for three years. He has played an integral role in major projects; the most recent project focused on the effects of the brain-gut-microbiome axis on perioperative neurocognitive disorders. He has presented on their findings at several conferences and events, including the department’s own Celebration of Research. Khan earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree in biotechnology from Gauhati University in India.

Khan has also gained research experience in South Korea and India. At Inje University in South Korea, he was a co-investigator for a project that focused on the development of therapeutics against stroke. At the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute in India, his team sought a way to improve the diagnosis of acute typhoid.

He is currently the president of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Educational Trust, an organization supporting Indian individuals interested in education. He is also an auditor for Badlao Foundation, an organization dedicated to the societal uplifting of people living in poverty.

Welcome, Dr. Khan!

View opportunities to join our faculty.

Andrea Macias Mendoza, M.D., assistant professor of anesthesiology, was chosen by our residents as the April 2026 Faculty Educator of the Month!

Dr. Mendoza’s nominations commend her for recognizing when to let residents take charge and when to step in and lead: “On mole, Dr. Mendoza was so willing to take the time to teach, allow residents to teach each other, and fully support during multiple traumas balancing autonomy and hands on patient care.” One resident said, “She’s always a joy to work with, and I always learn something new working with her.”

Congratulations, Dr. Mendoza!

The article, “Clinical Characteristics and Postoperative Outcomes of Bilateral Lung Transplantation for COVID-19–Induced End-Stage Pulmonary Disease: A Single-Center Experience in a High Acuity Patient Population,” was published in the Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia. It was coauthored by Department of Anesthesiology faculty T. Everett Jones, M.D., Michael Franklin, D.O., Terrie Vasilopoulos, Ph.D., and Yong G. Peng, M.D., Ph.D., former fellow Muna Oli, M.D., and colleagues from the Departments of Surgery and Medicine as well as the University of Miami and the Sarasota Memorial Healthcare System.

The researchers examined 37 patients treated between 2020 and 2022 who had severe COVID‑19–related lung injuries and ultimately received BOLTs. More than a third of these patients had developed acute respiratory distress syndrome, and some had previously received ECMO. The study found that all recipients survived the immediate postoperative period, and that a multidisciplinary approach allowed for ECMO removal, intensive care unit discharge, and finally hospital discharge.

Key factors that the researchers identified as influencing postoperative outcomes included the duration of ECMO support before transplant, intraoperative blood loss, and the presence of pulmonary hypertension or right‑ventricular dysfunction. The researchers found that patients who had pulmonary hypertension took about two extra days to be removed from ECMO after the transplant.

“BOLT was a lifesaving procedure for all recipients, despite these patients being among the sickest,” the authors concluded. They also noted modifiable factors that may help to reduce the duration of a patient’s hospital stay and improve their overall recovery.

Congratulations to the authors!

Learn about joining our faculty.

KEY POINTS

• Life‑saving treatment: Bilateral orthotopic lung transplantation (BOLT) resulted in survival for all 37 critically ill COVID‑19 patients studied, including those who had endured prolonged extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support.
• Modifiable variables: Factors such as anticoagulation management, intraoperative blood loss, and optimization of pulmonary hypertension or right‑ventricular function influence both short‑term recovery and overall outcomes.
• Clinical implications: The study supports the use of BOLT as an effective therapeutic strategy for end‑stage COVID‑19 lung disease and highlights the importance of individualized perioperative planning to improve the postoperative course.

Cameron Myers, M.D., was chosen by his peers as the April 2026 Resident of the Month!

Dr. Myers’ nominations emphasize his great teamwork skills and helpful attitude: “He is an outstanding team player who is always willing to step in and help wherever needed.” Another co-resident said, “He consistently supports his co-residents, maintains a positive attitude, and is someone the team can always rely on.”

Congratulations, Dr. Myers!

A&A Practice

Chan K, Ali S, Bashir A. Use of Ascorbic Acid in Postreperfusion Syndrome During Orthotopic Liver Transplantation: A Case Report. A&A Practice 19(12): e02127. December 2025. DOI: 10.1213/XAA.0000000000002127

Acta Neuropathologica Communications

Wanner IB, Halford J, Lopez J, Shen S, Chen Y, Zhao H, Salas C, Loo RO, Robicsek S, Ellingson BM, Gornbein J, Van Meter TE, Shaw G, Loo JA, Vespa PM. GFAP degradation in TBI: linking novel modified products to astrocyte pathology and patient outcome. Acta Neuropathol Commun. 2026;14(1):101. Published 2026 Apr 24. doi:10.1186/s40478-026-02240-y

Anatomy & Cell Biology

Casteel AT, Dumont LM, Samrid R, Reina MA, et al. A comprehensive review of the denticulate ligaments: application to surgery of the craniocervical junction and spine. Anat Cell Biol. Published online April 20, 2026. doi:10.5115/acb.25.376

Anesthesia and Analgesia

Martinelli SM, Tran TN, Canter CL, Hu D, Isaak RS, Afroze F, Mulaikal TA, Ladlie B, Jain A, Willie C, Stahl DL, Carter TR, Zisblatt L, Hoefnagel AL, Marshall JM, Collins S, Keneally RJ, Martin TW, Chen F. Educating Anesthesiology Residents and Their Support Persons to Improve Understanding and Increase Wellness: A Multisite Study. Anesth Analg. Published online April 10, 2026. doi:10.1213/ANE.0000000000008030

Annals of Cardiac Anesthesia

Slowey C, Bruno J, Massoomi MR, Rackauskas M, Becker TK, Maybauer MO. Venoarteriovenous Extracorporeal Life Support for Severe Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy: A Case Report. Ann Card Anaesth. 2026;29(2):274-276. doi:10.4103/aca.aca_196_25

Annals of Thoracic Surgery

Nelson JS, Lu JC, Ashfaq A, Beltran SC, et al. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons/ World Society for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery/ European Congenital Heart Surgeons Association 2026 Clinical Practice Guidelines on Indications and Timing of Pulmonary Valve Replacement in Repaired Tetralogy o. Ann Thorac Surg. Published online April 22, 2026. doi:10.1016/j.athoracsur.2026.04.011

British Journal of Anaesthesia

Meier J, Lasocki S, Meybohm P, Filipescu D, Haas T, Pottecher J, Rineau E, Romagnoli S, Bergholz A, Saugel B. Physiology, monitoring, and optimisation of perioperative tissue oxygenation: a narrative review. Br J Anaesth. Published online April 13, 2026. doi:10.1016/j.bja.2026.01.047

Case Reports in Obstetrics and Gynecology

Lamoutte C, Anamege A, Silva L, Tanner JJ, Elphinstone N, Wendling AL, Louis-Jacques AF. Successful Maternal-Assisted Cesarean Using a Modified Australian Protocol. Case Rep Obstet Gynecol. 2026;2026:7684108. Published 2026 Apr 9. doi:10.1155/crog/7684108

Chemosphere

Shah KJ, Cai D, Banitaba SN, Khademolqorani S, Kim H, You Z, Sun Y, Shah DO. Molecular-level green chemistry based design of a custom binding site for targeted Cu (II) ion removal in bio-retention system. Chemosphere. 2026;404:144922. doi:10.1016/j.chemosphere.2026.144922

Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease

Libon DJ, Bazzano LA, Woo JG, Price CC, Anda-Duran I, Chapin B, Urbina EM, Baliga G. Defining neurocognitive constructs underlying visual attention in mild cognitive impairment and dementia using digital assessment technology. J Alzheimers Dis. Published online April 23, 2026. doi:10.1177/13872877261441636

 Journal of ECT

Kotadia M, Saleem S, Carr B, Bashir A. Reassessing Neuromuscular Blockade for Electroconvulsive Therapy in Cerebral Palsy A Case Report. Journal of ECT. November 3, 2025. DOI: 10.1097/YCT.0000000000001200

Journal of Education in Perioperative Medicine

Schutte SS, Ihnatsenka BV, Samouce CC, Chembrovich SV, Ruiz FJ, Zasimovich Y, Luria IT, Walker KK, Lizdas DE, Ahn JR, Lampotang S. Teaching Novices Ultrasound-Assisted Neuraxial Procedures Using Simulation-Based Courses: A Proof of Concept. J Educ Perioper Med. 2026;28(1):E765. Published 2026 Apr 13. doi:10.46374/VolXXVIII_Issue1_Shutte

Journal of Nutrition

Tamargo JA, Carvajal E, Simic K, Przkora R, Anton SD, Cruz-Almeida Y. Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of Krill Oil Supplementation for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain in Older Adults. J Nutr. Published online April 1, 2026. doi:10.1016/j.tjnut.2026.101517

Journal of Vascular Access

Kotadia M, Hamad Sagheer S, Samouce C, Ahn R, Kavelak H, Lampotang S, Gravenstein N. Effect of catheter advancement technique on needle tip motion during peripheral intravenous insertion. J Vasc Access. Published online April 11, 2026. doi:10.1177/11297298261430813

Postgraduate Medicine

Hoffman J, Posa M, Otero J, Chi X, Garvan C, Kelly C, Jones J, Kelly M. The role of social determinants of health in predicting pediatric anemia in primary care clinics. Postgrad Med. 2026;138(3):309-314. doi:10.1080/00325481.2026.2661421

Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine

Boezaart AP. My half-century love affair with regional anesthesia: hard lessons from war to microanatomy to acute pain medicine and beyond. Reg Anesth Pain Med. Published online April 15, 2026. doi:10.1136/rapm-2026-107718

Please help us welcome Melissa Vu, M.D., to the UF Department of Anesthesiology. She joined us as an associate professor in the Division of Multispecialty Anesthesiology.

Vu earned her medical degree from the University of Missouri School of Medicine in Kansas City, where she also completed her anesthesiology residency. She finished her fellowship in cardiovascular/thoracic anesthesia at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. Additionally, she has a Bachelor of Science in biology from the University of Missouri.

Vu’s second academic appointment in her medical career was here in our department, where she spent eight years, starting in 2008. During her time at UF, she was involved in many committees, including the Peer Review Committee and the UF Health OR Policy & Procedure Subcommittee. Recently, she worked for Envision Physician Services in Gainesville, where she was a co-medical director.

Throughout her career, Vu has co-authored works on spinal fusion surgery and endocarditis.

Welcome, Dr. Vu!

Lifetime Achievement

Laurie Davies, M.D., professor of anesthesiology and medical director for UF Health Shands operating rooms, was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award as well as a pin for 40 years of service to the college.

Davies earned both her B.S. (1978) and M.D. (1981) from UF, graduating with honors for scholarship and research. She also completed her anesthesiology residency (1984) and a fellowship (1985) here. She has held faculty appointments at UF since 1985, recently being promoted to full professor in 2024. She holds multiple specialty certifications, including in cardiac anesthesiology, pediatric anesthesiology, perioperative transesophageal echocardiography, and most recently, clinical informatics, a testament to her commitment to staying at the forefront of medicine.

As medical director of the operating rooms at UF Health Shands since 2011, she has championed numerous patient safety initiatives, including implementing a blood product administration module, electronic anesthesia record keeping, and medication safety systems. Davies has also received numerous awards for teaching and mentorship, including the Haven M. Perkins Lifetime Teaching Award, the T.W. Anderson Teacher of the Year Award, and multiple College of Medicine Exemplary Teacher Awards. She has mentored countless residents, fellows, and medical students throughout her career.

Davies’ legacy exemplifies a lifelong dedication to her patients, her trainees, and the advancement of anesthesiology as a specialty.

Learn more about Dr. Davies in our Q&A with her in 2024.

Clinical Excellence at a College Level

Olga “Kiki” Nin, M.D., associate professor of anesthesiology, associate chair for clinical services, and medical director for UF Health’s Florida Surgical Center and The Oaks, was also recognized at the Spring Faculty Assembly. Nin was honored with a college-level Clinical Excellence Award.

The Clinical Excellence Awards are awarded to faculty members who epitomize excellence in patient care, are leaders in the advancement of clinical innovations, and who have had a deep impact on patients, staff, peers and trainees. Nin was one of four faculty members chosen from the entire college who received this award.

Learn more about Dr. Nin in our Q&A with her in 2024.

Clinical Excellence and Rising Stars in the Department

Nin was also awarded the departmental Clinical Excellence Award which put her in the running for the college-level award. In addition, the Department of Anesthesiology also recognized two faculty members as rising stars. Michael Arnold, D.O., and Tim Feldheim, M.D., both received the Rising Star Award.

The Rising Star Award honors exceptional early-career clinical faculty whose actions and activities have consistently exemplified clinical excellence beyond the expected level. Arnold and Feldheim are both assistant professors of anesthesiology. Arnold often acts as our “anesthesiologist of the day”, handling scheduling of our anesthesia services for the day as well as assisting with overall clinical coverage scheduling. Feldheim has taken an active role in our educational endeavors and was named Assistant Program Director for Resident Wellbeing in 2024. 

Congratulations to all of our amazing faculty award winners!

Tammy Bleeker, MEd, C-TAGME, assistant director of education administration, received the 2026 Rebecca Y. Lovely Outstanding Service Award for her excellent work performance and strong commitment to the mission and values of the department. Bleeker earned this award for her faithful dedication, integrity, and exemplary performance. She leads the Anesthesiology Education Office supporting 120 trainees; overhauls evaluations; tracks case logs, didactics, and observerships; sustains operations during understaffing; and models responsive, problem-solving service that advances the department’s mission across UF.

Additionally, several other awards were handed out, recognizing efforts towards patient care, research, educational support, and departmental culture.

Leadership in Patient Care Award

Britney Vidal

Britney Vidal, associate director of health care administration, earned this award by stepping up during the CRNA/CAA managerial transition to analyze needs and implement a retention strategy that reduced turnover, strengthened recruitment, and lifted morale. By stabilizing teams and reducing reliance on locums, she improved continuity, quality, and safety, inspiring colleagues to continue delivering exceptional patient care.

Excellence in Research Award

Abigail Doege

Abigail Doege, research administrator I, achieved this award by elevating research quality and impact. She mastered pre- and post-award administration, ensuring sponsor payments, and strengthening compliance. A resource for the whole College of Medicine, Doege has stabilized transitioning units, shared practices regionally and nationally, and created proposal checklists that improve funding success and broaden dissemination.

Outstanding Educational Support

Christina Hendricks, MA

Christina Hendricks, assistant director of administrative services, secured this award by elevating adult learning through expert onboarding, staff development, and accessible, compliant digital resources. Her clear guidance and proactive mentorship anticipate needs, empower colleagues, and streamline operations, improving outcomes and expanding opportunities. She cultivates an environment of academic excellence that prepares professionals for success.

Cultural Catalyst Award

Erik Neuman

Erik Neuman, administrative specialist III, achieved this award by transforming workflows into community-building. By consolidating recognition requests, centralizing award timelines, and launching the ANES‑ChairAdmin email, he makes collaboration effortless. His accessible, compliant policy cleanup and closed‑loop communication reduces friction, uplifts colleagues, and models responsiveness, creating a supportive, energized culture where teams feel valued and empowered.

The awards reception also highlighted the department stars and cheerleaders with the Star Awards. Martin Noguera, M.S., CRA, CPRA, CFRA, assistant director of research, won the department cheerleader award for submitting the most recognition forms for other staff throughout the year. This year’s star was Lisa Stanley, administrative assistant II, for receiving the most recognitions.

The Rebecca Y. Lovely Outstanding Service Award was established after Rebecca Lovely, who served as an administrative services coordinator, retired in 2016 after 33 years with the department. The award, named in her honor, recognizes dedication, integrity, and professionalism. This year, 16 administrative staff members were nominated for the award.

Congratulations to all of our nominees:

• Jenny Barghout, CPRP
• Tammy Bleeker, MEd, C-TAGME
• Abigail Doege
• Christina Hendricks, M.A.
• Nicholas Hosford, MHA
• Mary Ann Hoyt
• Richelle McComas
• Erik Neuman
• Antoinette Noel, MBA, R.N.
• Kathy Parrish, MBA
• Bryan Penberthy, MFA, MWC
• Matt Shaw
• Lisa Stanley
• Robin Vaughan, MBA
• Britney Vidal
• Rebecca Wakeman, CCRC, CPT

Rohan Sarna, M.D., joins us as a UF Health physician, specializing in chronic pain medicine, at UF Health Pain Medicine – Halifax Health in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Sarna completed his endoscopic spine fellowship with us in 2024. After his fellowship, he practiced as an interventional pain physician for a private practice group in Orlando, while still holding a part-time position with the UF Department of Anesthesiology. He earned his medical degree from Sidney Kimmel Medical College in Philadelphia and completed his anesthesiology residency at the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, where he served as chief resident. He then completed his pain medicine fellowship at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

Throughout his education and training, Sarna was drawn to pain medicine and management. One of his priorities as a physician is to help patients understand the source of their pain and feel comfortable taking an active role in deciding their next treatment steps.

Welcome, Dr. Sarna!

View treatments and procedures, and schedule your appointment.

The University of Florida (UF) Department of Anesthesiology is pleased to announce John Heinbockel, M.D., MSEE, assistant professor of anesthesiology, was appointed the medical director for the UF Health Ocala Neighborhood Hospital. In this role, Heinbockel will develop systems for patient flow, optimize preoperative services, ensure compliance with regulatory standards, and plan budgets for surgical services.

Heinbockel joined the department in 2023 as an assistant professor in the Divisions of Neuroanesthesiology and Liver & Transplant Anesthesiology. He earned his medical degree from the University of South Florida and completed his anesthesiology residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He also has a master’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Central Florida. Throughout his career, he has focused on neurosurgical diseases and liver, kidney, and pancreas transplants.

Congratulations, Dr. Heinbockel!

Omowonuola Ogundele, M.D., an anesthesiology intern, has been selected for the University of Florida Health LEAD Resident award. LEAD stands for listens to and values each other’s input, emphasizes to understand and put our patients first, achieves our goals together, and dedicates him/herself to make quality care and attentive service our priority.

Ogundele was recognized by colleagues for her exemplary service in her patient, peer, and interprofessional interactions. Her outstanding communication skills and dedication to patient advocacy were also noted.

Ogundele’s nominations highlighted her patient care contributions and her positive attitude. One nomination said she improves her services by learning the best practices: “She consistently demonstrates advocacy for patient safety and high-quality care, frequently seeking clarification on best practices and proactively asking how she can help prevent hospital-acquired conditions.”

Another nomination praised Ogundele’s interpersonal skills: “She is an excellent communicator with the interprofessional team. She consistently listens to nursing concerns, responds promptly to requests, and incorporates nursing insights into her decision-making.”

Ogundele’s efforts show her commitment to being a team player and providing quality patient care.   

Congratulations, Dr. Ogundele!

Mike Jayson, M.D., was chosen by his peers as the March 2026 Resident of the Month!

Dr. Jayson’s nominations praise his hard work as a mole team member: “He went above and beyond during his mole rotation. He checked on other residents and made sure all preops were done. He was an incredible team member not only to the mole team but also the Acute Pain Service team. ” Another co-resident said, “He is a great person and resident who makes his patients feel comfortable.”

Congratulations, Dr. Jayson!

Anthony Barrios, M.D., assistant program director for Resident Education & Didactics, was chosen by our residents as the March 2026 Faculty Educator of the Month!

Dr. Barrios’ nominations emphasize how rewarding it is to have him as an educator: “He is a fantastic attending who is passionate about resident education. He encourages residents to try new things and continuously provides learning opportunities both inside and outside of the OR.” One nomination highlighted his likable personality: “He is a top notch professional and a wonderful teacher and mentor.”

Congratulations, Dr. Barrios!

On April 2, 2026, the University of Florida College of Medicine Society of Teaching Scholars presented Ally Tragesser, M.D., a CA-3 anesthesiology resident, with the Outstanding Resident Educator Award at the Hilton University of Florida Conference Center, Gainesville. The award, sponsored by the Society of Teaching Scholars, includes a lapel pin and a certificate to acknowledge exceptional teaching contributions.

Tragesser expressed gratitude for the support she has received: “Education has always held a special place in my heart, as both of my parents are teachers. Their dedication instilled in me a deep respect for mentorship and lifelong learning. I chose this residency because of its exceptional faculty educators, and over the past four years, I have learned more than I could have imagined.”

The ceremony was part of the Society’s Annual Celebration of Excellence in Medical Education, a gathering of faculty, residents, and administrators celebrating a shared commitment to medical education. Tragesser’s award is intended to encourage continued excellence in resident teaching and mentorship.

Learn more about our residency program.

Advances in Colloid and Interface Science

Gandhi J, Shah V, Pandya R, Shah M, McClements DJ, Shah DO. Microemulsions versus nanoemulsions: A comparative overview of features, formulation, and pharmaceutical applications. Adv Colloid Interface Sci. Published online March 20, 2026. doi:10.1016/j.cis.2026.103881

Anesthesiology

Furdyna MJ, Mootz AA, Venkatachalam S, et al. Frequency and Management of Maternal Peripartum Cardiac Arrest during Anesthetic Care: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Analysis. Anesthesiology. 2026;144(4):796-810. doi:10.1097/ALN.0000000000005905

Annals of Vascular Surgery

Soberón JR Jr, Scali ST, Endredi JJ, Neal D. Peripheral Nerve Blocks as a Primary Anesthetic for Above-the-Knee Amputations: A Prospective Feasibility Study. Ann Vasc Surg. Published online March 6, 2026. doi:10.1016/j.avsg.2026.02.053

Frontiers in Pain Research

Quevedo A, Dyrda MS, Vasilopoulos T, Oli C, Moawad NS, Fillingim RB. Beyond nociception: rethinking pain in ovarian endometriosis a pilot study. Front Pain Res (Lausanne). 2026;7:1669515. Published 2026 Mar 11. doi:10.3389/fpain.2026.1669515

International Journal of Computer Assisted Radiology and Surgery

Mather A, Zachary J, Ospina NS, Acosta GJ, Lampotang S, Samouce C. Mixed reality simulator for ultrasound-guided thyroid nodule radiofrequency ablation: development and technical validation. Int J Comput Assist Radiol Surg. Published online March 11, 2026. doi:10.1007/s11548-026-03590-7

JMIR Formative Research

Xu AY, Speakman S, Piranio VS, Medina R, Liu M, Lamprecht C, Abchee N, Brennan M. Medical Student Experiences With ChatGPT: National Cross-Sectional Study. JMIR Form Res. 2026;10:e76838. Published 2026 Mar 9. doi:10.2196/76838

Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease

Boockvar KS, Marcantonio ER, Price CC, et al. Gold standard assessment of delirium severity in patients with dementia: Evaluation of an expert panel adjudication process. J Alzheimers Dis. 2026;110(3):1204-1213. doi:10.1177/13872877261422418

Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia

Jones TE, Franklin M, Oli M, Walker K, Bobba C, Vasilopoulos T, Younis M., Emtiazjoo A, Pipkin M, Rackauskas M, Peng YG. Clinical Characteristics and Postoperative Outcomes of Bilateral Lung Transplantation for COVID-19-Induced End-Stage Pulmonary Disease: A Single-Center Experience in a High Acuity Patient Population. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth. Published online February 18, 2026. doi:10.1053/j.jvca.2026.02.019

Journal of Materials Chemistry

Agarwal G, Campbell A, Wanchoo A, Plant D, Zmirska I, Fuhr J, Bose P, Hudalla GA, Keselowsky BG, Schmidt CE. Injectable hydrogel-based localized delivery of IDO-galectin-3 mitigates neuroinflammation and promotes neuronal sparing after spinal cord contusion in rats. J Mater Chem B. 2026;14(11):3464-3479. Published 2026 Mar 18. doi:10.1039/d5tb02228b

Journal of the Neurological Sciences

Walker LM, Nogueira RC, Vasilopoulos T, et al. The effect of end-tidal carbon dioxide levels on dynamic cerebral autoregulation and clinical outcome in acute ischemic stroke: An INFOMATAS study. J Neurol Sci. Published online March 12, 2026. doi:10.1016/j.jns.2026.125872

Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine

Goffin P, Reina MA, Boezaart AP, Vallejo A, Sala-Blanch X. Regional variation in fascicular architecture of the suprascapular nerve: implications for suprascapular nerve block techniques. Reg Anesth Pain Med. Published online March 26, 2026. doi:10.1136/rapm-2026-107686

This year, two faculty members in the University of Florida Department of Anesthesiology were inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) honor medical society. Congratulations to Gregory Janelle, M.D., FASE, FASA, chair of the department and professor of anesthesiology and surgery, and Meghan Brennan, M.D., M.S., associate professor of anesthesiology and clinical director of research for the Division of Critical Care Medicine. Their leadership and professionalism earned them this distinguished recognition.

AOA champions medical education, humanism, and excellence in teaching and community service. As lifelong AOA members, Janelle and Brennan will further enrich our anesthesiology community. They were both honored at a banquet on March 19.

View opportunities to join our faculty.

The UF Department of Anesthesiology is pleased to announce our three new chief residents for the upcoming academic year. Victor Adepoju, M.D., Rachel Baker, M.D., and Jonah Whiteside, M.D., will serve from April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027.

As chief residents, they will work together as a team to support their co-residents and the missions of the department, the UF College of Medicine, and UF Health. This challenging but rewarding role requires responsible physicians with strong communication skills who are willing to make tough decisions.

Adepoju, Baker, and Whiteside were chosen because they showed leadership qualities, high academic achievement, and professionalism in their third year of anesthesiology residency. Additionally, they have displayed a high level of interest in research, frequently participating in research conferences.  

Nominees for the role are voted on by faculty and fellow residents, and the top three are selected as chiefs. Please join us in congratulating Drs. Adepoju, Baker, and Whiteside!

We would also like to acknowledge our former chief residents for their steadfast leadership during the 2025-2026 academic year. Many thanks to Kyle Chan, M.D., Kellen Creech, D.O., and Ally Tragesser, M.D.

Learn more about our residency program.

This March, the University of Florida Department of Anesthesiology hosted the Spring Anesthesia Ski Summit in Vail, Colorado. This was the third consecutive year the summit returned to Antlers Resort, after a few years of coordinating the event in Park City, Utah. The event ran from Monday to Friday, allowing attendees to balance concentrated didactic sessions with ample time on the slopes.

A total of 52 participants including anesthesiologists, surgeons, CRNAs/CAAs, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants attended the summit. Sessions ran in the mornings and evenings to leave midday free for skiing. Lecture topics ranged from lung transplantation and patient blood management to physician burnout and conflict management to anesthesia in search and rescue and navigating natural disasters.

Attendees praised the intimate setting, which encouraged more in‑depth discussion and feedback. With the summit timed to coincide with many spring breaks including that of UF and Alachua County Public Schools, many participants brought their families with them to Vail. A reception on Tuesday provided an opportunity for participants and their families to mingle.

With another successful summit concluded, the department is looking into planning for next year’s event. Check back on our website and social media for updates and subscribe to the CME’s email list (check the “Spring Anesthesia Ski Summit” box) to be the first to hear the latest info on the event!

The University of Florida (UF) Department of Anesthesiology’s Center for Safety, Simulation & Advanced Learning Technologies (CSSALT) moved from the Harrell Medical Education Building to room CG-15 on the ground floor of the Communicore Building, bringing the lab closer to the department and making its training, simulation, and research resources more accessible.

CSSALT offers key training and education to learners and professionals within UF, including UF College of Medicine faculty, residents, fellows, nurses, advanced practice providers, and medical students. They also facilitate procedural training in community hospitals. In addition, the center develops online, guided-simulation courses for the Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation’s Technology Education Initiative and has developed continuing medical education courses for the UF Quality and Patient Safety Initiative.

The center’s goal is to improve patient safety by training clinicians to use equipment, practice procedures, and refine care processes via simulation with debriefing, and to support the innovation of devices, workflows, and patient-safety systems. Samsun Lampotang, Ph.D., the Joachim S. Gravenstein Professor of Anesthesiology, is the director of CSSALT and Christopher Samouce, Ph.D., assistant scientist; David Lizdas, engineer III; and Simon Mesber, application programmer I, are his core team, along with many student volunteers who obtain hands-on experience in biomedical engineering.

One of CSSALT’s hallmarks is its one-day simulation course that fulfills a requirement of the American Board of Anesthesiology’s Maintenance of Certification in Anesthesiology (MOCA®) program. Lampotang along with Nikolaus Gravenstein, M.D., the Jerome H. Modell, M.D., Distinguished Professor of Anesthesiology and lead clinical advisor for CSSALT, obtained the endorsement of the American Society of Anesthesiology for CSSALT to provide MOCA® credit and have advanced many other educational and innovative initiatives through the center.

Patient safety and simulation have been the focus of CSSALT since the center’s creation in 1985, when it was founded by Joachim S. Gravenstein, M.D., and Jan Beneken, Ph.D. Lampotang, assisted by Samouce, continue the research and development with the same aim. Currently, CSSALT is working with UF Health Nursing on streamlining chest and urine drainage management through automated, remote, and continuous monitoring via computer vision, a branch of artificial intelligence. They are also working with Tim Feldheim, M.D., and Juan Mora, M.D., on improving a simulator for fluoroscopy-guided procedures that reduces trainee exposure to ionizing radiation, and with Cole Dooley, M.D., on better monitoring of IV fluid administration in infants and children using a digital hanging scale and a caudal block simulator developed in collaboration with UF engineering undergraduates. Additionally, Samouce is leading research on procedural ablation simulation and on measuring trace end-tidal propofol in exhaled breath as a correlate of blood propofol concentration.

With its new location in the Communicore, CSSALT’s bench-testing facilities, 3D-printer, and collection of simulators are more accessible to all anesthesiology faculty, residents, and fellows for training and research.

Learn more about CSSALT

Rene Przkora, M.D., Ph.D., FASA, professor of anesthesiology, associate chair for research, chief of the Division of Pain Medicine, and director of our Multidisciplinary Pain Medicine Fellowship, has been selected as the recipient of the award for Educational Stewardship & Leadership in Pain Medicine by the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians (ASIPP).

Przkora was recognized for his outstanding leadership, mentorship, and commitment to advancing pain medicine education. His contributions have strengthened trainees, programs, and the broader academic community.

The organization’s goal is to promote the development and practice of safe, high-quality interventional pain management techniques. Przkora has been an active member of this society since 2016 and recently served on the judging panel for its 2025 annual meeting. He was honored at the ASIPP Annual Meeting on March 20^th during its breakfast symposium.

Additionally, Przkora was elected to serve as the chair of the Research Committee of the Association of Pain Program Directors within the Society of Academic Associations of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine.

Congratulations, Dr. Przkora!

The University of Florida (UF) Department of Anesthesiology has successfully matched with 20 interns (4-year residents) and four CA1s (3-year residents) who will join us this July, and one “advanced commitment” physician who will begin training with us as a CA1 in July 2027. Six of our incoming interns are from the UF College of Medicine.

These doctors come from a broad variety of backgrounds and medical schools and were among our top picks. The six graduates from our College of Medicine who are joining us are Wills Dunham, Austin Kansol, Galyna Khramova, Ivy Kioutchoukova, Daniel Mestre, and Holly Ryan.

This Match season, our department received 1,250 applications and interviewed more than 200 candidates for these positions. We are extremely grateful to all the residents, faculty, and administrative staff members who helped organize, facilitate, and conduct interviews and resident selection this year, especially our resident recruitment co-chairs, Jess Mandel and Javier Garcia, and the Anesthesiology Education Office staff.

Congratulations and welcome to our incoming physicians! We are looking forward to working with all of you.

Incoming Interns

Garrett Abernathy, DO

Undergrad: Northern Arizona University
Med School: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine

Elias Bouyounes, DO

Undergrad: University of Florida
Med School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Carolinas Campus

Fidel Capote Alvarez, MD

Med School: Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de la Habana
Most Recent: University of Medical Science of Havana Critical Care and Emergency Medicine Residency

Anthony “Tony” DeStephens, DO

Undergrad: University of South Florida
Med School: William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Quynlan Duffy, MD

Undergrad: Nova Southeastern University
Med School: Medical College of Wisconsin

Wills Dunham, MD

Undergrad: Vanderbilt University
Med School: University of Florida College of Medicine

Cole Farnsworth, DO

Undergrad: Brigham Young University
Med School: Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine

Lingsha Ju, MD, PhD

Undergrad: Nanjing University
Graduate: University of Florida
Med School: Medical College of Nanjing University

Austin Kansol, MD

Undergrad: University of Florida
Med School: University of Florida College of Medicine

Galyna Khramova, MD

Undergrad: University of Florida
Med School: University of Florida College of Medicine

David “Alex” Kimberling, DO

Undergrad: Brigham Young University
Med School: Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Ivelina “Ivy” Kioutchoukova, MD

Undergrad: University of Florida
Med School: University of Florida College of Medicine

Tyler Klingler, DO

Undergrad: Utah Valley University
Med School: Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Benjamin Lack, MD

Undergrad: University Florida 
Med School: Florida Atlantic University

Juan Medina Colon, MD

Undergrad: University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras Campus
Med School: University of Puerto Rico

Daniel Mestre, MD

Undergrad: University of Florida 
Med School: University of Florida College of Medicine

Santiago Ortiz, DO

Undergrad: University of Florida 
Med School: Nova Southeastern University

Patrick Pham, MD

Undergrad: University of Notre Dame
Med School: Oregon Health & Science University

Erick Pons, MD

Undergrad: University of Florida
Med School: Ohio State University

Holly Ryan, MD, PhD

Undergrad: Oakland University
Graduate: University of Florida
Med School: University of Florida College of Medicine

Dr. Ryan was selected to participate in our Gravenstein Scholars Program

Incoming CA-1 Residents

Sadaf Afraz, DO

Undergrad: Ryerson University 
Med School: Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Transitional Year: Internal Medicine Residency, Cleveland Clinic Florida

Amro Alashi, MD

Undergrad: Florida International University
Med School: Florida International University College of Medicine
Transitional Year: General Surgery Residency, TriHealth 

Benilda “Nina” Mercado Garcia, MD

Med School: Universidad del Magdalena Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud
Transitional Year: Pediatrics Residency, University of California, San Francisco
Dr. Mercado Garcia is our advanced commitment resident from last year.

Zollie White, III, MD

Undergrad: University of Alabama at Birmingham
Med School: University of Virginia
Transitional Year: Internal Medicine Residency, Cape Fear Valley Health System

John Wright, MD

Undergrad: University of Mississippi
Med School: University of Arkansas
Transitional Year: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences 

Advanced Commitment

Matthew “Matt” Hennrikus, MD

Undergrad: Georgetown University
Med School: Tulane University School of Medicine
Transitional Year: Emergency Medicine Residency, Naval Medical Center San Diego

Learn more about our residency program.

Danielle Cobb, M.D., courtesy assistant professor of anesthesiology, was chosen by our residents as the February 2026 Faculty Educator of the Month!

Dr. Cobb’s nominations highlight her dedication to teaching residents and helping them succeed: “She consistently makes everyone feel like a valuable part of the team. She dedicated tons of time to teaching residents and medical students.” One resident noted, “She is a true resident advocate and an excellent clinician.”

Congratulations, Dr. Cobb!

Kade Eppich, M.D., was chosen by his peers as the February 2026 Resident of the Month!

Dr. Eppich’s nominations applaud his positive attitude and his tendency to surpass expectations: “He has a great attitude, and he’s always willing to help and try to share the load of tough cases. He also went the extra mile and set up rooms for the residents with bigger cases when he didn’t have to do so.” Another co-resident said, “He is a great team player and always has a smile on his face.”

Congratulations, Dr. Eppich!

This annual event is an opportunity for department members to not only showcase their research but to display the team work, mentorship, and rigor at the heart of the academic and clinical practice. It also paves the way for new collaborations and research endeavors.

Paola Silva Enriquez, M.D., CA-1, was one of the many residents with a case report. Her poster delved into the risk of nerve catheter infection and stressed the importance of mitigating risks by using antibiotic prophylaxis practices, considering catheter tunneling, and evaluating earlier removal or avoidance in high-risk patients. “We wanted to start a discussion on the risks and benefits of analgesia with femoral nerve catheters and the possible risk factors that could lead to an infection,” Enriquez said.

Several faculty members were the primary investigator on multiple posters, such as Prodip Bose, M.D., whose abstract “Targeting Iron-Mediated Neurotoxicity in Spinal Cord Injury: A Novel Iron Chelator Therapy Reduces Motor Deficits and Promotes Recovery in a Rodent Model” won top basic science abstract.

The Center for Safety, Simulation & Advanced Learning Technologies (CSSALT) team, led by Samsun Lampotang, Ph.D., produced three posters on computer vision monitoring. Lampotang and the CSSALT team brought out their simulations alongside their posters that showed computer vision monitoring usage in regard to chest and urine drainage systems.

The event ended with keynote speaker Vesna Jevtovic-Todorovic, M.D., Ph.D., MBA, FASA, professor of anesthesiology and pharmacology at the University of Colorado.

Congratulations to all who contributed their research and many thanks to all the administrative staff, including the Anesthesiology Research Operations team and Communications & Publishing Office, who put together this year’s event.

If you missed the presentations and keynote speakers, click here to view the recording.

Award Winners

First Place Oral Presentation

• Kelena Klippel, M.S.: Noradrenergic Modulation of Neuroinflammation and Cognitive Deficits Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
• Co-Authors: Daniel Plant, M.S.; Fiona Cheung, M.S.; Jiamei Hou, M.D., Ph.D.; Floyd Thompson, Ph.D.; Prodip Bose, M.D., Ph.D.

Second Place Oral Presentation and Top Basic Science Abstract

• Prodip Bose, M.D., Ph.D.: Targeting Iron-Mediated Neurotoxicity in Spinal Cord Injury: A Novel Iron Chelator Therapy Reduces Motor Deficits and Promotes Recovery in a Rodent Model
• Co-Authors: Jiamei Hou, M.D., Ph.D.; Shigeharu Tsuda, Ph.D.; Daniel Plant, M.S.; Caleb Brown, B.S.; Fiona Cheung, M.S.; Anam Kidwai, M.S.; Alexis Pullos, B.S.; Kelena Klippel, M.S.; Nicole Weston, Ph.D.; Raymond Bergeron, Ph.D.; Floyd Thompson, Ph.D.

Third Place Oral Presentation and Top Case Study, Case Series, or Chart Review Abstract

• Michael Lafferty, B.S.: Between a Varix and a Hard Place: TEE Safety in Liver Transplant
• Co-Authors: Carmelina Gorski, B.S.; Luis Alejandro Carvajal, B.S.; Terrie Vasilopoulos, Ph.D.; Saba Ali, B.S.; Sehrish Saleem, M.D.; Asad Bashir, M.D.

Top Quality Improvement Abstract

• Michael Lafferty, B.S.: Beyond Fasting: Perioperative Management of a GLP-1 RA Therapy
• Co-Authors: Lindsey Morrow, B.A., B.S.; Ahmed Rashid, M.D.; Erica Matich, M.D.; Peggy A. White, M.D.; Amanda M. Frantz, M.D.

Top Educational Abstract

• Alan Xu: ChatGPT in Medical Education: A National Survey of Medical Student Experiences
• Co-Authors: Meghan Brennan, M.D.

Top Experimental or Observational Clinical Trial Abstract

• Zeyu Song: Microplastics in CPB Circuits
• Co-Authors: Nikolaus Gravenstein, M.D.; Thi Hong Na Phung; Christopher Samouce, Ph.D.; Gregory Janelle, M.D.; Regina Knudsen; Sungyoon Jung; Everett Jones, M.D.

Posters

• Intravenous NanO₂ Therapy Mitigates Secondary Injury and Promotes Recovery Following Cervical Spinal Cord Trauma in Rats
  • Jiamei Hou, MD, PhD; Caleb Brown; Daniel Plant, MS; Alexis Pullos; Kelena Klippel, MS; Fiona Cheung, MS; Shigeharu Tsuda, PhD; Araana Mondal; Cynthia S Garvan, PhD; Bruce Spiess, MD; Floyd J Thompson, PhD; Prodip Bose, MD, PhD
• Targeting Iron-Mediated Neurotoxicity in Spinal Cord Injury: A Novel Iron Chelator Therapy Reduces Motor Deficits and Promotes Recovery in a Rodent Model
  • Prodip Bose, MD, PhD, Jiamei Hou, MD, PhD, Shigeharu Tsuda, PhD, Daniel Plant, MS, Caleb W Brown, BS, Fiona Cheung, MS, Anam Kidwai, MS, Alexis Pullos, BS, Kelena S. Klippel, MS, Nicole M, Weston, PhD, Raymond J Bergeron, PhD, Floyd J Thompson, PhD
• Noradrenergic Modulation of Neuroinflammation and Cognitive Deficits Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
  • Kelena Klippel, MS; Daniel Plant, MS; Fiona Cheung, MS; Jiamei Hou, MD, PhD; Floyd Thompson, PhD; Prodip Bose, MD, PhD
• Efficacy of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Treatment for Impaired Amygdalar Neurotransmitter Systems following Traumatic Brain Injury in Rats
  • Shigeharu Tsuda, PhD; Joseph V. Watts, PhD; Jiamei Hou, MD, PhD; Floyd J. Thompson, PhD; Prodip Bose, MD, PhD
• The Brain-Gut-Microbiome Axis in a Female Rat Model of Postoperative Neurocognitive Disorder
  • Itamar Gal, Zeeshan Khan, Ling Sha Ju
• Computer Vision Interpretation of Chest Drainage Canister Data
  • Mario Rampangu, MS; Simon Mesber, BS; Subhash Nerella, PhD; Christopher Samouce, PhD; Keerthi Humsika Kattamudi, MS; Gregory Janelle, MD; Mindaugas Rackauskas, MD; Nikolaus Gravenstein, MD; Samsun Lampotang, PhD
• Computer Vision Interpretation of Fluid-Filled Dependent Loops in Urine and Chest Drainage Systems
  • Mario Rampangu, MS; Simon Mesber, BS; Subhash Nerella, PhD; Eric Ragan, PhD; Gregory Janelle, MD; Christopher Samouce, PhD; Mindaugas Rackauskas, MD; Nikolaus Gravenstein, MD; Samsun Lampotang, PhD
• Computer Vision Monitoring of Urine Output Via a Digital Scale
  • Keerthi H. Kattamudi, MS; Mario V. Rampangu, MS; Simon Mesber, BS; Nikolaus Gravenstein, MD; Christopher Samouce, PhD; Samsun Lampotang, PhD
• Simulation-Based Validation of Motion Extraction for Quantitative Train of Four Assessment
  • Adam Wolach, MD, Nikolaus Gravenstein, MD
• Real-Time Vein Compression Model for Mixed-Reality Ultrasound Probe Simulation
  • Vinh Nguyen; Chase Prasad; Christopher Samouce, PhD
• Intraoperative tension pneumothorax and cardiac arrest during bronchoscopy in an ex-premature infant with chronic lung disease
  • Shehani Perera; Sonia Mehta, M.D.
• ECMO in burn patients: a single center experience
  • Iaroslav Tsymbaliuk, Yuriy Stukov, Mindaugas Rackauskas, Amalia Cochran, Andrea Munden, Mohammad Aladaileh, Shawn Larson, Lara Nicolas, Torben Becker, Alexandra Murillo Solera, Jeffrey P. Jacobs, Giles Peek, Marc O. Maybauer
• Unloading the Failing Heart: Coordinating ECMO and Impella Support in a High-Risk Cardiac Trauma Case
  • Gabriel Flambert, BA; Arthur de Souza, BS; Yong G. Peng, MD, PhD
• Balancing Act: Prothrombin Complex Concentrate in Liver Transplantation and the Thrombotic Tightrope
  • Luis Alejandro Carvajal, BS; Carmelina Gorski, BS; Michael Lafferty, BS; Terrie Vasilopoulos, PhD; Saba Ali, BS; Sehrish Saleem, MD; Asad H. Bashir, MD
• Beware Sofferman Syndrome: Why Our NORA Patient Needed Emergency Frontal Neck Access in NORA!
  • Victor Silva, MD, Felipe Urdaneta, MD, FASA, Anthony Barrios, MD, Jeffrey D. White, MD, FASA
• When Drains Go Wrong: A Case of Post Drain Spinal Hematoma  
  • Meena Kanhai, MD; Kevin Priddy, MD; Alessandra Costello-Serrano, MD; Erika Taco Vasquez, MD  
• Thrombotic Complications During Liver Transplantation: A Case Report
  • Carmelina Gorski, BS; Michael Lafferty, BS; Luis Carvajal, BS; Cheng Zheng, MD; Asad Bashir, MD
• Exploring Neuroanatomical and Neuropsychological Associations of DTI-ALPS
  • Faith Kimmet, B.S., Teng Peng, M.D., Rachael Seidler, Ph.D., Sumire Sato, Ph.D., Seda Tasci, M.S., Yonah Joffe, M.S., Jared Tanner, Ph.D., Catherine Price, Ph.D.
• Vasopressor Requirements Across Anesthetic Modalities During Transesophageal Echocardiography in Severe Left Ventricular Dysfunction
  • Renee Cress; Emuejevoke Chuba MD, MS; Terrie Vasilopoulos, PhD; Anson Wang, MD; Thomas Lewandowski, MD, FAC, FASE; Yong Peng, MD, PhD, FASE, FASA
• Progressive Management of Venopulmonary ECMO in Bilateral Lung Transplantation: A Case Report
  • Omowonuola Ogundele, MD; Mindaugas Rackauskas, MD, PhD; Mohammad Aladaileh, MBBS; Moustafa Younis, MD; Sara Rosen, PA-C, Yuriy Stukov, MD; Marc O. Maybauer, MD
• Anesthetic and Technical Considerations in Basivertebral Nerve Ablation: A Case Involving EM–Pain Collaboration
  • Brandon Yang; Juan Mora, M.D.
• VV ECMO Intervention for Intraoperative Respiratory Collapse During Redo Aortic Arch Surgery: A Case Report
  • Jonathon Holt; Yong G. Peng, MD, PhD, FASE
• Between a Varix and a Hard Place: TEE Safety in Liver Transplant
  • Michael Lafferty, BS; Carmelina Gorski, BS; Luis Alejandro Carvajal, BS; Terrie Vasilopoulos, PhD; Saba Ali, BS; Sehrish Saleem, MD; Asad Bashir, MD
• Lumbar Drain: Spinal Cord Protection at a Price
  • Hadia Maqsood, MBBS; Soleil Schutte, M.D.
• Balancing analgesia and infection risk: a case of a femoral nerve catheter infection in an immunocompromised patient
  • Erika Taco-Vasquez, MD; Alisha Shah, MD; Paola Nathaly Silva Enriquez, MD
• When Propofol Isn’t Enough: Sedation Resistance in a CYP2C19 Ultra-Rapid Metabolizer
  • Michael Lafferty, BS; Jaime Tellez, BA; Amanda Frantz, MD; Peggy White, MD
• High-Flow, Low Interference: Utilizing HFNC and ABG Monitoring for Awake Craniotomy
  • Michael Lafferty; Peggy White, MD; Steven Robicsek, MD, PhD
• Hemodynamic Effects of Bolus vs Infusion Anesthesia During Transesophageal Echocardiography in Patients with Severe Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction
  • Anson Wang, MD; Emuejevoke Chuba, MD, MS; Terrie Vasilopoulos, PhD; Renee Cress; Thomas Lewandowski, MD, FAC, FASE; Yong Peng, MD, PhD, FASE, FASA
• Beyond Fasting: Perioperative Management of GLP-1RA Therapy
  • Michael Lafferty, BS; Lindsey Morrow, BA/BS; Ahmed Rashid, MD; Erica Matich, MD; Peggy A White, MD; Amanda M Frantz, MD
• Resident Participation and Case Involvement in Pediatric Anesthesia: A Survey of Attending and Resident Perspectives
  • Trevor Virno, MS3; Kevin Sullivan, MD
• Early Training of Anesthesia Residents Improves Long-Term Retention on Performing Informed Consent
  • Kyle Chan, MD; Benjamin Cipion, MSc; Terrie Vassilopoulos, PhD; Amanda Frantz, MD
• Drivers of Congenital Heart Center Readmission
  • Kasey Permenter, BS; Wei Wang, MD; and Kevin Sullivan, MD
• Peripheral Nerve Blocks as a Primary Anesthetic for Above-the-Knee Amputations: A Prospective Feasibility Study
  • Jose Soberon
• Microplastics in Cardiopulmonary Bypass Circuits
  • Zeyu Song, Nikolaus Gravenstein, Thi Hong Na Phung, Christopher Samouce, Gregory Janelle, Regina Knudsen, Sungyoon Jung, Everett Jones
•  Visualizing and Quantifying the Dimensions of Frailty Associated with Preoperative Anemia
  • Robert Ryan, Cynthia Garvan, Keith Howell
• Verbal Fluency as Predictor of Delirium in Postanesthesia Care Unit
  • Kathryn Pendleton, B.S.; Yonah Joffe, M.S.; Cynthia Garvan, Ph.D.; Faith Kimmet, B.S.; Catherine Price, Ph.D.; Ben Chapin, M.D.
• Traumatic Brain Injury and the Brain-Gut-Microbiome Axis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Studies
  • Riya Modi; Zara Chowdhury; Zeeshan Khan; Ling-Sha Ju; Anatoly Martynyuk
• Rethinking CDT norms: a proposal
  • Jazzmynblu Hankin; Catherine Price, Ph.D., ABPP-cn
• Level of Training Does Not Appear to Affect Outcomes When Using Biplane
  • Holly Ryan, PhD; Amanda Frantz, MD; Cynthia Garvan, PhD; Nikolaus Gravenstein, MD; Joshua Sappenfield, MD
• Introduction of Trained Observer Improves Doffing and Donning Compliance in Anesthesiology Trainees
  • Terrie Vasilopoulos, PhD; Cameron R. Smith, MD, PhD; Amanda M. Frantz, MD; Thomas LeMaster, MSN, MEd; Ramon Andres Martinez, BS; Amy M. Gunnett, BSN, CCRC; Brenda G. Fahy, MD, MCCM
• ChatGPT in Medical Education: A National Survey of Medical Student Experiences
  • Alan Xu; Meghan Brennan, M.D.
• When Paralysis Outlasts Hypnosis: Pharmacodynamic Mismatch Between Methohexital and Succinylcholine During ECT
  • Carmelina Gorski, BS; Asad Bashir, MD; Brent Carr, MD
• “Double Quarter Turn of the Head and Plumb Bob from the Corner”: A Novel Landmark-Based Approach for Pterygopalatine Fossa Block
  • Hadia Maqsood, MBBS; Barys Ihnatsenka, M.D.

British Journal of Anaesthesia

• De Cassai A, Dost B, Augoustides JG…Goldstein HV…et al. Responsible Use of Large Language Models in Manuscript Authorship, Peer Review, and Editorial Processes: A Delphi Consensus Among Editors-in-Chief of Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine Journals (RULE-AP). Br J Anaesth. Published online February 25, 2026. doi:10.1016/j.bja.2026.01.029

Clinical Anatomy

• Avellanal M, Riquelme I, Ferreiro A, Reina F, Carrera A, Tubbs RS, Boezaart AP, Reina MA. Understanding Vascular Risks in Lumbar Transforaminal Epidural Injections: Insights From Anatomy and Clinical Evidence. Clin Anat. Published online February 27, 2026. doi:10.1002/ca.70102
• Piyawattanametha N, Marek T, de Ruiter GCW, Reina MA, Amrami KK, Spinner RJ. Identification of the Paraneurium With 7 T MRI in Normal Nerve Anatomy and Various Nerve Pathologies. Clin Anat. Published online February 18, 2026. doi:10.1002/ca.70095

Cornea

• Llaneras CN, Chou B, Quintana I, et al. Clinical Outcomes of Conjunctival Flap Surgery for Refractory Infectious Keratitis: A Retrospective Case Series. Cornea. Published online February 2, 2026. doi:10.1097/ICO.0000000000004116

Cureus

• Dexter F, Fahy BG, Epstein RH. Percentages of Surgical Procedure Combinations That Were Performed Just Once or Twice at Florida Hospital and Ambulatory Surgery Centers During Each Quarter From 2010 Through 2024. Cureus. Published online February 10, 2026. 18(2): e103338. doi:10.7759/cureus.103338

Frontiers in Dementia

• MacLennan RJ, Chapin BA, Solberg LM and Clark DJ. Cognitive Decline in U.S. Military Veterans: Risk Factors and Clinical Implications. Front Dement. 2026;5:1704367. doi: 10.3389/frdem.2026.1704367

Frontiers in Medicine

• Nieman GF, Bates JHT, Andrews PL…Downs J…et al. Expert Recommendations for Setting and Adjusting Airway Pressure Release Ventilation Based on Clinical Experience and Basic Science Evidence. Front Med (Lausanne). 2026;13:1741129. Published 2026 Feb 3. doi:10.3389/fmed.2026.1741129

Journal of Clinical Monitoring and Computing

• Spiess BD, Burger M, Michael MJ, Gore S, Garvan C, Pellitier P, Zumberg M. A Cohort, Semi-Randomized, Open Label Quality Improvement Patient Blood Management (PBM) Comparison of Point of Care Viscoelastic Coagulation Monitors in Cardiac Surgery. J Clin Monit Comput. Published online February 16, 2026. doi:10.1007/s10877-025-01406-8

Journal of Perinatal Medicine

• Berwick M, Hu H, Smith E, Davies L, Genc M. Ex-utero Intrapartum Treatment of a Breech Fetus: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. J Perinat Med. Published online February 16, 2026. doi:10.1515/jpm-2025-0626

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The 2026 University of Florida Department of Anesthesiology Celebration of Research will be held on Thursday, March 5. This annual event highlights the broad spectrum of research within the department, including basic science, case reports, quality improvement, clinical trials, and education. Over the last year, a number of department members have published research they presented as abstracts and posters at the previous Celebration of Research.

The winner of the Top Case Study, Case Series, or Chart Review Abstract award at last year’s event was “The Preoperative Phases of the Perioperative Cognitive Anesthesia Network for Older Adults Electing Surgery: Results from an Observational Cohort.” Co-authored by Catherine Price, Ph.D., Juliana Burt, M.S., Shawna Amini, MPH, Franchesca Arias, Ph.D., Basma Mohamed, M.D., Christoph Seubert, M.D., and Cynthia Garvan, Ph.D., this research was published in Anesthesia & Analgesia in March 2025. The study illustrated the value of preoperative anesthesiology and neuropsychology teams in providing cognitive screening and referrals, highlighting the substantial unmet cognitive health‑care needs among older surgical candidates.

“Ambulatory Surgery During Intravenous Fluid Shortage-A Potential Cost Saving and Sustainable Strategy for the Future?” was published by Anesthesia & Analgesia in July 2025. It was co-authored by Abigail Schirmer, M.D., Nina Sharifi, B.S., Olga Nin, M.D., Laurie Davies, M.D., Joseph AbuRahma, M.D., and Lauren Berkow, M.D. In this letter to the editor, the authors reviewed how the shutdown of Baxter International’s North Cove IV‑fluid site in the wake of Hurricane Helene led to hospitals implementing conservation protocols to reduce the use of IV fluids in ambulatory surgery centers. They discussed how these strategies allowed for more efficient resource allocation and cost savings without compromising patient safety.

In September 2025, Anesthesiology published “The Contribution of the Brain-Gut-Microbiome Axis to Intergenerational Abnormalities in a Rat Model of Perioperative Neurocognitive Disorder.” co-authored by Zeeshan Khan, Ph.D.,  Rajendra Labala, Ph.D., Ling-Sha Ju, Ph.D., Nikolaus Gravenstein, M.D., Barry Setlow, Ph.D., and Anatoly Martynyuk, Ph.D. They reported that paternal exposure to sevoflurane in rats produced brain-gut-microbiome abnormalities in their offspring, even though the offspring were never directly exposed to sevoflurane. However, most of these intergenerational effects were mitigated by paternal pretreatment with the Na⁺-K⁺-Cl⁻ inhibitor bumetanide or the glucocorticoid receptor blocker RU486 before anesthesia, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy.

Additionally, several other studies that were first presented at last year’s Celebration of Research have been accepted for publication. These include:

• Kotadia M, Sagheer H, Samouce C, Kavelak H, Ahn R, Lampotang S, Gravenstein N. Effect of Catheter Advancement Technique on Needle Tip Motion During Peripheral Intravenous Insertion. J Vasc Access. Forthcoming.

• Schutte S, Ihnatsenka B, Samouce C, Chembrovich S, Jimenez Ruiz F, Zasimovich Y, Luria I, Walker K, Lizdas D, Ahn JR, Lampotang S. Teaching Novices Ultrasound-Assisted Neuraxial Procedures Using Simulation-Based Courses: A Proof of Concept. J Educ Periop Med. Forthcoming.

• Mather A, Zachary J, Singh Ospina N, Acosta Garcia GJ, Lampotang S, Samouce C. Mixed Reality Simulator for Ultrasound-Guided Thyroid Nodule Radiofrequency Ablation. Int J Comput Assist Radiol Surg. Forthcoming.

The 2026 UF Department of Anesthesiology Celebration of Research will be held on Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the 8^th Floor Conference Room of the UF Health Heart and Vascular Hospital. Research posters will be available for viewing starting at 4:00 p.m., with abstract winner presentations to follow at 5:00 p.m. A keynote address by Vesna Jevtović‑Todorović, MD, PhD, MBA, titled “Early Exposure to General Anesthesia – How Sensitive Is Our Young Brain?,” will take place at 6:00 p.m.

Congratulations to the authors!

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KEY POINTS

• The University of Florida Department of Anesthesiology will host its 2026 Celebration of Research on Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• The event will take place in the 8th‑floor Conference Room of the UF Health Heart & Vascular Hospital, with research posters on display starting at 4:00 p.m. and winning abstracts presented at 5:00 p.m.
• Research presented at last year’s event has since been published or is forthcoming in journals such as Anesthesiology, Anesthesia & Analgesia, International Journal of Computer Assisted Radiology and Surgery, and others.
• The keynote address, “Early Exposure to General Anesthesia – How Sensitive Is Our Young Brain?,” will be delivered by Vesna Jevtović‑Todorović, MD, PhD, MBA, at 6:00 p.m.
• The celebration offers a preview of forthcoming publications and highlights the department’s continued impact on perioperative medicine.

All 3 of the UF Department of Anesthesiology’s FY26 chief residents have been selected for induction to the Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) honor medical society. Congratulations to Kyle Chan, M.D., Kellen Creech, D.O., and Ally Tragesser, M.D., for this remarkable honor. They were recognized for their high educational achievement and professionalism.

The AOA is dedicated to encouraging the development of leaders in academia and the community, honoring gifted teaching, supporting the ideals of humanism, and promoting service to others. It also places an importance on character and knowledge in the practice of medicine.

As chief residents, Chan, Creech, and Tragesser have made it their mission to advocate for their peers, support residents’ educational journey, and promote wellness and camaraderie. Throughout their term, they embodied AOA’s mission and values, relating to leadership and scholarship.

Chan, Creech, and Tragesser will be honored at an upcoming banquet as new lifetime members on March 19, 2026.  

Congratulations, Drs. Chan, Creech, and Tragesser!

Tyler Fong, M.D., assistant professor of anesthesiology, was chosen by our residents as the January 2026 Faculty Educator of the Month!

Dr. Fong’s nominations highlight his caring nature and helpful instruction: “He genuinely cares about each resident and is always willing to teach and explain his clinical decision.” One resident noted, “He took time to do oral board prep after we finished our day early.”

Congratulations, Dr. Fong!

Eduardo Walker, M.D., was chosen by his peers as the January 2026 Resident of the Month!

Dr. Walker’s nominations applaud his helpful nature: “Eduardo took time out of his busy morning before his case to help me set up for my case. He is always going above and beyond for his co-residents and patients.” Another co-resident said he doesn’t shy away from challenges: “Eduardo consistently volunteers himself for difficult cases and long hours. Residents benefit from his prior experience and selfless dedication to the team, and patients benefit from his expertise and tireless work ethic.”

Congratulations, Dr. Walker!

Please help us welcome Harvey Livingstone, MBChB, MMedSc, FRCA, to the University of Florida (UF) Department of Anesthesiology. He joins us as an assistant professor in the Division of Pediatric Anesthesiology.  

Livingstone earned his Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Leeds School of Medicine in England. He also completed his senior anesthesia program in Leeds, England, and a fellowship through the Royal College of Anesthetists. Recently, he worked as a consultant in pediatric anesthesia at the Alder Hey NHS Foundation Trust. In this position, he specialized in plastic and reconstructive surgery, interventional radiology, and adolescent urology. At Alder Hey, he was the chair for the medical devices safety committee, which oversaw all aspects of medical device use including training and maintenance.

Livingstone’s interest in medical devices is also shown in his active membership in the International Organization for Standardization, which provides standards and guidelines for goods and services. He serves on a committee dedicated to setting standards for anesthetic and respiratory equipment and has shared his knowledge of the field in various national lectures in the United Kingdom.

In his free time, he likes to play bass guitar and squash. He also enjoys walking his two dogs in the countryside.

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Rebecca Wakeman, CCRC, CPT, manager of the University of Florida (UF) Department of Anesthesiology clinical research office, received a 2026 UF Superior Accomplishment Award. She was recognized for her individual employee performance in division 5 (UF Health Colleges, Academic Units, and Research Centers & Institutes).

Wakeman’s excellent work ethic was captured in the many nomination letters from notable department leaders and faculty, detailing her mastery of clinical research fundamentals and superb leadership skills. Rene Przkora, M.D., professor of anesthesiology and associate chair for research, wrote about Wakeman’s transformation of clinical research operations within the department: “Rebecca has delivered measurable results in three critical areas—process excellence, financial stewardship, and cultural transformation.”

After spending four years in the UF Division of Infectious Disease and Global Medicine as the clinical research manager, Wakeman joined the Department of Anesthesiology in 2024 and proved to be the stabilizer the team needed as it was in the middle of a transitional period. She started by laying out clear expectations for the coordinators and focused on training. “Rebecca implemented a re-training plan to cover gaps in the coordinators’ knowledge and skills,” said Robin Vaughn, associate director of health care administration.

Wakeman also prioritized team culture and collaboration. Martin Noguera, M.S., CRA, CPRA, CFRA, assistant director of research administration, emphasized that she fostered a culture of accountability without blame. Matt Shaw, clinical research coordinator III, echoed this. “She leads by example, setting high standards for herself and inspiring those around her to do the same,” said Shaw. “Her collaborative approach fosters a positive and productive work environment.”

Part of her role as manager of clinical research includes managing the North American Hyperthermia Registry (NAMHR). Nikolaus Gravenstein, M.D., the Jerome H. Modell, M.D., Distinguished Professor of Anesthesiology and director of NAMHR, highlighted Wakeman’s contributions to the registry. “Under her leadership, the registry hasn’t missed a beat, continues to enroll and grow, and provides unique research experiences for undergraduate students,” said Gravenstein.

UF Health announced winners in an email at the end of January and recipients were honored at a luncheon on February 16, with UF Health leadership in attendance. Fifteen of these division winners will be chosen for university-level awards.

Congratulations, Rebecca!

The University of Florida (UF) Department of Anesthesiology was well represented at the 16^th annual UF College of Medicine (COM) Celebration of Research with 30 posters. The two-day celebration culminated at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center on February 10 with a poster session.

The event took place in three parts. The awards ceremony was held on February 9, while the following day began with the research symposium and keynote address and ended with the poster session and reception.

The poster session gave UF College of Medicine faculty, residents, and students the chance to showcase their cutting-edge biomedical research to the UF COM community. The event not only encouraged the dissemination of knowledge but also paved the way for future research collaborations.

Over 20 of our faculty members and residents contributed to the event with their posters, covering topics from the presence of microplastics in cardiopulmonary bypass circuits to chest and urine drainage management.

Iaroslav Tsymbaliuk, M.D., Ph.D., an anesthesiology intern, was a strong presence at the event, sharing his research about nitric oxide use in sweep gas. His poster discussed a patient case requiring ECMO, after which the oxygenator’s internal structure was evaluated and lacked thrombi or fibrin-dense clot deposition. Tsymabliuk highlighted that NO-enriched sweep gas is feasible, cost effective, and preserves oxygenator structure.

Simulators were also showcased, including several from the Center for Safety, Simulation & Advanced Learning Technologies (CSSALT). Samsun Lampotang, Ph.D., director of CSSALT, and his team brought out their new fluoroscopy simulation, which uses a mobile C-arm.

Rene Przkora, M.D., Ph.D., FASA, professor of anesthesiology and associate chair for research, attended the event and acted as a judge. “I am delighted to see the breadth and depth of research showcased at the UF College of Medicine Celebration of Research,” he remarked. “It is truly heartening to witness the collaborative spirit that permeates our college, and I want to commend our anesthesiology department for the exceptional turnout and compelling poster presentations that have added such dynamism to the event.”

Congratulations to all of our faculty, residents, fellows, and staff who contributed their research and represented the Department of Anesthesiology at this year’s UF COM Celebration of Research.

UF Department of Anesthesiology Posters

Level of training does not appear to affect outcomes when using biplane

• Holly Ryan, Amanda Frantz, Cynthia Garvan, Nikolaus Gravenstein, Joshua Sappenfield

Basivertebral nerve ablation providing complete and durable pain relief in an octogenarian with chronic vertebrogenic low back pain

• Brandon Yang, Juan Mora

Intravenous NanO₂ therapy mitigates secondary injury and promotes recovery following cervical spinal cord trauma in rats

• Jiamei Hou, Caleb Brown, Daniel Plant, Alexis Pullos, Kelena Klippel, Fiona Cheung, Shigeharu Tsuda, Araana Mondal, Cynthia Garvan, Bruce Spiess, Floyd Thomspon, Prodip Bose

Drivers of congenital heart center readmission 

• Kasey Permenter, Kevin Sullivan

Resident participation and case involvement in pediatric anesthesia: A survey of attending and resident perspectives

• Trevor Virno, Kevin Sullivan

Sustained pain relief after endoscopic lumbar rhizotomy compared with traditional radiofrequency ablation

• Brandon Yang, Amir Jafari, Matthew Meroney

Noradrenergic modulation as a therapeutic strategy for neuroinflammation and cognitive deficits after mild traumatic brain injury

• Kelena Klippel, Daniel Plant, Stephanie Leon, Roberto Carrascosa, Fiona Cheung, Gyong Ha Hwang, Chandler Downie, Grace Cheng, Stephen Nadeau, Jiamei Hou, Floyd Thompson, Prodip Bose

The brain-gut-microbiome (BGM) axis in a female rat model or postoperative neurocognitive disorder

• Itamar Gal

Maternal preconception TBI, surgery and anesthesia with sevoflurane alter offspring gut microbiota and neurobehavior in rats: NKCC1-targeted prevention

• Zeeshan Khan, Ling-Sha Ju, Nikolaus Gravenstein, Caleb Charles, Fan Lin, Barry Setlow, Anatoly Martynyuk

Transcranial magnetic stimulation rescues dysregulated noradrenergic and GABAergic signaling in the basolateral amygdala following traumatic brain injury in rats

• Shigeharu Tsuda, Joseph Watts, Jiamei Hou, Floyd Thompson, Prodip Bose

MRI-based analysis is a powerful tool for studying secondary spinal cord injury and the impact of iron chelation.

• Caleb Brown, Daniel Plant, Jiamei Hou, Kelena Klippel, Fiona Cheung, Raymond Bergeron, Floyd Thompson, Prodip Bose

Between a varix and a hard place: TEE safety in liver transplant

• Michael Lafferty, Carmelina Gorski, Luis Carvajal, Terrie Vasilopoulos, Saba Ali, Sehrish Saleem, Asad Bashir

Balancing act: Prothrombin complex concentrate in liver transplantation and the thrombotic tightrope

• Luis Carvajal, Carmelina Gorski, Michael Lafferty, Terrie Vasilopoulos, Saba Ali, Sehrish Saleem, Asad Bashir

When propofol isn’t enough: Sedation resistance in a CYP2C19 ultra-rapid metabolizer

• Michael Lafferty, Jaime Tellez, Amanda Frantz, Peggy White

Beyond fasting: Perioperative management of GLP-1RA Therapy

• Michael Lafferty, Ahmed Rashid, Erica Matich, Amanda Frantz, Peggy White

High-flow, low intolerance: Utilizing HFNC and ABG monitoring for awake craniotomy

• Michael Lafferty, Peggy White, Steven Robicsek

Traumatic brain injury and the brain-gut-microbiome axis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical studies

• Zara Chowdhury, Riya Modi, Zeeshan Khan, Ling-Sha Ju, Anatoly Martynyuk

Computer vision interpretation of chest drainage canister data

• Mario Rampangu, Simon Mesber, Subhash Nerella, Christoper Samouce, Keerthi Humsika, Gregory Janelle, Mindaugas Rackauskas, Nikolaus Gravenstein, Samsun Lampotang

Computer vision monitoring of urine output via a digital scale

• Keerthi Kattamudi, Mario Rampangu, Simon Mesber, Nikolaus Gravenstein, Christopher Samouce, Samsun Lampotang

Computer vision interpretation of fluid-filled dependent loops in urine and chest drainage systems

• Mario Rampangu, Simon Mesber, Subhash Nerella, Eric Ragan, Gregory Janelle, Christopher Samouce, Mindaugas Rackauskas, Nikolaus Gravenstein, Samsun Lampotang

Real-Time Vein Compression Model for Mixed-Reality Ultrasound Probe Simulation

• Vinh Nguyen, Chase Prasad, Christopher Samouce

Introduction of trained observer improves doffing and donning compliance in anesthesiology trainees

• Terrie Vasilopoulos, Cameron Smith, Amanda Frantz, Thomas LeMaster, Ramon Andres Martinez, Amy Gunnett, Brenda Fahy

VV ECMO intervention for intraoperative respiratory collapse during redo aortic arch surgery

• Jonathan Holt, Yong Peng

Utility of point of care ultrasound to evaluate gastric contents in patients taking glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists

• Isabel Devore-Suazo, Ryanne Thelwell, Cameron Smith, Sonia Mehta, Amy Sheer, Meghan Brennan

Vasopressor requirements across anesthetic modalities during transesophageal echocardiography in severe left ventricular dysfunction

• Renee Cress, Emuejevoke Chuba, Terrie Vasilopoulos, Anson Wang, Thomas Lewandowski, Yong Peng

Nitric oxide in ECMO sweep gas promotes oxygenator longevity

• Iaroslav Tsymbaliuk, Yuriy Stukov, Tavenner Dibert, Mark Bleiweis, Jeffrey Jacobs, Giles Peek, Andriy Batchinsky

Awake Ambulatory Spine Surgery

• Helena Krogman, Shahrukh Bengali, Sanjeev Kumar

Microplastics in Cardiopulmonary Bypass Circuits

• Zeyu Song, Nikolaus Gravenstein, Thi Hong Na Phung, Christopher Samouce, Gregory Janelle, Regina Knudsen, Sungyoon Jung, T. Everret Jones

The effectiveness of early endotracheal extubation in liver transplantation

• Ciara Saccente, Rehan Shah, Asad Bashir

Pediatric airway escalation incidence and predictors of escalation

• Vishnu Prasad, Arjun Paladugula, Benedict Stephen, Noah Thomas, Sonia Mehta

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Learn about our residency program.

Lauren Berkow, M.D., FASA, professor of anesthesiology and director of anesthesia supplies and equipment for UF Health Shands Hospital, has been selected to receive a spring 2026 Faculty Enhancement Opportunity (FEO) award. She will use the funding to attend an annual meeting for the Technical Council (TC) 121 Committee of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), which will take place this May on Jeju Island, South Korea.

During this 4-day international meeting, Berkow will represent the United States as a clinical expert. She will have the chance to collaborate with other committee members and discuss airway equipment standards and sustainability efforts. Through this meeting and other committee events, she will learn how international standards are created for medical devices related to anesthesia, which will strengthen her knowledge and expertise on the subject

ISO is an organization that develops and sets international standards and guidelines for the creation of products, services, and systems. Experts from around the world come together to set these specifications, striving to ensure goods and services are safe, consistent, and high-quality.

The organization has numerous committees and subcommittees for different types of equipment and supplies. Berkow was invited to participate as a clinical expert in the TC 121 Committee, which covers anesthetic devices and related equipment, as well as its second subcommittee and its advisory group on sustainability.

The TC 121 Subcommittee #2 specifically focuses on airway devices and related equipment, a subject that Berkow dives into quite frequently as she specializes in the knowledge of video laryngoscopy. The laryngoscope is a video-assisted device for intubation during anesthesia, which provides an excellent solution to difficult airways.

Berkow has already contributed to many publications and discussions on video laryngoscopy. With the help of the FEO award, she hopes to play a major role in the creation and publication of ISO standards for video laryngoscopes.

Congratulations, Dr. Berkow!

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The 2026 Jerome H. Modell, M.D., – Dinesh O. Shah, Ph.D., Annual Lecture in Anesthesiology was held on Thursday, February 5, in the Harrell Medical Education Building. This year the University of Florida (UF) Department of Anesthesiology was honored to welcome Daryl J. Kor, M.D., M.Sc., chair of the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, as our keynote speaker.

Department members, including Shirley Graves, M.D., emeritus professor of anesthesiology and widow of Jerome H. Modell, M.D., came out to listen to Kor’s lecture titled “Patient Blood Management: Improving Both Sides of the Equation.” Kor is a leading expert in transfusion medicine and patient blood management, with a distinguished career in clinical research, policy development, and innovation in blood utilization strategies.

To honor Modell, Dinesh O. Shah, Ph.D., emeritus professor of anesthesiology, created the Jerome H. Modell, M.D., – Dinesh O. Shah, Ph.D., Annual Lecture in Anesthesiology fund, which supports a visit and lecture by a prominent anesthesiology researcher. Modell recruited Shah in 1970 hoping that his background in surface science, though unconventional, would lead the department on a path toward diversity, creativity, and innovation. The collaboration over the years was highly successful and a model of multidisciplinary innovation.

View the recorded lecture.

American Journal of Infection Control

• Vasilopoulos T, Smith CR, Frantz AM, LeMaster T, Martinez RA, Gunnett AM, Fahy BG. Long-Term Retention Following Best Practices Instruction for Proper Donning and Doffing of Personal Protective Equipment. Am J Infect Control. Published online January 14, 2026. doi:10.1016/j.ajic.2026.01.011

Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine

• McLeod GA, Boezaart AP, Reina MA. Seeing is not believing: fascial plane blocks and the illusion of predictable spread. Reg Anesth Pain Med. Published online January 27, 2026. doi:10.1136/rapm-2025-107566
• McLeod GA, Sadler A, Boezaart A, Sala-Blanch X, Reina MA. Peripheral nerve microanatomy: new insights into possible mechanisms for block success. Reg Anesth Pain Med. 2026;51(1):90-103. Published 2026 Jan 5. doi:10.1136/rapm-2024-105721

European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology

• Wallace A, Rijo DV, Satchell C, Vasilopoulos T, Hagen JE, Krupko TA. Plaster versus fiberglass splinting for the acute treatment of displaced ankle fractures. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol. 2026;36(1):78. Published 2026 Jan 14. doi:10.1007/s00590-025-04646-1

Cureus

• Wendling AL, Cates JN, Garvan C, Lopez B, Cometa MA, Andoniadis M, Euliano T. Intramuscular Promethazine Added to IV Ondansetron for the Prevention of Intrathecal Morphine-Induced Pruritus and Nausea After Cesarean Delivery: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Cureus. 2025;17(12):e99408. Published 2025 Dec 16. doi:10.7759/cureus.99408

Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation

• Baldetti L, Pontillo D, Capoccia M, Kowalewski M, Tonna JE, Broman M, Conrad SA, Swol J, Scandroglio AM, Brewer JM, Maybauer MO, Lorusso R. Venopulmonary extracorporeal life support: An Extracorporeal Life Support Organization registry analysis. J Heart Lung Transplant. Published online January 6, 2026. doi:10.1016/j.healun.2025.12.024

JMIR Research Protocols

• Robinson KR, Seeger SD, Nave L, Mejia M, Vander Meulen M, Rashid A, Mickle AM, Sibille K, Li Z, Przkora R, Schmidt S, Lo MC, Cook RL, Wang Y. Real-Time and Long-Term Effects of Medical Marijuana on Older Adults: Protocol for the Study on Medical Marijuana and its Long-Term Effects (the SMILE study) Prospective Cohort. JMIR Res Protoc. Published online November 30, 2025. doi:10.2196/78900

Urology

• Ashouri R, Reynolds PS, Rajavel S, et al. Development of a Prognostic Prediction Model for Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer Based on Lesion Zone and Apparent Diffusion Coefficient Value Quantification. Urology. Published online January 28, 2026. doi:10.1016/j.urology.2026.01.028

Journal of Neurosurgery Case Lessons

• de Ruiter GCW, Amrami KK, Reina MA, Son BC, Spinner RJ. Circumferential subparaneurial ganglion cyst involving the ulnar nerve at the elbow: illustrative case. J Neurosurg Case Lessons. 2025;10(25):CASE25671. Published 2025 Dec 22. doi:10.3171/CASE25671

Spine

• Iwanaga J, Reina MA, Hama S, et al. The Cervical Ligamentum Flavum and Cervicodural Ligaments: Anatomical Insights with Potential Relevance to Cervicogenic Headache. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). Published online January 15, 2026. doi:10.1097/BRS.0000000000005629

Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine

• Pietsch U, Bommer A, Hossfeld B, Wenzel V, Meier R, Albrecht R, Rüst CA. Oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate analgesia in prehospital trauma care: a retrospective observational cohort study focusing on age and gender differences. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med. Published online January 6, 2026. doi:10.1186/s13049-026-01544-1
• Sohm D, Moeckel J, Wenzel V, et al. Stability of emergency medications during extreme cold: a controlled environmental study. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med. 2025;34(1):5. Published 2025 Dec 5. doi:10.1186/s13049-025-01509-w

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André P. Boezaart, M.D., Ph.D., FASRA, emeritus professor with the University of Florida (UF) Department of Anesthesiology, has been chosen to receive the 2026 Gaston Labat Award by the American Society of Regional Anesthesia (ASRA) and Pain Medicine. He was selected due to his incredible contributions to the development, teaching, and practice of regional anesthesia and pain medicine in the tradition of Louis Gaston Labat, M.D., pioneer in regional anesthesia and founder of the ASRA.

Boezaart’s medical career began in South Africa, where he earned his medical and master’s degrees from the University of Pretoria. He completed his anesthesiology residency at the University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg Hospital, and later earned his Ph.D. in neuro-anesthesiology at the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa.

Boezaart gained experience with regional anesthesia under austere military conditions, when he served in the South African Defense Force as an anesthesiologist. One of his medical feats was performing the first recorded continuous peripheral nerve blocks for pain management and for the transport of wounded soldiers in 1975.

Joseph M. Neal, M.D., who nominated Boezaart for this award, highlighted his work in inventing and perfecting continuous perineural and neuraxial catheter techniques: “For those of us practicing in the 1980s and 1990s, there was no practical way to extend peripheral nerve block analgesia until Dr. Boezaart made it easy to do so.”

After joining the UF Department of Anesthesiology as a full professor in 2007, Boezaart established the Regional Anesthesiology and Acute Pain Medicine Fellowship. From 2007 to 2018, he was both the chief of the Division of Acute and Perioperative Pain Medicine in the department and the chief of the Acute Pain Service for UF Health Shands.

In 2019, Boezaart retired from the department after 12 years of service. To this day, he continues to impact the field of regional anesthesiology with the development of an international, web-based collaboration of chronic and acute pain medicine experts for educational and clinical pursuits, and with extensive research collaborations. 

Boezaart will accept this award in April at the 51^st Annual Regional Anesthesiology and Acute Pain Medicine Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona, where he will also present the Gaston Labat lecture during the Excellence in ASRA Pain Medicine Awards Luncheon.

Congratulations to Dr. Boezaart for the Gaston Labat Award!
 

On Saturday, January 24, 15 University of Florida (UF) Department of Anesthesiology residents along with their friends and families gathered in the Harrell Medical Education Building to explore the daily life of anesthesiologists. Tim Martin, M.D., MBA, FASA, associate chair for education, chief of the Division of Pediatric Anesthesiology, and professor of anesthesiology, opened the day with an introductory speech and a “day in the life” video. He also highlighted critical issues for resident wellbeing such as fatigue, sleep, and work/life balance, and outlined the UF resources designed to support those needs.

Residents and their guests then participated in a panel discussion and Q&A session with a resident and their spouse. Attendees then split into small groups for hands‑on simulations that covered operating‑room scenarios, airway management, and central venous access. These activities allowed the families to experience firsthand the challenges and precision required in anesthesia practice.

Trevor Morrison, M.D., a CA-2 resident, brought his parents to the event. “It’s one thing to tell them about my day, like, oh I had a difficult airway or missed an IV, but being able to show them what it is actually like being in the hospital is kind of fun,” he said. “And it’s cool getting to show them how hard I’ve worked for so long and now it’s paying off and they can see me where I’m at now.”

Trevor’s mom, Catherine, also appreciated the educational opportunity and the chance to see her son in action. “It’s neat seeing what Trevor has to go through and experience and get a better understanding of what he’s gone through year after year,” she said. “Seeing not just the training, but the exhaustion and the home-life balance versus everything that goes on in the hospital and taking care of patients and the education of it all. There’s lots of aspects to it.”

The UF Department of Anesthesiology’s Family Anesthesia Experience started out as a multisite institutional review board study spearheaded by the University of North Carolina in 2021. A February 2025 paper co‑authored by Martin, titled “The Family Anesthesia Experience (FAX): Implementing a Social Support–Focused Wellness Programme Across Multiple Residency Programme,” was published in The Clinical Teacher. The study found that family‑oriented education events improve support‑persons’ understanding of residency demands, enhance communication between residents and their loved ones, and reduce interpersonal stress and burnout perceptions.

Recognizing the program’s impact, the UF Department of Anesthesiology plans to hold these events annually, continuing to strengthen the support network for residents and their families while promoting a healthier, more balanced residency experience.

Learn more about our residency program.

Austin Friedman, M.D., was chosen by his peers as the December 2025 Resident of the Month!

Dr. Friedman’s nominations state that he is a great team player who goes above and beyond: “Austin was on my mole team, and he was wonderful. He took on difficult cases without ever complaining and did a great job of taking care of very sick patients. He stayed later than he had to on several occasions to help the team out with preops/consents, setting up ORs, and giving breaks.” A co-resident said, “Absolute team player on the mole team and always happy to help out wherever needed.” 

Congratulations, Dr. Friedman! 

Kenneth N. John, M.D., assistant professor of anesthesiology, was chosen by our residents as the December 2025 Faculty Educator of the Month!

Dr. John’s nominations highlight his dedication to resident education: “He is heavily invested in resident education and genuinely cares about us. Always fun to work with in the operating room and is overall a great clinician.” One resident spoke about Dr. John’s aid during a difficult shift: “He helped our mole team with NT sign-outs on a particularly challenging night when there was a critical patient in the trauma bay and everyone was occupied.” 

Congratulations, Dr. John!

New research to support better outcomes after heart bypass surgery has been released by a team of researchers from the UF Departments of Anesthesiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery. Using clinical data from UF Health Shands Hospital, the team developed a preliminary prediction model to identify modifiable factors associated with patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation following routine coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgeries.

Their findings are documented in the article “Identifying Factors Associated with Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation Following Isolated Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Retrospective Observational Study,” recently published in Perioperative Care and Operating Room Management. Department of Anesthesiology faculty Joseph AbuRahma, M.D., and Yong G. Peng, M.D., Ph.D., were joined by affiliated faculty member Chris Goldstein, M.D., former fellow Jennifer Bromwell, D.O, former faculty member Penny S. Reynolds, Ph.D., and Professor and Chief of Cardiovascular Surgery Thomas Beaver, M.D., MPH, in this research.

The goal of their research was to develop a preliminary clinical tool for patient management. The Society of Thoracic Surgeons recommends that patients should be extubated within six hours after routine CABG to lower mortality and postoperative complications. Identifying modifiable risk factors for patients could help reduce the need for longer mechanical ventilation.

The retrospective study examined the medical records of 85 patients who underwent elective, isolated CABG between January 2021 and December 2022. Patient information such as time on bypass, opioid use, acid‑base status, and core temperature was used to estimate the likelihood of postoperative mechanical ventilation that exceeded six hours.

They found that 31% of the patients required ventilation for more than six hours, and that base deficit, age, core temperature, and a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were the most consistent predictors of prolonged intubation. Patients older than 75, with an increased base deficit (≤ –6 mmol/L), and who were hypothermic (< 36 °C) at the time of discharge to the intensive care unit were found to have the highest predicted probability—over 90 %—of remaining intubated beyond six hours.

Significantly, the researchers noted that “These preliminary results suggest that proactive measures to prevent hypothermia and correct elevated base deficit prior to ICU arrival may decrease postoperative mechanical ventilation times for patients undergoing isolated CABG.” While acknowledging that external validation with a larger cohort is necessary before the model can be widely adopted, they note that their findings have led to proactive changes in patient management at UF Health Shands.

“This project is an excellent example of the cardiac surgical and cardiothoracic anesthesiology services working collaboratively as a team to identify clinical issues and implement appropriate solutions to improve the quality of patient care,” said Dr. Peng.

Congratulations to the authors!

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Key Points

• A sizable number of heart‑bypass patients stay on a breathing machine longer than ideal. In the study, about 1 in 3 patients who had a routine coronary artery bypass needed ventilation for more than six hours after their surgery.
• Certain clues predict those at higher risk. Researchers found that older age, a lower body core temperature, a higher “base‑deficit” (a sign of too much acid in the blood), and a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder are the most telling warning signs.
• Pre‑intensive care unit interventions may help. The team believes that keeping patients warmer and correcting the base deficit before they enter the intensive care unit could shorten the need for prolonged ventilation, which is linked to lower death rates and fewer complications.
• Teamwork is already changing practice. UF Shands Hospital has started adjusting its care routine based on these findings, showing how doctors, surgeons, and anesthesiologists can collaborate to improve patient recovery after heart bypass surgery.

Tim Feldheim, M.D., assistant professor of anesthesiology, and Juan Mora, M.D., associate professor of anesthesiology, recently completed the UF College of Medicine Leadership Development Program, which seeks to enhance the skills of current faculty leaders.

The program uses the UF Leadership Competency Model as a guide and allows participants to identify key competencies, such as building trust, advancing one’s vision, generating alignment, and cultivating talent.

Feldheim is an assistant program director for the department’s residency program, while Mora is the medical director for UF Health Pain Medicine – Ayers. By participating in these sessions, they enhanced their management and leadership skills. “It was a great experience to participate in the program,” said Mora. “This course helped me gain greater awareness of my strengths and areas for growth, and it provided me with valuable tools to optimize and apply my skills more effectively for the benefit of our team.”

Feldheim and Mora also interacted with other UF College of Medicine faculty leaders in facilitated discussions and scenarios, where they created new ways to increase team effectiveness and success. “The program was a wonderful opportunity to not only learn different techniques and styles of leadership in medicine, but to also collaborate with clinicians and researchers of other departments who are taking on leadership roles within their own divisions,” said Feldheim. “With that came connections and friendships that will hopefully strengthen the UF Medical community as a whole.”

Congratulations, Drs. Feldheim and Mora!

View opportunities to join our faculty.

American Journal of Veterinary Research

Davey EL, Gabaldon C, Reynolds PS, et al. Diaphragmotomy Enhances Caudal Liver Displacement and Hilus Visualization in Canine Cadavers. Am J Vet Res. Published online December 22, 2025. doi:10.2460/ajvr.25.08.0297

Anesthesia and Analgesia

Parker RO, Sappenfield JW. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Milligram of Prevention for a Life-Long Problem?. Anesth Analg. Published online December 23, 2025. doi:10.1213/ANE.0000000000007890

BMJ Case Reports

Perkins O, Becker TK, Rackauskas M, Maybauer MO. Conversion from Veno-arterial to Veno-pulmonary ECMO for Refractory Pulmonary Hypertension and Right Ventricular Failure After Orthotopic Liver Transplantation. BMJ Case Rep. 2025;18(12):e267951. Published 2025 Dec 15. doi:10.1136/bcr-2025-267951

Critical Care Medicine

Tisherman SA, Spevetz A, Farmer JC, Kashyap R, Michener E, Leichtle SW, Sreedharan R, Strickler SS, Chang CWJ, Yataco AC, Cuschieri J, Dudzinski D, Ellender T, Emlet LL, Fahy BG, Geller BJ, Hennessey E, Kaups KL, Keegan MT, Lee MM, Adult Critical Care Physician Core Knowledge and Skills Task Force of the Society of Critical Care Medicine (2025). Determination of Adult Critical Care Physician Core Knowledge and Skills: Results of a Multidisciplinary, Modified Delphi Process. Crit Care Med. Published online December 9, 2025. doi:10.1097/CCM.0000000000006978

Eye (London, England)

Maulvi FA, Desai DT, Kalaiselvan P, Shah DO, Willcox MDP. Response to: ‘Comment on: ‘Current and Emerging Strategies for Myopia Control: A Narrative Review of Optical, Pharmacological, Behavioural, and Adjunctive Therapies“. Eye (Lond). Published online December 27, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41433-025-04218-x

Frontiers in Pain Research (Lausanne, Switzerland)

Montesino-Goicolea S, Valdes-Hernandez PA, Nin O, Smith C, Porges EC, Cruz-Almeida Y. Comparing Self-reported Sleep Quality and Wearable-derived Sleep Metrics in Middle-aged and Older Adults with Chronic Pain: A Psychometric Study. Front Pain Res (Lausanne). 2025;6:1704377. Published 2025 Dec 3. doi:10.3389/fpain.2025.1704377

Journal of Pain Research

Grider JS, Deer TR, Beall DP, Murphy MZ, Fleming JW, Falowski SM, Mallard CJ, Ramawad HA, Garcia RA, Latif U, Vu CM, Christopher A, Harned ME, Patel RG, Shah AJ, Cowan IM, Jarzombek K, Tate JL, Khatri N, Graca MJ, Sayed D. A Primer on Anatomy, Biophysics, Pathology, Imaging and Treatment of the Intervertebral Disc and the Anterior Spinal Column: The Discogenic, Intervertebral, Spinal Column (DISC) ASPN Workgroup. J Pain Res. 2025;18:6651-6698. Published 2025 Dec 11. doi:10.2147/JPR.S553033

Pain

Edwards RR, Tarpey T, Ashburn M, Baer C, Campbell A, Dworkin RH, Gaspard G, Flynn M, Hade E, Jain N, Judge H, Kamp C, Li Y, Meropol S, Petkova E, Philip A, Przkora R, Rathmell JP, Robinson-Papp J, Samuels J, Troxel AB. A Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Multi-crossover Trial of Treatment with a Chemokine Antagonist for Knee Osteoarthritis Pain. Pain. Published online January 6, 2026. doi:10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003904

Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine

Sajdeya R, Rouhizadeh M, Cook RL, Tighe PJ. Re: Interpreting Cannabis Use and Postoperative Pain in Older Adults: Methodologic Considerations. Reg Anesth Pain Med. Published online December 31, 2025. doi:10.1136/rapm-2025-107513

Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine

Sohm D, Moeckel J, Wenzel V, et al. Stability of Emergency Medications During Extreme Cold: A Controlled Environmental Study. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med. Published online December 5, 2025. doi:10.1186/s13049-025-01509-w

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F. Kayser Enneking, M.D., professor of anesthesiology and orthopaedic surgery, is retiring from the University of Florida College of Medicine after more than three decades of service. Enneking received her medical degree from UF in 1986 before completing anesthesiology residency at the University of Texas and a regional anesthesia fellowship at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. She returned to us in 1991 as an assistant professor in the UF Department of Anesthesiology and has since become an indispensable pillar of our faculty, a visionary leader, and a mentor to countless clinicians and scholars.

Enneking became a full professor in 2003, holding a joint appointment with the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine. Between 2008 and 2013, she chaired the Department of Anesthesiology while also serving as assistant dean for clinical affairs for the College of Medicine. Throughout, she managed the Florida Surgical Center, guiding it through a critical ten‑year transformation. More recently, she has continued to step into interim leadership roles when stable guidance was needed: chairing the Department of Dermatology, chairing research for the Department of Anesthesiology, and directing perioperative affairs. Her commitment to the welfare of her colleagues is further evidenced by her efforts in expanding UF Baby Gator Child Development Center to Newell Drive, which provides on-site childcare to those in the College of Medicine.

One of Enneking’s most enduring legacies in the Department of Anesthesiology is her creation and stewardship of three vital divisions: the Division of Regional Anesthesia (1995), the Division of Ambulatory Anesthesia (2000), and the Division of Perioperative Medicine (2015), as well as her creation of the Regional Anesthesiology & Acute Pain Medicine Fellowship. These units have shaped the way we teach our trainees, deliver care, and conduct research nationwide. Additionally, as a testament to her dedication in furthering the research mission of the department, Enneking created and was a major contributor to the Gravenstein Scholars Program, a research scholar residency track named in honor of the Gravenstein family.

Enneking’s scholarship efforts include 68 peer‑reviewed articles (44 as first or senior author), two edited books, 25 book chapters, and 35 peer‑reviewed abstracts. A co‑inventor on U.S. Patent 12,029,861, she has also contributed to advances in drainage system design. Her editorial service spans leading anesthesiology journals, and she has delivered 194 invited talks at professional meetings worldwide.

Enneking pioneered the regional anesthesia block room, a systems-based innovation, leading to higher regional anesthesia block success rates, improved quality and safety, and higher patient satisfaction. Furthermore, one of her most significant contributions to the field of anesthesiology is her pioneering work in the use of peripheral nerve blocks for outpatient surgery. This innovation revolutionized the recovery process for patients, enabling them to recover in the comfort of their homes without pain.

In 2023, she received the UF College of Medicine’s Lifetime Achievement Award and the Women in Medicine and Science Diamond Award, both testifying to her impact on patient care, research, and the broader community. Nationally, she has been celebrated by the American Society of Regional Anesthesia with the Trailblazer Award, the Distinguished Service Award, and the Gaston Labat Award, underscoring her lifelong dedication to regional anesthesia and pain medicine. Her contributions will continue to resonate at the UF College of Medicine and beyond.

Susana Cruz Beltrán, M.D., assistant professor of anesthesiology, was chosen by our residents as the November 2025 Faculty Educator of the Month!

Dr. Cruz Beltrán’s nominations highlight how accommodating and supportive she is as a teacher. One resident said, “Dr. Cruz makes an effort to draw out personalized images of complex congenital heart pathology and does an incredible job at explaining these cases. She genuinely cares about her residents and tries to tailor her teaching towards your specific academic interests.” Another resident appreciated her guidance in difficult cases: “She helps me feel more prepared and comfortable in really challenging pediatric cases.” 

Congratulations, Dr. Cruz Beltrán!

Ignacio Quintana, M.D., was chosen by his peers as the November 2025 Resident of the Month!

Dr. Quintana’s nominations praise his proactive personality. A co-resident said, “Ignacio has done a great job in the ICU. He takes initiative, seeks learning opportunities, and takes ownership of his patients.” Another co-resident acknowledged his effort and attentiveness: “He works hard and is a good team player. He handled complex situations well, asked thoughtful questions, and continued to grow with every shift.”

Congratulations, Dr. Quintana!  

Soleil Schutte, M.D., assistant professor of anesthesiology, has played an integral role in the Regional Anesthesiology & Acute Pain Medicine Fellowship, previously acting as assistant program director, she is now taking the lead as director of the fellowship.

In 2020, Schutte completed her anesthesiology residency here in the UF Department of Anesthesiology, followed by her Regional Anesthesiology & Acute Pain Medicine Fellowship a year later. In this Q&A, she talks about the importance of the regional anesthesiology and acute pain medicine subspecialty as well as her future plans for the program. 

Q: You completed your anesthesiology residency as well as your acute pain medicine fellowship here at the UF Department of Anesthesiology. Why did you decide to stay on with UF faculty after graduation?

A: I chose to stay with the Department of Anesthesiology at UF after completing my residency and fellowship because this department has been foundational not only to my training, but to my growth as a physician, educator, and researcher. I have been surrounded by mentors who not only helped me build strong clinical skills but also actively encouraged me to develop my academic career. They constantly enable and support me to teach and pursue my interests in regional anesthesia and acute pain medicine, as well as innovation in medical education. That kind of support and investment in my professional development made a lasting impact.

What also makes UF special is its collaborative, forward-thinking culture that is deeply committed to patient-centered care. The close and collaborative relationship between the Department of Anesthesiology and the Department of Surgery allows us to work together effectively to formulate personalized care for each patient. In addition, the Department of Anesthesiology truly values education and supports faculty in bringing new ideas to life, whether in curriculum design, simulation, or research. I felt this was an environment where I could contribute meaningfully and keep growing.

Most importantly, I work with a group of incredibly caring and talented individuals who make UF feel like home. I’m proud to be part of a team that not only delivers excellent clinical care but also shapes the future of our specialty through research, innovation, and mentorship.

Q: What drew you to regional anesthesiology and acute pain medicine?

A: What drew me to regional anesthesiology and acute pain medicine is the unique intersection of anatomy, procedural skill, and immediate impact on patients’ comfort and recovery. During residency, I found that being able to use precision and technique to provide targeted and highly effective pain relief, reduce opioid exposure, and improve surgical outcomes was deeply gratifying. There’s something very meaningful about seeing patients wake up after surgery comfortable, mobile, and engaged in their recovery, simply because of the nerve blocks or acute pain plan you tailored for them. It is incredibly rewarding to see a medically complex patient, who is not a candidate for general anesthesia, successfully undergo a much-needed surgery through a carefully planned and meticulously executed regional anesthetic approach.

Soleil Schutte, M.D.

"We’re no longer just performing nerve blocks, we’re integrating preoperative planning and ultrasound-guided regional techniques into comprehensive, evidence-based pathways that improve recovery, reduce opioid dependence, shorten hospital stays, and enhance patient satisfaction."

Q: How have you seen the field change over the years?

A: Over the years, I’ve seen regional anesthesia and acute pain medicine evolve from being primarily a landmark-based technical skill to becoming a cornerstone of perioperative care, patient safety, and opioid-sparing strategies.

Ultrasound guidance has significantly improved the precision and safety of regional anesthesia by allowing us to directly visualize anatomy, needle and catheter placement, and local anesthetic spread in real time. This has expanded both the variety and complexity of blocks we perform, and it has led to greater application of regional anesthesia in perioperative and acute pain medicine.

Education has also transformed. In the past, apprenticeship-style learning was the only way. Today, we use simulation, mixed-reality tools, and structured curricula to teach anatomy, scanning skills, and complication management with much greater consistency and safety.

Q: What do you hope to accomplish as program director for the Regional Anesthesiology & Acute Pain Medicine Fellowship?

A: As program director, my goal is to build a fellowship experience that not only trains technically excellent regional anesthesiologists but also develops well-rounded patient-centered acute pain specialists who are leaders, educators, and innovators in perioperative and acute pain medicine.

I want to create a curriculum that goes beyond procedural training and emphasizes clinical judgment, safety, multidisciplinary collaboration, and evidence-based pain management. I hope to equip our fellows with the ability to tailor pain care to individual patients, especially those with complex medical conditions, chronic pain, and opioid dependence history. I believe fellows should graduate not just knowing how to perform advanced blocks but knowing why and when not to block. I want to foster mentorship, academic scholarship, and opportunities for fellows to present, publish, and lead quality improvement and education projects. Ultimately, my goal is to develop graduates who will advance the specialty, whether in academic medicine, private practice, or education, and who will improve perioperative and acute pain medicine for patients on a broader scale.

Q: What do you look for in prospective fellows?

A: When I evaluate prospective fellows, I certainly hope for strong clinical and technical skills, but what is truly important goes beyond that. I look for individuals who show curiosity, humility, and a genuine desire to grow, not just as regional anesthesiologists, but as educators, leaders, and advocates for safe, patient-centered pain care.

I value applicants who think critically and don’t just ask how to do a block, but when, why, and how to tailor it to a specific patient, especially in complex situations like anticoagulation, comorbidities, and special surgical demands. Acute pain medicine is not just procedures; it requires judgment, communication, and compassion.

Teamwork is essential. Our specialty depends on close collaboration with surgeons, nurses, PT/OT, and patients themselves. Fellows who are respectful, adaptable, and collaborative tend to thrive and make a meaningful impact.

Finally, I look for people who are passionate about advancing the field, whether through teaching, research, quality improvement, or simply being champions of safe and thoughtful pain care in their practices. Technical skills can be taught, but curiosity, professionalism, and commitment to patient care are what truly make an exceptional fellow.

Q: Why is it important for anesthesiologists to pursue this specialty? 

A: It’s important for anesthesiologists to pursue subspecialty training in regional anesthesia and acute pain medicine because it allows us to profoundly impact the patient experience across the entire perioperative journey, not just during surgery. Regional anesthesia and acute pain medicine specialists play a critical role in reducing perioperative opioid exposure, preventing chronic pain, facilitating early mobilization, and improving surgical outcomes. Pursuing this subspecialty will empower anesthesiologists to lead multidisciplinary teams, educate patients, collaborate with surgeons, and advocate for safer, more effective pain management strategies. It helps anesthesiologists move from being seen as providers of anesthesia to being recognized as specialists in perioperative medicine who influence both immediate and long-term patient outcomes. It provides an opportunity to elevate the role of anesthesiology in modern healthcare.

What makes this subspecialty especially meaningful is that it is constantly evolving. New techniques, new fascial plane blocks, and evolving ultrasound approaches are constantly emerging. Anesthesiologists who pursue this field learn not only how to perform a block but how to critically evaluate new techniques, understand the anatomical rationale behind them, and adapt their skills long after formal fellowship training. That ability to continually evolve, to stay curious, and to master new nerve block strategies is what you will gain after our subspecialty training.

Q: Anything else you’d like to tell us about you or the specialty?

A: This specialty offers a rare combination of immediate, hands-on impact on patient comfort and broader influence on perioperative outcomes and overall recovery. To me, it’s one of the few areas in medicine where you can make a clear difference in a patient’s surgical experience within minutes, while also contributing to long-term public health goals.

It keeps me intellectually challenged and humble. No matter how good I am with procedural skills, there are always challenging situations that call for me to adapt my thinking and techniques. There are also new blocks, new approaches, and new techniques constantly emerging. It is exciting to decipher if they truly work as advertised, why they work or don’t work, how they compare to my current tools, how they fit into our health care system, and how we can teach them to the next generation of anesthesiologists.

I feel incredibly grateful to be part of this field and to work with colleagues and trainees who share that enthusiasm. This specialty is never static. It keeps evolving, and so do we.

Learn more about our Regional Anesthesiology & Acute Pain Medicine Fellowship.

ACS Applied Bio Materials

Maulvi FA, Mahala SM, Shetty KH, Sahu A, Patel AR, Desai DT, Shah DO, Willcox MDP. Engineering mixed micelle-loaded contact lenses for sustained ocular delivery of dexamethasone: In vitro and in vivo studies. ACS Appl Bio Mater. Published online November 17, 2025. doi:10.1021/acsabm.5c01145

Annals of Emergency Medicine

Black LP, Hopson C, Puskarich MA, Modave F, McCarthy DM, DeVos E, Garvan C, Fernandez R, Guirgis FW. Time to vasopressor initiation is not associated with increased mortality in patients with septic shock. Ann Emerg Med. Published online November 3, 2025. doi:10.1016/j.annemergmed.2025.09.024

Breastfeeding Medicine

Kolli S, Anamege A, Chi X, Garvan CS, Varma DS, Gurka MJ, Evans V, Louis-Jacques AF. (2025). Prenatal subjective social status as a predictor of breastfeeding outcomes. Breastfeeding Med. Published online November 25, 2025. doi:10.1177/15568253251387145

British Journal of Anaesthesia

Spiess BD. Vasoplegia and cardiopulmonary bypass: role of oxidation-reduction dysregulation as a mechanism and therapeutic target. Br J Anaesth. Published online November 19, 2025. doi:10.1016/j.bja.2025.10.023

Current Pain and Headache Reports

Hasoon J, Spatz M, Garcia RA, et al. Practice patterns of physicians who perform lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injections. Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2025;29(1):111. Published 2025 Nov 27. doi:10.1007/s11916-025-01436-6

Die Anaesthesiologie

Diktanaite D, Konrad C, Wenzel V, Steinmann R, Benz R, Marggraf CM. Unerwartete Tracheale Läsion nach Intubation – Call for Discussion [Unexpected tracheal lesion after intubation-Call for discussion]. Anaesthesiologie. Published online November 25, 2025. doi:10.1007/s00101-025-01611-9

Wenzel V, Heimgärtner S. Just Culture als Zukunftschance für Krankenhäuser [Just culture as a chance for the future for hospitals]. Anaesthesiologie. 2025;74(12):797-800. doi:10.1007/s00101-025-01614-6

International Anesthesiology Clinics

Przkora R, Meroney M, Malik T. Indirect and direct lumbar spine decompression: indications, patient selection, efficacy, and outcomes. Int Anesthesiol Clin. Published online November 20, 2025. doi:10.1097/AIA.0000000000000497

Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia

Erdoes G, Koster A, Haas T. The current value of patient blood management in cardiac surgery: WHO can help to improve?. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth. Published online October 26, 2025. doi:10.1053/j.jvca.2025.10.027

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Rene Przkora, M.D., Ph.D., FASA, professor of anesthesiology and associate chair for research, has been appointed to two committees. He was selected for the North American Neuromodulation Society’s (NANS) Continuing Medical Education (CME) Committee as well as for the American Society of Anesthesiologists’ (ASA) Committee on Scientific Advisory (SAC).

Przkora will serve three years as a reviewer for the NANS committee, which plays a key role in ensuring the integrity and quality of all NANS-accredited educational activities. In this role, he will check disclosures, collaborate with leadership regarding CME compliance, and review evaluation data to inform ongoing improvements in CME delivery.

On the ASA committee, Przkora will help maintain the scientific integrity and success of the ASA annual meeting by guiding subcommittees who review abstracts for the conference. He has been a part of this committee since 2022, showing his commitment to the organization and its standards.

These appointments show Przkora’s dedication to education, science, and the field of anesthesiology.

Congratulations, Dr. Przkora!

View opportunities to join our faculty.

Emuejevoke “Voke” Chuba, M.D., M.S., assistant professor of anesthesiology, has been accepted into the Karl M. Altenburger, M.D., Physician Leadership Academy for 2026. This Florida Medical Association physician leadership academy is a year-long program that helps emerging physicians develop leadership skills along with other non-clinical skills.

Chuba will participate in five in-person workshops, led by experts, as well as virtual sessions. Through these workshops and sessions, she will have the chance to become a more effective advocate for her profession and patients.

This acceptance makes the second leadership opportunity this year for Chuba. In May, she was selected for the University of Florida Faculty Senate as a representative for the College of Medicine.

Chuba’s achievement is a testament to her commitment to becoming a leader in the field of anesthesiology.

Congratulations, Dr. Chuba!

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Juan Mora, M.D., associate professor of anesthesiology, was chosen by our residents as the October 2025 Faculty Educator of the Month!

Dr. Mora’s nominations praise his clinical teaching as he helps residents become more confident and informed. One resident said Dr. Mora “prioritized my education with every patient, improving my knowledge on anesthesia and chronic pain significantly. Every day was useful and educational.” 

Congratulations, Dr. Mora!

Jonah Whiteside, M.D., was chosen by his peers as the October 2025 Resident of the Month!

Dr. Whiteside’s nominations say that it is easy to work with him due to his positive attitude and great humor. A co-resident said he is “clinically strong and always a well-prepared resident with a great sense of humor.” Another co-resident said he has a “great attitude, works hard, and his sense of humor is much appreciated.” 

Congratulations, Dr. Whiteside! 

Karisa Walker, M.D., M.Ed., associate professor of anesthesiology, is the lead author on a recently published research report in Pediatric Anesthesia examining the prevalence of sexual harassment (SH) among pediatric anesthesiology fellowship program directors, associate program directors, and fellows. Her paper, “Harassment and Burnout in Academic Pediatric Anesthesiology,” assessed the relationship between sexual harassment and burnout in these academic settings.

“Over the last 30 years, numerous studies describe an ongoing presence of sexual harassment affecting both male and female physicians at all levels of training and practice,” the article notes. “SH has been found to be more prevalent in academic hospitals and in certain specialties; both specialty choice and career decisions are impacted by experiencing SH.”

Walker, who is also the associate program director of education assessments, was joined in her research by co-authors from the Monroe Carell J. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Children’s National Hospital at The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford University Medical Center, Texas Children’s Hospital at the Baylor College of Medicine, and Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

The authors received survey responses from 163 pediatric anesthesiology fellowship directors, associate program directors, and fellows. Nearly half of those surveyed reported either experiencing or witnessing SH, which is in line with similar studies of other medical specialties. Women were disproportionally affected compared to men.

The article also explores the relationship between harassment and burnout. “Unfortunately, the consequences of harassment can have lasting and significant effects,” state the authors. “Women who have been harassed may have increased anxiety, stress, depression, symptoms of PTSD, decreased job satisfaction, lower self-esteem, and possibly higher rates of burnout; they may avoid opportunities and may leave their institution or field as a result of harassment.”

The authors call for future studies to examine the long-term effects of harassment on career progression, mental health, and patient care, as well as the effectiveness of institutional and national initiatives designed to reduce SH and promote healthier work environments in pediatric anesthesiology.

Congratulations to Dr. Walker and her co-authors!

FAQs

Q: What was the primary aim of Dr. Walker’s research?

A: The study sought to examine the prevalence of sexual harassment (SH) among pediatric anesthesiology fellowship program directors, associate program directors, and fellows and assess the relationship between sexual harassment and burnout.

Q: How many people were surveyed in the study?

A: Survey responses came from 163 individuals—including fellowship directors, associate directors, and fellows—across several large academic centers.

Q: What proportion of respondents reported experiencing or witnessing sexual harassment?

A: Nearly fifty‑percent of participants reported either having personally experienced SH or having witnessed it.

Q: Which group was disproportionately affected by harassment?

A: Women were more frequently affected than men, echoing similar patterns observed in other medical specialties.

Q: What do the authors recommend for future research and policy?

A: They call for longitudinal studies on career impact, mental‑health outcomes, and the efficacy of institutional measures designed to curb harassment and promote healthier workplace cultures in pediatric anesthesiology.

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Annals of Cardiac Anaesthesia

van Nispen J, Bradley G, Rackauskas M, Rawal SB, Mulvoy W, Maybauer MO. Venoarterial Extracorporeal Life Support in Circulatory Shock Secondary to Severe Vasoplegia from Ramipril Overdose. Ann Card Anaesth. 2025;28(4):502-504. doi:10.4103/aca.aca_40_25

Cureus

Lee SJ, Gattu K, Sappenfield JW. Retained lumbar drain tip leading to intrathecal hematoma: a case report on perioperative risks and management. Cureus. 2025;17(10):e95169. Published 2025 Oct 22. doi:10.7759/cureus.95169

Frontiers in Bioscience-Landmark

Hou J, Klippel K, Bose P. Glutamate excitotoxicity: a key secondary injury mechanism of traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury. Front Biosci (Landmark Ed). 2025;30(10):38904. doi:10.31083/FBL38904

JMIR Research Protocols

Burgess HJ, Rodgers AA, McNeil KA, Mott J, Fejer A, Dereski T, Rizvydeen M, Sibille KT, Kim HM, Cofield C, Burns JW, Shaikh S, Hassett AL. At-Home Morning Bright Light Treatment for Chronic Nociplastic Pain: Protocol for a Randomized Clinical Trial. JMIR Res Protoc. 2025;14:e75060. Published 2025 Oct 13. doi:10.2196/75060

Journal of Clinical Anesthesia

Vasilopoulos T, Fahy BG. Integrating entrustable professional activities (EPAs) into anesthesiology education. J Clin Anesth. 2025;107:112028. doi:10.1016/j.jclinane.2025.112028

Perioperative Care and Operating Room Management

AbuRahma J, Reynolds PS, Goldstein JC, Bromwell J, Beaver T, Peng YG. Identifying factors associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation following isolated coronary artery bypass grafting: a retrospective observational study. Perioper Care Operat Room Manag. 2025;41:100565. doi:10.1016/j.pcorm.2025.100565

*Because of a lapse in government funding, the information on PubMed’s website may not be up to date, transactions submitted via the website may not be processed, and the agency may not be able to respond to inquiries until appropriations are enacted.

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Eligible faculty are nominated from each department and participate in a college-wide competition. Faculty are selected based on the excellence of their teaching of medical students, residents and fellows, graduate students, and post-docs, as well as mentorship of other faculty.

Special shoutouts go to Barys Ihnatsenka and Terrie Vasilopoulos, who have been recognized with this award five times. Juan Mora Herrera has also won it four times. Additionally, Everett Jones has received it three times, and Joshua Sappenfield has won it two times.

Congratulations to our Exemplary Teachers, and thank you for your strong commitment to excellent teaching!

Our 2025 Exemplary Teacher award winners

Learn about joining our faculty.

David Jablonski, Jr., M.D., is a CA-2 resident with a medical degree from the University of Florida (UF) College of Medicine. Additionally, he has a undergraduate degree from UF. He is interested in pursuing a regional fellowship after residency. Shout out to Amanda Frantz, M.D., associate professor of anesthesiology, for conducting this interview for us.   

Q: What was your favorite OR case so far?

A: Favorite OR case was a liver transplant I did the other week with Dr. Bashir. We pulled out all the stops for an unstable case and the patient ended up doing well!

Q: If you were a kitchen appliance, what would you be?

A: Toaster oven. I run hot and can be versatile with moderate results. 

Q: What is your favorite movie?

A: La La Land, The Dark Knight, and Inglorious Bastards. Gave three answers sorry. All classics. 

Q: What is your least favorite food?

A: The calamari pieces with tentacles. Huge fan of the circle ones though. 

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

A: St. Lucia—I’m going for my honeymoon in a few months!

Learn more about our residency program.

Bharathram Vasudevan, MBBS, M.D., assistant professor of anesthesiology, was chosen by our residents as the September 2025 Faculty Educator of the Month!

Dr. Vasudevan’s nominations highlight his helpful and effective teaching methods. One resident said, “I have worked with Dr. Vasudevan in several settings including the OR, ICU, and now on my POCUS rotation. He goes above and beyond to teach to your learning focus and gives really effective feedback.” Another resident detailed his teaching style: “I really appreciated the teaching from Dr. Vasudevan while I was on the POCUS rotation. He was hands-on and walked me through how to optimize my view and how to apply POCUS to different scenarios. He is also great to work with in the OR.” 

Congratulations, Dr. Vasudevan! 

The University of Florida (UF) Department of Anesthesiology recently launched a research administration internship program for recent graduates interested in the administrative processes that support research initiatives. Interns learn about research compliance, grants and awards, project finances, and more.

Martin Noguera, M.S., CRA, CPRA, assistant director of research administration, leads the internship program, which he started due to a need for early-career research administrators in the industry. He aims to be an active mentor for prospective research administration professionals.

The program is launching after a successful pilot program that took place over the summer. Coleman Bunn, M.A., recent UF graduate with a Master of Arts degree in economics, interned with the department during the summer of 2025, and learned about the ins and outs of research administration.

After his internship, Bunn joined the UF College of Veterinary Medicine as a research administrator. In a Q&A with us, he shares his internship experience and explains how he is applying what he learned from the program to his current role. Additionally, he offers advice for future research administration interns.

Q: Why were you interested in this internship?

A. I was interested in the research administration internship at the Department of Anesthesiology because I was curious about how my economic education and my quantitative skills could be applied to the healthcare industry, which is one of the fastest-growing industries in America.

Q. What did you learn and accomplish? How did your skills and knowledge grow through the internship?

A. I learned pre-, intra-, and post-award management skills. I monitored project finances and developed department performance metrics using UF business intelligence tools, such as UFIRST, myinvestiGator, and Enterprise Analytics. I also built medical surveys using REDCap. I started the internship with little medical knowledge. Throughout the internship, I gained knowledge in research compliance, translational science, anesthetics, and more. Looking back, I am surprised by how much I learned in only two months.

Q. How did Martin’s leadership and mentorship help or impact you?

A. From the beginning, Martin was a fantastic leader who was eager to introduce me to all of his talented colleagues. I appreciated his patience as he answered my questions. I also appreciated that he saw great potential in me and had high expectations. He is a great teacher who can see a learning opportunity in any situation. I will use him as a role model for what excelling in research administration looks like.

Q. What are some skills that you have taken from this internship and applied to your new role as a research administrator?

A. Besides the grant management skills and regulatory knowledge that I gained, I’m applying social skills in my new role. For instance, it is very important to always greet your colleagues at the start of each day. Smile and ask them about their day. Fostering an environment where people look forward to working with each other each day is crucial for team success.

Q. Do you have any advice for future interns?

A. My advice is not to be afraid to ask questions. Be vocal about what you do not understand. This internship is great for anyone open to learn. If you come to work each day with an open mind, you will do great.

Noguera explained how he made sure the pilot program and mentor-mentee relationship with Bunn ran smoothly: “While mentoring Coleman, communication definitely played a huge role and is one of the vital skills needed to run this type of program. Especially for someone who had little to no knowledge and experience regarding research administration, I had to make sure I communicated clearly, supportively, and empathetically.”

With support from the department, Noguera believes the internship program has the potential to grow into a strong recruitment pipeline for research administrators.

Learn more about our research administration internship program.

Held in San Antonio, Texas, from October 10-14, 2025, the ASA conference provided an opportunity for anesthesiologists to collaborate and share their research on various medical topics.

Lauren Berkow, M.D., professor of anesthesiology, was an expert panelist on the session “Has videolaryngoscopy made other airway techniques obsolete?”. She defended the argument that other airway techniques are not obsolete but overall believed that videolaryngoscopy should be the first-line standard.

Furthermore, Berkow emphasized the value in practicing all sorts of airway techniques since it can impact patient safety: “In order to be able to implement a backup plan, you have to be comfortable and proficient in more than one airway technique. I think it’s valuable to practice videolaryngoscopy…”

Over 15 other faculty members were involved in discussions and panels that covered subjects like the neuraxial procedure, a thoracic simulator, peripartum cardiomyopathy, and emerging technology.

Around a dozen residents participated in this year’s conference as well, showcasing a multitude of cases and studies. Along with Abigail Schirmer, M.D., and Yong G. Peng, M.D., professor of anesthesiology, Abigail Bawden, M.D., shared her case research about acute right ventricular failure and severe tricuspid regurgitation during transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Overall, our department’s well-rounded participation in the 2025 ASA annual meeting is a testament to our dedication to research and learning in the field of anesthesiology. Thanks to everyone who helped represent the department and its work at the national level.

Learn about joining our faculty.

Learn about our residency program.

Learn about our fellowships.

Anesthesiology 2025 Participants

Posters

Acute Right Ventricular Failure and Severe Tricuspid Regurgitation During Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Under MAC

• Abigail Bawden, M.D., Abigail Schirmer, M.D., Yong Gang Peng, M.D., FASA

Anemia as a Modifiable Risk Factor for Cognitive and Functional Decline following Surgery in Older Adults

• Snigdha Reddy Sama, B.S., Matthew Andoniadis, M.D., Cynthia Garvan, Ph.D., Keith Howell, M.D.

Balancing Cardiac Risk and Psychiatric Urgency: Anesthesia Considerations for Emergent ECT

• Javier Garcia, M.D., Darshil Patel, B.S., Benjamin Cipion, M.S., Rafael Aldaya Bourricaudy, B.S., Brent R. Carr, M.D.

Cesarean Section in a Patient with Pre Eclampsia and HELLP Syndrome on Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

• Taylor Gowen, M.D., Michael Arnold, D.O., Julie-Ann Thompson, M.D.

Combined Bilateral Lung and Liver Transplantation in a Patient with Cryptogenic Cirrhosis and Chronic Respiratory Failure

• Rashid Akbari, B.S., Patrick Millan, Hamad Sagheer, M.D., Chris R. Giordano, M.D.

Complex aortic reconstruction and quadruple valve intervention for patient with endocarditis and aortic root abscess

• Abigail Schirmer, M.D., David Jablonski, M.D., Waverly Leonard, B.S., Yong Gang Peng, M.D., FASA

Computer Vision Interpretation of Chest Drainage Canister Data

• Mario Rampangu, M.S., Simon Mesber, B.S., Subhash Nerella, Ph.D., Christopher Samouce, Ph.D., Gregory Janelle, M.D., Mindaugas Rackauskas, M.D., Nikolaus Gravenstein, M.D., Samsun Lampotang, Ph.D.

Computer Vision Interpretation of Fluid-Filled Dependent Loops in Urine and Chest Drainage Systems

• Mario Rampangu, M.S., Simon Mesber, B.S., Subhash Nerella, Ph.D., Eric Ragan, Ph.D., Gregory Janelle, M.D., Christopher Samouce, Ph.D., Mindaugas Rackauskas, M.D., Nikolaus Gravenstein, M.D., Samsun Lampotang, Ph.D.

Computer Vision Monitoring of Urine Output via a Digital Scale

• Samsun Lampotang, Ph.D., Keerthi H. Kattamudi, B.S., Mario V. Rampangu, B.S., Simon Mesber, B.S., Nikolaus Gravenstein, M.D., Christopher Samouce, Ph.D.

Development of an AI Model for Ultrasound-Based Detection of the Stomach and its Contents

• Justin Daniels, B.S., Taylor Calibo, M.S., François Modave, Ph.D., Cameron Smith, M.D., Meghan Brennan, M.D.

Difficult airway in a patient with multiple co-morbidities for a difficult neurosurgical procedure

• Abigail Schirmer, M.D., Neil Chheda, M.D., Steven Roth, M.D., Lauren Berkow, M.D., FASA

Does Nitrous Oxide Labor Analgesia Increase Use of General Anesthesia for Intrapartum Cesarean Delivery?

• Jin Choi, B.S., Omowonuola Ogundele, M.D., Grace DeSena, M.D., Brittany Shepard, B.S., Meghan Brennan, M.D., Adam Wendling, M.D.

ECT and Anesthesia Management Considerations in SSRI-Mediated CYP2D6 Inhibition on Propofol Metabolism

• Benjamin Cipion, M.S., Peggy White, M.D., Brent R. Carr, M.D.

Endoscopic Spine Surgery as a Solution for Complex Cases Unsuitable for Traditional Approaches: A Case Study

• Helena Krogman, Anirudh Venkatesh, Bryan Stevens, M.D., Rohan Sarna, Sanjeev Kumar, M.D.

Enhancing Anesthesiology In-Training Exam Preparation Through Space Repetition Learning: A Quality Improvement Project

• Mayank Kotadia, B.S., S. Hamad Sagheer, M.D., Terrie Vasilopoulos, Ph.D., Timothy Martin, M.D., MBA, FASA

Investigating the Influence of Catheter Advancement Techniques on Needle Tip Movement During Intravenous Catheter Advancement

• Mayank Kotadia, BSc, S. Hamad Sagheer, M.D., Christopher Samouce, Ph.D., Rachael Ahn, Ph.D., Hannah Kovalek, B.S., Samsun Lampotang, Ph.D., Nikolaus Gravenstein, M.D.

Mechanisms initiating intergenerational perioperative neurocognitive disorder in a rat model

• Anatoly Martynyuk, Ph.D., Ling-Sha Ju, Ph.D., Zeeshan A. Khan, Ph.D., Nikolaus Gravenstein, M.D., Christoph Seubert, M.D., Ph.D., FASA, Barry Setlow, Ph.D.

Minimally Invasive Sacroiliac Joint Fusion via Lateral and Posterior Approaches in a Single Patient: A Case Report

• Helena Krogman, B.S., Ashley Goordeen, M.D., Juan Mora Herrera, M.D.

Multicenter Study: Long Term Outcomes of Intraoperative Blood Product Transfusion During Lung Transplant

• Pooja Tallapaneni, MPH, Sudhakar Subramani, M.D., Andrea Miltiades, M.D., Harikesh Subramanian, MBBS, M.S., Brandi A. Bottiger, M.D., Barbara Wilkey, M.D., Jiapeng Huang, M.D., Ph.D., FASE, FASA, Todd E. Jones, M.D., Kathirvel Subramaniam, M.D., MPH

Navigating a Difficult Airway in a Pediatric Patient with Epidermolysis Bullosa

• Alexandra Carroll, M.D., Michael Arnold, D.O., Sonia Mehta, M.D., Karisa Walker, M.D., MEd, Georgeanna Tsoumas, D.O.

Perioperative Management of Spontaneous Subdural Hematoma Following Red Yeast Rice-Induced Liver Injury:Anesthesia Implications of Supplement-Driven Coagulopathy

• Benjamin Cipion, M.S., Rafael Aldaya-Bourricaudy, B.S., Javier Garcia, M.D., Chengcheng Zheng, M.D., John Pennington, M.D.

Prosthetic Leaflet Impalement After Modified Y-Incision Aortic Annular Enlargement: A Rare Surgical Finding and the Crucial Role of Anesthesiology

• Benjamin Cipion, M.S., Elizabeth Miller, M.D., Michael Franklin, D.O., FASA

Resuscitation, ECMO, and the Unforeseen: Multidisciplinary Management in a Life-Threatening Surgical Crisis.

• Adedimeji Adepoju, M.D., Yong G. Peng, M.D., FASA, Dianne Fontanez, M.D.

MCC Facilitator: Joseph AbuRahma

The Efficacy of Biplane Versus Single-Plane Ultrasound in Facilitating Caudal Epidural Anesthesia in Pediatric Patients

• Anjali Patel, B.S., Nishanthi Kandiah, M.D., Sandra Gonzalez, M.D., Federico Jimenez-Ruiz, M.D., Christopher Edwards, M.D., Nikolaus Gravenstein, M.D., Dawei Guan, M.D., Sonia Mehta, M.D.

The Hits Keep on Coming: Plasma Exchange in a Patient With Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia Requiring Major Cardiac Surgery

• Kevin Marfiak, D.O., MPH, Joseph AbuRahma, M.D.

The Role of the Brain-Gut-Microbiome Axis in a Rat Model of Intergenerational Perioperative Neurocognitive Disorder

• Anatoly Martynyuk, Ph.D., Zeeshan Ahmad Khan, Ph.D., Ling-Sha Ju, Ph.D., Nikolaus Gravenstein, M.D., Barry Setlow, Ph.D.

3rd Trachs a Charm: Management of Failed Tracheostomy in a Prior Difficult Airway

• Kade Eppich, M.D., Amanda Frantz, M.D., Letitia E. Bible, M.D., Ryan Parker, M.D., Ph.D.

VV ECMO for ARDS management complicating Bi-Ventricular Assist Device implantation

• Eduardo Walker, M.D., Jonah Whiteside, M.D., Bharathram Vasudevan, MBBS, M.D.

Widowmaker after BOLT: mechanical circulatory support to the rescue

• Gabriel Flambert, B.A., Everett Jones, M.D.

Presentations

Airway Management in Awake Craniotomy With Obstructive Sleep Apnea

• Lauren Berkow, M.D., FASA

Anesthetic Considerations for Patients Undergoing an Endoscopic Spinal Intervention/Decompression or Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression

• Rene Przkora, M.D., Ph.D., FASA

Direct Laryngoscopy and Awake Flexible Scope Intubation Are Essential Skills, and Continued Use and Teaching of These Skills Is Vital for Airway Management Back Up Plans

• Lauren Berkow, M.D., FASA

Emerging Technology in Regional Anesthesia Performance and Education

• Barys Ihnatsenka, M.D., FACA
• Isaac Luria, M.D.
• Soleil Schutte, M.D.

Endovascular Repair of the Ascending Aorta and Aortic Arch: From Theory to Practice — Coming to an OR Near You?

• T. Everett Jones, M.D., B.S.

Growing Your Acute Pain Service: Structure, Personnel, and Equipment

• Linda Le-Wendling, M.D.

Keeping You Updated on Advanced Spinal Interventions Including SCS, Augmentation, Spacers, Fusions, and Decompressions

• Rene Przkora, M.D., Ph.D., FASA

Non-invasive Oxygenation Strategies Should Be the Default Option

• Felipe Urdaneta, M.D., FASA

Moderator: Lauren Berkow, M.D., FASA

Perioperative Care of the Heart Transplant Recipient

• Yong Gang Peng, M.D., FASA

Revisiting Succinylcholine Dosing in ECT: A Case Series on IBW-Based Protocols for Enhanced Recovery in Patients with Elevated BMI

• R. Victor Zhang, M.D., Ph.D., Benjamin Cipion, M.S., Ryanne Thelwell, B.S., Brent R. Carr, M.D.

Peripartum Cardiomyopathy PBLD for ASA 2025

• Matthew Andoniadis, M.D.

Do We Have Alternatives for Upper Extremity Blocks When One is Contraindicated?

• Erika Taco Vasquez, M.D.

Do We Have Alternatives for Upper Extremity Blocks When One is Contraindicated?

• Erika Taco Vasquez, M.D.

Not Your Average Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Perioperative Management of Left Ventricular Assist Device for Non-Cardiac Surgery

• Joseph AbuRahma, M.D.

Peripartum Cardiomyopathy PBLD for ASA 2025

• Matthew Andoniadis, M.D.

Not Your Average Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Perioperative Management of Left Ventricular Assist Device for Non-Cardiac Surgery

• Joseph AbuRahma, M.D.

There Are No Limits How Often I Repeat Facet Joint RFAs

• Rene Przkora, M.D., Ph.D., FASA

Thoracic Simulator

• Barys Ihnatsenka, M.D., FACA

Thoracic Simulator

• Olga Nin, M.D.

Abigail Schirmer, M.D., CA-3 resident, has been recognized by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) with the Resident Distinction Award, which was created for anesthesiology residents to develop their professional citizenship, leadership, and scholarship capabilities. She is the first University of Florida anesthesiology resident to receive this new designation, which the ASA began awarding in 2025.

Schirmer earned this award by showing high performance and interest in service, leadership, advocacy, and education. She also needed to meet additional criteria focused on leadership, scholarship, learning, and other areas.

Schirmer attended this year’s ASA annual meeting, where she shared her research about airway management in high-risk cases. By being involved in ASA and other medical societies, she was able to fulfill the leadership requirements.

Other achievements have helped Schirmer stand out, such as her selection for the role of ASA Resident Component president and her induction into the ASA Resident Scholar program, which she will participate in during the 2025-2026 academic year. Her involvement in these activities show her commitment to being an active leader in the anesthesiology residency community.

This recognition is a testament to Schirmer’s dedication to excellent leadership and scholarship within the field of anesthesiology. With this ASA distinction, Schirmer will have the chance to grow her personal and professional abilities as well as experience more ASA opportunities.

If you are a resident (past the start of your CA-1 year) interested in this opportunity, you can learn more on the ASA website.

Learn about our residency program here.

Melanie Vargas, M.D., was chosen by her peers as the September 2025 Resident of the Month!

Dr. Vargas’ nominations praise her helpfulness and pleasant attitude. “Melanie is an outstanding resident who is always not only willing but happy to help the team. She brings an enjoyable attitude to both work where she excels academically and outside of work where she routinely encourages social activities,” one peer said. Another co-resident noted her cheerful disposition: “Melanie brings a great attitude to work and constantly brightens the days of her patients and colleagues alike. She is always willing to help where needed and makes work fun!”  

Congratulations, Dr. Vargas! 

Advances in Anesthesia

Feldheim TV, Brennan M, Tighe P. The Current Use of Artificial Intelligence in Anesthesiology. Advances in Anesthesia. Published August 25, 2025. doi: 10.1016/j.aan.2025.07.006

Anesthesiology

Khan ZA, Labala RK, Ju LS, Gravenstein N, Setlow B, Martynyuk AE. The contribution of the brain-gut-microbiome axis to intergenerational abnormalities in a rat model of perioperative neurocognitive disorder. Anesthesiology. Published online September 10, 2025. doi:10.1097/ALN.0000000000005745

Brain Communications

Tanner JJ, Mickle A, Holmes U 3rd, Addison B, Rangel K, Garvan C, Staud R, Lai S, Redden D, Goodin BR, Price CC, Fillingim RB, Sibille KT. More than chronic pain: behavioural and psychosocial protective factors predict lower brain age in adults with/at risk of knee osteoarthritis over two years. Brain Commun. 2025;7(5):fcaf344. Published 2025 Sep 11. doi:10.1093/braincomms/fcaf344

Endocrine Practice

Bridgemohan S, Ortiz A, Rodriguez Garcia GP, Kolukula S, Acosta Garcia GJ, Samouce C, Lampotang S, Brito JP, Ospina NS. Training Programs for Thyroid Biopsy and Ablation: A Systematic Review. Endocr Pract. Published online September 19, 2025. doi:10.1016/j.eprac.2025.09.010

Interventional Pain Medicine

Christiansen S, Garcia R, Jimenez DA, Rakshe S. Where are advanced interventional pain procedures happening?. Interv Pain Med. 2025;4(3):100631. Published 2025 Aug 20. doi:10.1016/j.inpm.2025.100631

JAMA Surgery

Lipori J, Davies L, Feldheim TV, Morey TE, Radhakrishnan N, Gardner M, Watkins D, Comerford T, Thames L, Motew S, Lipori G, Hollingsworth JM. Sterile Fluid Crisis Response After Hurricane Helene. JAMA Surg. Published online September 24, 2025. doi:10.1001/jamasurg.2025.3778

Journal of Manufacturing Science and Engineering

Chen Y, Samouce C, Shlafer S, Shams A, Yamaguchi H, Huang Y. Deposition Volume Compensation for Enhanced Shape Fidelity in Nested Printing. J of Manuf Sci Eng. Published online September 23, 2025. doi.org/10.1115/1.4069661

Paediatric Anaesthesia

Walker KK, Reddy SK, Deutsch N, Agarwal R, Glass NL, Cladis FP. Harassment and Burnout in Academic Pediatric Anesthesiology. Paediatr Anaesth. Published online September 4, 2025. doi:10.1111/pan.70044

Perioperative Care and Operating Room Management

Burt JS, Joffe Y, Kim B, Perera E, Chapin BA, Seubert CN, Garvan CW, Price CC. Older adult patient satisfaction with brain health exams prior to surgery. Perioper Care Oper Room Manag. 2025;40:100507. doi:10.1016/j.pcorm.2025.100507

World Journal for Pediatric & Congenital Heart Surgery

Purlee MS, Jacobs JP, Philip J, Fudge JC, Vyas HV, Narasimhulu SS, Beltran SC, Pitkin AD, Janelle GM, Sullivan KJ, Peek GJ, Bleiweis MS. A Learning Curve is Associated With Combined Hybrid Procedure and Single Ventricle-Ventricular Assist Device Insertion in Neonates With Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. World J Pediatr Congenit Heart Surg. Published online September 24, 2025. doi:10.1177/21501351251360691

View opportunities to join our team.

Please help us welcome Hadia Maqsood, MBBS, to the UF Department of Anesthesiology as an assistant professor in the Division of Regional Anesthesia and Acute Pain Medicine (RAAPM).

Maqsood has an extensive history with the department, where she completed her anesthesiology residency and RAAPM fellowship. During her time as a resident, she won the Michael E. Mahla Exceptional Resident of the Year award and was recognized for outstanding achievement in the Division of Acute Pain Medicine in 2024. Additionally, she has a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from the Aga Khan University in Pakistan.

Maqsood finds acute pain management rewarding as it improves the quality of life for her patients. She deeply values the trust her patients put in her and considers it an honor and a privilege to ensure their safety and well-being during surgery. Her medical interests include neuraxial and peripheral nerve blocks, applications of point-of-care ultrasound, and education.

In her free time, Maqsood enjoys spending time with her family, playing board games, and reading literature.

Welcome, Dr. Maqsood!

View opportunities to join our faculty.

After some conservative therapies and an unsuccessful surgery, Scott was referred to UF Health Pain Medicine and Juan Mora, MD, medical director for UF Health Pain Medicine – Ayers. Dr. Mora recommended a spinal cord stimulator.

We are pleased to announce that Rene Przkora, M.D., Ph.D., professor of anesthesiology, chief of the Division of Pain Medicine, and program director for our Multidisciplinary Pain Medicine Fellowship, has been named associate chair of research for the UF Department of Anesthesiology.

Przkora takes on this role after acting as our interim associate chair of research for the past year. He promotes a collaborative research culture, seeking stronger ties with other departments in the UF College of Medicine and leading academic partners across the country. His track record in academic leadership, coupled with his mentorship of countless residents and fellows on projects, scholarship, and conference presentations, underscores his readiness for the role.

Throughout his career, Przkora has balanced clinical service, teaching, and research and innovation. His research interests focus on perioperative optimization, pain management, educational innovation, and technology integration. His work has yielded more than 75 peer‑reviewed articles and several book chapters, while he has secured numerous local and national grant awards, including funding from the National Institutes of Health.

Przkora joined UF in 2014 as an associate professor of anesthesiology and fellowship director of the pain medicine program. He became chief of the Division of Pain Medicine in 2016 and was promoted to full professor in 2019. Before he joined us, he served as an assistant professor of anesthesiology and the assistant director of the pain medicine fellowship at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas.

Anesthesia & Analgesia recently published a letter to the editor co-authored by UF Department of Anesthesiology members Abigail Schirmer, M.D., Olga Nin, M.D., Laurie Davies, M.D., Joseph AbuRahma, M.D., and Lauren Berkow, M.D. Nina Sharifi, B.S., a medical student in the College of Medicine, was also a co-author. The article, titled “Ambulatory Surgery During Intravenous Fluid Shortage—A Potential Cost Saving and Sustainable Strategy for the Future?,” details resource- and cost-saving solutions that emerged following a natural disaster. 

When Hurricane Helene hit in October 2024, a major intravenous (IV) fluid manufacturing site shut down. Hospitals had to reduce the amount of IV fluid they used in ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) so that the limited supplies could be kept for emergencies. To do this at UF Health ASCs, physicians stopped giving patients large bags of saline for certain procedures and instead used prefilled normal saline syringes to push the same medicines directly into the vein. The researchers noted that prefilled syringes are just as safe for patients in cases that do not routinely require maintenance IV fluids, so the quality of care stays high.

By looking at three common procedures—electroconvulsive therapy, childhood circumcision, and cataract surgery—researchers found that the average cost for IV fluid bags and tubing was $6.71, while the prefilled syringes only cost $1.16. Based on average monthly case volumes for the ASCs, this would save roughly $1,000 for electroconvulsive therapy, $300 for circumcisions, and $600 for cataract surgeries. The estimated annual cost savings for these sites would be around $12,000, $3,500, and $7,300, respectively—over $22,000 in total.

Because the bags and tubing would no longer be needed, a lot of single‑use plastic would be avoided, which fits into larger efforts to keep hospital waste down. They further pointed out that many other procedures could also drop IV bags entirely, loosening supply constraints, saving money, optimizing physician workflow, and reducing environmental impact—all without compromising patient safety.

“We found substantial potential for cost savings with the conservation of IV fluids and implementation of IV push for administration of medications in our academic ASCs,” the authors noted. “This work underscores the potential for widespread adoption of IV fluid conservation strategies in the ambulatory setting, providing both economic and environmental benefits while maintaining high standards of patient care.”

Congratulations to our Department of Anesthesiology colleagues for their publication!

Erika Taco Vasquez, M.D., was chosen by our residents as the August 2025 Faculty Educator of the Month!

Dr. Vasquez’s nominations point out that residents enjoy her courses due to her calm presence and welcoming personality. “Dr. Vasquez is always so calming,” one resident said. “She comes into the room, makes suggestions through teaching, and always makes you feel like you are an integral part of the anesthesia team.” 

Congratulations, Dr. Vasquez!

Gatica-Morris will serve as the clinical director of research for the Division of Neuroanesthesiology. He joined the department in 2019 after completing neuroanesthesiology and critical care fellowships at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Additionally, he earned a subspecialty certification in neurocritical care, which was co-sponsored by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and the American Board of Anesthesiology.

Jones will serve as the clinical director of research for the Division of Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology. He completed his cardiothoracic anesthesiology fellowship with us in 2018 after which he joined our faculty. Jones is currently the principal investigator for a couple of clinical trials in the department. He was awarded an I. Heermann Anesthesia Foundation grant in 2024 and has received Exemplary Teacher Awards from the UF College of Medicine twice.  

Srisooksai will serve as the clinical director of research for the Division of Perioperative Medicine. She joined our faculty in 2021 after completing a neuroanesthesiology fellowship and her anesthesiology residency here with us at the UF Department of Anesthesiology.

These leadership positions were created to further develop the research efforts, resources, and methodologies within the divisions. Along with the other directors, they will increase scholarly research and activity across the department and its clinical divisions. In addition, they will act as liaisons between the clinical faculty and the research infrastructure within the department and will be advisors for their colleagues.

All of our clinical directors of research:

• Meghan Brennan, M.D., clinical director of research for the Division of Critical Care Medicine
• Everett Jones, M.D., clinical director of research for the Division of Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology
• Timothy Martin, M.D., MBA, clinical director of research for the Division of Pediatric Anesthesiology
• Gevalin Srisooksai, M.D., clinical director of research for the Division of Perioperative Medicine
• Rene Przkora, M.D., Ph.D., clinical director of research for the Division of Pain Medicine
• Josh Sappenfield, M.D., clinical director of research for the Division of Multispecialty Anesthesiology
• Sebastián Gatica-Morris, M.D., clinical director of research for the Division of Neuroanesthesiology
• Cameron Smith, M.D., Ph.D., clinical director of research for the Division of Acute & Perioperative Pain Medicine
• Adam Wendling, M.D., clinical director of research for the Division of Obstetrical Anesthesiology

View opportunities to join our faculty.

Steven Ayala, M.D., was chosen by his peers as the August 2025 Resident of the Month!

Dr. Ayala’s nominations highlight his helpfulness and flexibility. “He really went out of the way to make my paired experience better,” One of his co-residents said. “He taught well and allowed me to make my own changes to the plan. It really allowed me to start to feel more comfortable in the OR!” 

Congratulations, Dr. Ayala!

Terrie Vasilopoulos, Ph.D., associate professor of anesthesiology and orthopaedic surgery and sports medicine, has received accolades from two different journals. She has been invited to join the BMC Medical Education journal as an editorial board member. Additionally, a paper that she co-authored has been recognized with an award by the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) society.

The BMC Medical Education journal publishes peer-reviewed research articles, relating to education and the training of health care professionals. Vasilopoulos was offered a role on the journal’s editorial board due to her expertise in the field. In this position, she will review manuscripts, act as an ambassador for the journal, network with other experts, and make contributions to the medical community.

The ASES society focuses on advancing the science and medical practice of shoulder and elbow care as well as publishing scientific materials. The organization has awarded Vasilopoulos’s paper, “Does hydrogen peroxide application to the dermis following surgical incision affect cutibacterium acnes cultures in total shoulder arthroplasty in male patient? A randomized controlled trial,” with the 2025 Neviaser Award in Clinical Science. The paper met the society’s standards for various criteria, such as originality and methodology of study.

Vasilopoulos’s achievements show her commitment to the fields of anesthesiology and orthopaedics as well as her interest in medical journals.

Congratulations, Dr. Vasilopoulos!

View opportunities to join our faculty.

Annals of Thoracic Surgery

Bleiweis MS, Philip J, Fudge JC, Beltran SC, Sullivan KJ, Narasimhulu SS, Pitkin AD, Gupta D, Bilgili A, Brinkley L, Stukov Y, Peek GJ, Jacobs JP. 100 Episodes of Support with Pulsatile Paracorporeal Ventricular Assist Device in 99 Neonates, Infants, and Children at a single institution. Ann Thorac Surg. Published online August 9, 2025. doi:10.1016/j.athoracsur.2025.07.022

Anesthesiology News

Wardhan R. Regional anesthesia helps improve acute pain outcomes for burn patients. Anesthesiology News. August 18, 2025.

Clinical Anatomy

de Ruiter GCW, Spinner RJ, Sala-Blanch X, Reina MA. Natural Openings in the Paraneurium and Epineurium of the Human Sciatic Nerve and Their Relationship to the Entry and Exit of Blood Vessels. A Microanatomical Study. Clin Anat. Published online August 20, 2025. doi:10.1002/ca.70021

Eye

Maulvi FA, Desai DT, Kalaiselvan P, Shah DO, Willcox MDP. Current and emerging strategies for myopia control: a narrative review of optical, pharmacological, behavioural, and adjunctive therapies. Eye (Lond). Published online August 1, 2025. doi:10.1038/s41433-025-03949-1

International Journal of Pharmaceutics

Sahu A, Patel AR, Shetty KH, Shah DO, Willcox MD, Maulvi FA, Desai DT. Revolutionizing age-related macular degeneration treatment: Advances and future directions in non-invasive retinal drug delivery systems. Int J Pharm. Published online July 31, 2025. doi:10.1016/j.ijpharm.2025.126009

Journal of Vascular Access

Özen D, Arkaz G, Gümüş K, Lampotang S, Gravenstein N, Samouce C, Lizdas D, Trippensee AW, Sarlay R, Acar YA, Katirci Y. Aseptic non-touch technique training for ultrasound guided difficult peripheral vascular access: A prospective randomized study. J Vasc Access. Published online August 30, 2025. doi:10.1177/11297298251330944

Neuromodulation

Fernández-Corazza M, Reina MA, Muñoz V, Berjano E, Boezaart AP, Ribes Llario C. Computer Modeling of the Influence of Surrounding Tissues on Electrical Current Delivered to the Median Nerve During Neuromodulation for Pain Relief. Neuromodulation. Published online August 5, 2025. doi:10.1016/j.neurom.2025.06.009

Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery

Davies NA, Johnson MG, Schirmer AF, Balaguru L, Nuzzi M, Chheda NN, Gravenstein N. Laryngeal Injury After Prone Positioning: A Cadaveric Evaluation of Endotracheal Contact Pressures. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. Published online August 26, 2025. doi:10.1002/ohn.70012

View opportunities to join our team.

Rene Przkora, M.D., Ph.D., FASA, professor of anesthesiology, has been appointed to two American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) committees, which focus on academics. He will fulfill a two-year adjunct term for ASA’s 2026 Committee on Academic Anesthesiology. He will also engage in a one-year member term for ASA’s 2026 Educational Track Subcommittee on Pain Medicine. With other anesthesiologists, he will partake in educational initiatives and improve the academics of anesthesiology.

ASA is one of the most reputable organizations in the field, where anesthesiologists work together and elevate the standards of the medical practice of anesthesiology. They improve patient care and safety as well as make research and scientific discoveries. ASA gives anesthesiologists the opportunity to expand their research and scientific knowledge, and it provides leadership and professional development opportunities.

Przkora has been an active member of ASA since 2006 and has participated in various committees, such as the Committee on Economics and the Committee on Practice Management.

In announcing the appointments, President-Elect Patrick Giam, M.D., thanked Przkora for the dedicated leadership he has shown within ASA. He also highlighted his contributions to patients and the field of anesthesia.

Overall, these appointments acknowledge Przkora’s commitment to the discipline of anesthesiology and the education within it.

Congratulations, Dr. Przkora!

View opportunities to join our faculty.

The IHAF encourages and supports scholarly pursuits that aim to improve the field of anesthesia through clinical research, laboratory research, publication, the teaching of anesthesia, and the ultimate application of such knowledge to the welfare of the patient.

Asad Bashir, M.D., assistant professor of anesthesiology

Project Title:  Assessing flow efficiency in intravenous catheters: An in vitro study

Investigators: Asad H. Bashir, M.D., Ryan Parker, M.D., and Nikolaus Gravenstein, M.D.

Anesthesiologists are responsible for fluid and blood product resuscitation in the perioperative environment. It is important to quickly replace fluids and blood in a patient losing a lot of blood, using intravenous (IV) catheters. Depending on the circumstances, it can take some time to decide which device is the best to use in the situation. To help anesthesiologists make quicker and more informed clinical decisions, the group is conducting a study to investigate how quickly fluids can flow through different types of IV catheters. They will assess the flow rates through a variety of IV cannulation devices. These findings can show which IV catheters deliver fluids the fastest during different conditions. The researchers will provide quantitative data to doctors, helping them make more timely and informed clinical decisions. Overall, the data can help improve patient outcomes in emergency situations.  

Zeeshan Khan, Ph.D., post-doctoral associate in the Martynyuk Laboratory

Project Title: Intergenerational perioperative neurocognitive disorder in a rat model of traumatic brain injury (TBI)

Investigators: Zeeshan A. Khan, Ph.D., Ling-Sha (Lisa) Ju, Ph.D., and Anatoly E. Martynyuk, Ph.D.

Surgery and general anesthesia may increase cognitive decline in older adults. This type of decline is known as perioperative neurocognitive disorder, which is thought to accelerate Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Younger individuals who suffer from high inflammation and stress due to a traumatic brain injury (TBI) may also be vulnerable. Additionally, children of parents with a TBI are at a higher risk for psychiatric disorders. The mechanisms underlying these neurocognitive deficits are not clear or well understood. In addition, there are no effective treatments. The group aims to better understand how a father’s medical history and experiences can impact his children’s health. The researchers also want to help prevent effects being passed down to the next generation. In their study, tests found that a TBI combined with anesthesia can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the gut and lead to changes in the brain. Additionally, behavioral and metabolic issues can be passed down to the next generation. They determined that giving the medication bumetanide after a TBI and transferring health gut bacteria can prevent or reduce behavioral and metabolic problems. With the IHAF funding, they plan to expand on this study.

Kelena Klippel, M.S., third-year Ph.D. student in biomedical sciences

Project Title: Noradrenergic modulation of mitochondrial dysfunction and neuroinflammation following mild traumatic brain injury

Investigators: Kelena S. Klippel, M.S.; Mentor: Prodip Bose, M.D., Ph.D.

People who experience a mild traumatic brain injury, like a concussion, can face mental and emotional problems for a long period of time. The researchers believe that a brain’s noradrenergic system is disrupted after this type of injury. This system uses a chemical called norepinephrine, which helps keep the brain alert and focused. Once disrupted, inflammation and other issues with brain cells can arise. The researchers hope to find a treatment that can allow the brain to properly heal. In their preliminary study, they tested a medication called methylphenidate, which can boost norepinephrine and stimulate the brain. Through brain scans and behavioral tests, they found that the medication showed improvement in brain activity. With the IHAF funding, they will explore how the medication is working at a cellular level and look closer at the brain’s noradrenergic system. These findings can help lead to better treatment for people who have a concussion and face long-term problems.

Learn more about Department of Anesthesiology research.

Q: Why did you choose UF for residency?
I chose UF because it offers the perfect blend of academic excellence, hands-on training, and a supportive, collaborative culture. From the moment I interviewed, I felt that the attendings and especially the residents genuinely cared about each other, both professionally and personally. The variety and complexity of cases here, along with UF’s commitment to education, made it clear this was where I could become the best anesthesiologist I can be.

Q: What advice would you give to someone interested in applying for UF’s residency program?
Come with an open mind and a genuine interest in learning—not just from textbooks, but from your patients, colleagues, and every OR experience. Show who you are as a person during interviews; UF values team players who bring kindness, curiosity, and resilience. And don’t be afraid to ask questions—this program thrives on a culture of mentorship.

Q: What is one highlight of your time in the residency program so far?

The very first highlight has been my amazing co-residents, who have truly become my Gainesville family. Coming from Colombia, it’s been such a meaningful experience to have this strong support system while adapting to a new country and culture. I’ve also been amazed by the size of the hospital, the diversity of the patient population, and the high complexity of the cases and surgeries we get to be involved in.

Q: What is your favorite thing about Gainesville?

Gainesville strikes the perfect balance—it’s a vibrant college town with a friendly community, plenty of outdoor activities, and great local food, there are several amazing restaurants. And we are nearby big cities like Orlando and Jacksonville as well as small beach cities that you can visit. 

Q: What are your post-residency goals?

I’m considering pursuing a fellowship, and I value that UF offers a wide variety of opportunities. My ultimate goal is to become the best physician I can be—clinically skilled, compassionate, and well-rounded—while also maintaining a healthy work/life balance so I can spend quality time with my husband and family, who are my greatest source of support throughout this journey.

Learn more about our residency program.

Please help us welcome Walter Johnson, M.D., who joined the University of Florida (UF) Department of Anesthesiology and UF Health as a pain medicine specialist at the Ocala Neighborhood Hospital (ONH). As the medical director of pain medicine services at ONH, he plays a key role in expanding advanced pain management options for patients in the North Central Florida region.

Johnson earned his medical degree at the Medical University of South Carolina and completed his anesthesiology residency at the University of Kentucky, where he was a chief resident. He then finished an interventional pain fellowship at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Temple, Texas. He also has a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry and molecular biology from the University of South Carolina.

Johnson chose to pursue pain management because he saw how much chronic pain can profoundly affect every aspect of a person’s life. Seeing how minimally invasive treatments can significantly restore function and improve quality of life motivated him to specialize in this field and help patients regain control of their lives. He takes time to get to know his patients and helps develop personalized treatment plans that align with their goals. In addition, he has special expertise in neuromodulation, vertebral compression fractures, spinal stenosis, spondylosis, sacroiliitis, post-laminectomy syndrome, and piriformis syndrome.

In his spare time, Johnson enjoys exercising and reading. He also likes to explore new restaurants and do outdoor activities with his wife.

Welcome, Dr. Johnson!

For patient appointments, call (352) 265-7777.

Josh Sappenfield, M.D., associate professor of anesthesiology, was chosen by our residents as the July 2025 Faculty Educator of the Month!

Dr. Sappenfield’s nominations pointed out that his lectures are well-organized and easily digestible. One nomination said he “does a great job making complex concepts easier to understand.” Another resident said his “organized lectures and articles provide helpful education on a busy rotation.” The residents also highlighted his enthusiasm and commitment he shows during work. One says he is “dedicated to making constant improvements to the transplant rotation.” He is also “always enthusiastic and a true pleasure to work with.”

Congratulations, Dr. Sappenfield!

The boot camp utilizes a blended learning approach. Faculty experts presented lectures over breakfasts and lunches, enabling participants to immerse themselves in the hands-on simulation training during the rest of the day. This year’s curriculum emphasized vital skills, including advanced cardiovascular life support team training, mechanical ventilation basics, and an introduction to advanced circulatory support devices such as intra-aortic balloon pumps, Impella, and left ventricular assist devices. A significant portion of the program was dedicated to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), covering patient selection, pump function, cannulation techniques, circuit configurations, and troubleshooting common bedside challenges. 

“I am truly humbled by the commitment, teamwork, and enthusiasm displayed by those involved, and I deeply appreciate the effort each person contributed to make this program such a success,” said Peggy White, M.D., associate professor of anesthesiology and director of our critical care medicine fellowship. White has been spearheading this multidisciplinary initiative since the inaugural boot camp in 2019.

The boot camp’s success is a testament to the collaborative spirit among the many teams who work in critical care medicine at UF Health. In addition to White, Department of Anesthesiology faculty Janos Geli, M.D., Ph.D., Everett Jones, M.D., Marc Maybauer, M.D., Ph.D., Charlie Slowey, MBBCh, and Bharath Vasudevan, MBBS, M.D., generously shared their expertise through lectures and simulation leadership. Additionally, colleagues from the Departments of Surgery, Emergency Medicine, and Otolaryngology contributed their valuable knowledge, including John Bruno, M.D., Neil Chheda, M.D., Kirsten Freeman, M.D., and Irina Murray, M.D. Many thanks to the faculty, healthcare workers, and administrative staff who worked hard to make this boot camp a success.

The UF Department of Anesthesiology’s Critical Care Medicine Fellowship offers unparalleled training opportunities. This boot camp is just one example of the program’s commitment to providing fellows with the knowledge, skills, and collaborative experiences necessary to excel in the demanding field of critical care medicine.

Learn more about our Critical Care Medicine Fellowship.

Dimitri Kampouris, M.D., was chosen by his peers as the July 2025 Resident of the Month!

Dr. Kampouris’ nominations highlight his reliability and hard work. One nomination said he “performed at a high level during an overnight case involving an intraop code.” He also “reliably completed any task asked of him on mole—preops and room setups, even subspecialty cases.” His peers noted his helpful and positive attitude. One of his peers said he was a “team player during his first Shands cardiac rotation by looking out for his classmates, making sure they had breaks, and coming in early to set up and help others set up.” Lastly, one said he had a “great attitude and helped keep morale up in his cohort.”

Congratulations, Dr. Kampouris!

Nikolaus Gravenstein, M.D., the Jerome H. Modell, M.D., Professor of Anesthesiology, and professor of neurosurgery and periodontology, has been named a Distinguished Professor by the University of Florida (UF). This award is one of UF’s highest faculty recognitions and is held by only seven other College of Medicine faculty members.

Gravenstein earned this rank due to an exceptional record of achievement in teaching, research and publication, and professional and public service that is recognized both nationally and internationally. Gregory M. Janelle, M.D., FASE, FASA, interim chair of the Department of Anesthesiology, noted that the faculty of the department unanimously supported Gravenstein’s candidacy.

In announcing UF’s new Distinguished Professors, interim provost Joseph Glover, Ph.D., highlighted Gravenstein’s patient care efforts and his role in laying down the foundation for certain procedures to take place here: “He developed specialized clinical teams to care for many clinical ‘firsts’ at UF and in Florida, including patients receiving the first adult heart transplant, first liver transplant, and the first pediatric umbilical cord transfusion.”

While it is difficult to list all of Gravenstein’s accomplishments, the following achievements and efforts provide a brief look into his distinguished career.

Patient Care

Gravenstein’s primary work throughout the last three decades has focused on patient care improvements. He has performed more anesthetic procedures than any other faculty member at UF and has covered a diverse range of cases from simple to highly complex. In 2022, he received the David A. Paulus Award for Clinical Excellence, which recognized his broad clinical activity and patient-centered approach.

When the COVID-19 pandemic brought numerous challenges to frontline medical providers worldwide, Janelle wrote that Gravenstein “demonstrated resilience and innovation by quickly adapting clinical operations.” He played an important role in the local mass production of personal protection equipment, including N95-type masks and face shields. He also created a hospital-wide emergency ventilator plan to prepare for potential ventilator shortages. In 2020, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) awarded him their COVID-19 Appreciation Award for his dedication, selflessness, and expertise during the pandemic.

In 2018, Gravenstein played a crucial role in bringing the PulsePoint Respond phone application to Alachua County. This application strives to increase bystander CPR participation by alerting cellphone geofences within 250 yards of an identified cardiac arrest where 911 has been notified. By encouraging the use of this tool, he has helped improve the survival odds of these individuals.

Teaching and Mentoring

Gravenstein’s teaching methods consistently receive high evaluations from his students and mentees.

“There are extraordinary people who influence the path of science and knowledge and who also impact profoundly the course of other people’s lives in a positive way. Nik is one of those unique people,” said Sandra N. Gonzalez, M.D., FAAP, assistant professor of anesthesiology, who joined the department as a resident during Gravenstein’s time as the chair. “He’s not only an incredibly intelligent and talented scientist and clinician; he’s a master in the true sense of the word, someone who lifts up his students and colleagues academically and beyond.”

Abby Schirmer, M.D., CA-3 resident, highlighted the tutelage she has received from Gravenstein: “The magic of Nik Gravenstein is his remarkable ability not only to teach and guide anyone through anything but to do so in a way that builds confidence and inspires growth along the way.”

Schirmer also described the way Gravenstein’s impact is felt in the hospital: “That feeling of belonging—the sense of being ‘at home’ in the fluorescent-lit halls of a hospital—is hard to come by. And yet, since the fall of 2015, I’ve felt exactly that, uniquely in this place. I believe a key reason is the impact Dr. Gravenstein has had within these halls, imparting a bit of ‘magic’ on everyone around him.”

Gravenstein’s teaching efforts have also garnered him numerous awards. “Dr. Gravenstein has won our annual departmental teaching award so often (2016, 2015, 2014, 2011-2012, 1994-1995, 1984-1985) that he personally requested removal from all future consideration for the award,” wrote Janelle. This year his mentorship efforts were rewarded with the Dr. Mavis Agbandje-McKenna Distinguished Research Mentoring Award.

“I have had very few mentors who have had as much of an impact on my education and career as Nik Gravenstein, and I know I am one of many who can say this,” said Timothy Feldheim, M.D., assistant professor of anesthesiology. “Nik has always been someone to turn to with any problem. Whether it be how to manage a complicated patient in the OR, how to obtain funding or resources for research, or guidance in preparing publications or lectures, he is always there to graciously offer advice and guidance.”

Gravenstein helped create the curriculum for and continues to lead simulation exercises for the purpose of board recertification of anesthesiologists enrolled in the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) Maintenance of Certification (MOCA®). Anesthesiologists from around the country travel to UF to attend day-long educational simulation sessions at the Center for Safety, Simulation & Advanced Learning Technologies. We are one of only a few sites in the southeastern United States that are endorsed by the ABA to offer such educational courses.

Research and Publication

Gravenstein has made numerous technological advancements in the field of medicine and beyond. He created a new piece of technology in pulse oximetry that is produced and distributed globally by Philips Medical. Additionally, he developed a cooling and ventilation system for football uniforms. This patented method has been adopted by the NCAA and NFL for athlete use, thus improving player health and safety.

Gravenstein’s knowledge and research expertise are also shown through his large body of written work: he has authored or coauthored 10 textbooks, 36 book chapters, over 240 peer-reviewed publications, and over 50 patents. In the past five years, he has brought in $1.98 million in grant funding to the department.

Service

Gravenstein serves on a multitude of college, hospital, national, and international committees and organizations. To name a few, he is a part of the Operating Room Safety Committee, the Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation, and the ASA. He has served as the medical director for the Florida Academic Healthcare Patient Safety Organization since 2014. His involvement in these organizations shows his commitment to the fields of medicine and anesthesiology, patient safety, education, and professional ethics.

On behalf of UF, Gravenstein has aided the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) during space shuttle launches. Relatedly, he was at the forefront of a project to understand the clinical problems of astronauts in space. In 2023, his dedication and leadership were recognized with the NASA Engineering and Safety Center Leadership Award.

In 2020, Gravenstein received the UF College of Medicine Lifetime Achievement Award, which lauded him for his outstanding contributions and service.

History with UF

Gravenstein earned his medical degree from the UF College of Medicine in 1980. He went to the University of Minnesota to do a surgery internship and then returned to complete his anesthesiology residency and fellowship here in the Department of Anesthesiology.

In 1983, Gravenstein joined the department’s faculty, and he was promoted to professor of anesthesiology in 1992. In 1997, he was named the Jerome H. Modell, M.D., Professor of Anesthesiology and chair of the department. He held the position of chair until 2008. Currently, he is the lead clinical advisor for the Center for Safety, Simulation & Advanced Learning Technologies and director of the North American Malignant Hyperthermia Registry. He also holds joint appointments as a professor of neurosurgery and professor of periodontology.

Gravenstein’s achievements and efforts are a testament to his commitment to improving the field of anesthesiology, our department, UF, and our local and global communities.

Feldheim remarked: “If I accomplish half as much as Nik Gravenstein has, I would consider my career a success.”

Annals of Cardiac Anesthesia

• Landolt L, Goldstein JC, Weir W, Rackauskas M, AbuRahma J. Intraoperative Plasma Exchange for Sensitized Lung Transplantation Candidate Leads to Significant Perioperative Coagulopathy. Ann Card Anaesth. 2025;28(3):325-328. doi:10.4103/aca.aca_11_25

Anesthesia and Analgesia

• Schirmer AF, Sharifi N, Nin OC, Davies LK, AbuRahma JR, Berkow LC. Ambulatory Surgery During Intravenous Fluid Shortage-A Potential Cost Saving and Sustainable Strategy for the Future?. Anesth Analg. Published online July 10, 2025. doi:10.1213/ANE.0000000000007630

ASAIO Journal

• Mihu MR, El Banayosy AM, Schoaps RS, Cain K, Swant LV, Bell MT, Johnson JC, Freno DR, Vanhooser DW, Maybauer MO, El Banayosy A, Brewer JM. Patients Post Cardiac Surgery Requiring Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: Outcomes From an Intensivist-Led Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Program. ASAIO J. Published online July 28, 2025. doi:10.1097/MAT.0000000000002514

Cureus

• Dexter F, Vasilopoulos T, Fahy BG. Adjusting for Resident Rater Leniency or Severity Improves the Reliability of Routine Resident Evaluations of Faculty Anesthesiologists. Cureus. 2025;17(6):e86366. Published 2025 Jun 19. doi:10.7759/cureus.86366

JACC: Advances

• Kipps AK, Marshall AC, Bansal N, Bauser-Heaton H, Choueiter N, Chowdhury D, Dalal A, Ehrlich M, Freud LR, Jain SS, Jone PN, Laraja K, Lopez-Colon D, Owens ST, Ronai C, Sachdeva R, Stiver C, Sutton N, Vasilopoulos T, Co-Vu J; American College of Cardiology Women in Cardiology-Adult Congenital Pediatric Cardiology Working Group. Persistent Imbalance: Women’s Representation in North American Pediatric Cardiology Leadership Roles. JACC Adv. 2025;4(7):101878. doi:10.1016/j.jacadv.2025.101878

Journal of Dental Education

• Taylor J 2nd, Austin TM, Edwards C, Abramowicz S. Publication Inaccuracies Found in Applications to an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency Program. J Dent Educ. Published online July 17, 2025. doi:10.1002/jdd.13996

Journal of Neurosurgery

• de Ruiter GCW, Reina MA, Howe BM, et al. Extreme subparaneurial ganglion cysts. Part 2: The geyser theory as a mechanistic explanation for crossover. J Neurosurg. Published online July 4, 2025. doi:10.3171/2025.2.JNS242816

Journal of Visualized Experiments

• Freeman K, Brinkley L, Azarrafiy R, Jones TE, Beaver T. Pulmonary Embolism In-Transit Crossing the Mitral and Aortic Valve. J Vis Exp. 2025;(221):10.3791/67682. Published 2025 Jul 3. doi:10.3791/67682

Journal of Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing

• McIntosh M, Cervantes H, Oakes L, Garvan C. Wound Progression and Healing in Patients With Deep Tissue Pressure Injuries When Placed on Air-Fluidized Therapy Versus Low Air Loss Support Surface Beds. J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs. 2025;52(4):279-284. doi:10.1097/WON.0000000000001196

Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine

• Banik RK, Ko JS, Jimenez F, et al. Lost in conversion: navigating the challenges of converting intrathecal opioids to oral equivalents-a case report and literature review. Reg Anesth Pain Med. Published online July 3, 2025. doi:10.1136/rapm-2025-106550

Book Chapters

• Hunt C, Scholten P, Souza D, Przkora R, Eldridge JS, Eshraghi Y, et al. Procedural interventions in pain medicine. In: Anitescu M, ed. Multidisciplinary Pain Medicine Fellowship. Springer, Cham; 2025: 181-199. doi:10.1007/978-3-031-88357-6_8
• Przkora R, Pan J, Kumar S, Mora J, Samcam I, Meroney M, et al. Surgical interventions and emerging procedures in pain medicine. In: Anitescu M, ed. Multidisciplinary Pain Medicine Fellowship. Springer, Cham; 2025: 201-239. doi:10.1007/978-3-031-88357-6_9
• Przkora R, Nelson A, Meroney M, Russo N, Anitescu M. Setting up fellows for success. In: Anitescu M, ed. Multidisciplinary Pain Medicine Fellowship. Springer, Cham; 2025: 241-247. doi:10.1007/978-3-031-88357-6_10

View opportunities to join our team.

Please join us in welcoming Shakthi Jayanthy Venkatachalam, MBBS, to the UF Department of Anesthesiology as an assistant professor in the Division of Obstetric Anesthesia.

Venkatachalam earned her medical degree at the PSG Institute of Medical Sciences and Research in Coimbatore, India, where she also did her internship, and completed her anesthesiology residency at the JSS Medical College and Hospital in Mysore, India. She went to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, United Kingdom, for a clinical fellowship followed by a simulation fellowship at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. At Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, she completed an obstetric anesthesiology fellowship and recently finished up a perioperative medicine and ambulatory anesthesia fellowship as well as serving as a simulation lead prior to joining our department.

Venkatachalam strives to ensure the safety and comfort of her patients, especially those in childbirth, providing reassurance and compassion every step of the way. With a focus on obstetrics, she is currently researching the risk of neonatal hypoglycemia and bradycardia in infants of women receiving β blockers. She has an interest in medical simulation education and enjoys training residents and fellows to help them grow their skills and confidence.

In her free time, Venkatachalam loves cooking traditional South Indian dishes and reading fiction. She also likes to take long walks with her Goldendoodle, Coco.

Welcome, Dr. Venkatachalam!

View opportunities to join our faculty.

Samsun Lampotang, Ph.D., the Joachim S. Gravenstein Professor of Anesthesiology, is at the forefront of this project along with Nikolaus Gravenstein, M.D., the Jerome H. Modell, M.D., Distinguished Professor of Anesthesiology, and Jennifer M. Pruitt, MSN, administrative director of nursing research at UF Health Shands. Their efforts are supported by the UF W. Martin Smith Interdisciplinary Patient Safety Awards Program, which provides start-up funding to faculty and staff who create projects to reduce the likelihood of adverse events or claims and/or improve patient safety and clinical processes.

The chest and urine drainage systems used at UF Health are mechanical devices that require manual and labor-intensive monitoring, calculating, and transcribing. While there are digital drainage systems, they can be very costly. Lampotang and his colleagues’ solution is to create automated, remote, and continuous monitoring for chest and urine drainage systems. This type of monitoring could allow health care providers to receive timely clinical data and alerts, thus making the drainage process quicker and less prone to complications.

Lampotang says the automated, remote, and continuous monitoring could “provide timely clinical management information and importantly also alarm functions by converting stand-alone devices into smart and connected devices.” The team believes that this type of monitoring can be achieved by using computer vision, a branch of artificial intelligence.

The idea for their project first arose years ago while they discussed issues with traditional systems. Gravenstein proposed the idea of using a camera to estimate and track numbers and data. With the help of Chris Samouce, Ph.D., assistant scientist in the department, Lampotang began testing the capabilities of various cameras. They also experimented with OpenCV, a computer vision application, and realized that chest and urine drainage systems could be monitored using computer vision. In addition, the team has utilized HiPerGator, the UF supercomputer, to train the computer vision model to accurately read clinical settings.

“The remote, automated and continuous monitoring of drainage systems should improve quality of care and patient safety,” said Lampotang. “The decrease in bedside provider workload frees up time to do other patient care or documentation.” There is also the possibility of reducing claims against medical professionals and litigation that arise from the complications associated with traditional drainage systems.

Currently, the team is integrating their two computer vision models into one model that will monitor both urine and chest drainage systems. Verification and fine tuning in a simulated environment will take place next year, including the installation of a computer vision system at a UF Health patient care location following UF Institutional Review Board approval, with data analysis and publication of their results to follow in 2027.

View opportunities to join our faculty.

In response to identified gaps in anesthesia care, a University of Florida (UF) Department of Anesthesiology team launched a project to enhance regional anesthesia skills among anesthesiologists and anesthesiology residents in rural Guatemala, ultimately improving patient outcomes and elevating the standard of care. This initiative was sparked by a study, “Assessment of Anesthesia Capacity in Public Surgical Hospitals in Guatemala,” published in the journal Anesthesia & Analgesia, which revealed a lack of essential materials and personnel for safe anesthetic care in the country.

A collaborative effort

Partnering with Hospital Herrera and Universidad Rafael Landívar (URL) in Guatemala City, the UF team secured funding from the I. Heermann Anesthesia Foundation and support from the Heineman-Robicsek Foundation. Led by Federico Jimenez Ruiz, M.D., assistant professor of anesthesiology, the team includes faculty members Barys Ihnatsenka, M.D., Juan Mora, M.D., Erik Taco Vasquez, M.D., and Steven Robicsek, M.D., Ph.D., along with fellow Juan Acosta, M.D., and resident Eduardo Walker, M.D.

The benefits of regional anesthesia

A specialist in regional anesthesiology and acute pain medicine, Jimenez Ruiz noted the advantages of regional anesthesia in rural settings: “In the context of rural Guatemala where access to conventional analgesics such as morphine and fentanyl is scarce, performing nerve blocks is crucial. Additionally, their anesthesia infrastructure is limited which increases the risks of delivering a general anesthetic. Nerve blocks are a great way to avoid unnecessary general anesthesia.”

The team developed a comprehensive course in Spanish, combining online learning with hands-on workshops. The curriculum covers basic ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia and point-of-care ultrasound. The course consists of an initial online phase featuring 12 weeks of modules, followed by two immersive, in-person workshops led by UF instructors.

Future impacts

Team members continue to communicate with the students at URL and have an ongoing group chat in which they offer clinical and academic support. With the support of our team, URL intends to host a national regional anesthesia workshop by the end of 2026, furthering the project’s impact.

“This project is a testament to the generosity of those willing to help, the enthusiasm of educators, and the dedication of healthcare professionals committed to their communities,” said Jimenez Ruiz.

With funding from the I. Heermann Anesthesia Foundation and the Heineman-Robicsek Foundation, the team provided access to an e-learning platform for 80 physicians, acquired three ballistic gel models, created a handbook for all participants, and covered travel expenses for the UF instructors. Additionally, the Heineman-Robicsek Foundation donated five ultrasound machines to Universidad Rafael Landívar, ensuring that participants have access to the necessary equipment.

Learn about our Regional Anesthesiology & Acute Pain Medicine Fellowship.

Incoming Regional Anesthesiology & Acute Pain Medicine Fellows

Duration: 12 Months

Jose Estrada, M.D.

Jose Estrada, M.D., earned his medical degree at CES University School of Medicine in Colombia, where he also completed his anesthesiology residency. During medical school, Estrada finished a clerkship in internal medicine and critical care with the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

Estrada has extensive experience with teaching students and residents. As a resident, he taught medical students about the principles of anesthesiology. After residency, he remained at CES as an instructor and staff anesthesiologist, specializing in anesthesia and pain medicine. In 2023, he was recognized by the University of Antioquia in Colombia with an honorable mention for excellence in teaching.

Throughout his publications, Estrada has written about hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery and the Whipple procedure.

Meena Kanhai, M.D.

Meena Kanhai, M.D., received her medical degree from the University of Central Florida College of Medicine. She recently finished her anesthesiology residency here at the University of Florida (UF) Department of Anesthesiology. She also has a Bachelor of Science in biology from UF.

During residency, Kanhai was on the recruitment and social media committees. As a recruitment member, she organized events and open houses. She also worked on recruitment strategies for social media. For research, she reported on a case involving posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. This year, she was recognized by the department for outstanding achievement in several divisions, such as acute pain medicine and pediatric anesthesiology.

In her spare time, Kanhai enjoys indoor cycling and vinyasa yoga.

Alisha Shah, M.D.

Alisha Shah, M.D., acquired her medical degree at the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine. She recently completed her anesthesiology residency here at the UF Department of Anesthesiology. She also has a Bachelor of Liberal Arts from the University of Missouri.

During her residency, Shah was a paired period leader, where she helped develop curriculum for interns and mentored them. She was also a member of the social media committee, where she promoted the department’s social media accounts and encouraged resident engagement. During this year’s graduation, she received a number of awards from the department, such as the chair’s award for Best Resident and the Michael E. Mahla Exceptional Resident of the Year award.

In her free time, Shah likes to foster pets and travel.

Duration: 14 Months

Alessandra Costello-Serrano, M.D.

Alessandra Costello-Serrano, M.D., earned her medical degree at the Ponce Health Sciences University School of Medicine in Puerto Rico. She finished her anesthesia and pain management residency at the University of Texas Southwestern. Before this, she completed a transitional year at the Kendall Regional Medical Center in Florida. She has a Bachelor of Science in biology from Nova Southeastern University in Florida.

During medical school, Costello-Serrano worked with the Southern Anesthesia Associates, where she performed physical examinations and airway assessments. She also joined her school’s health task force that screened patients for COVID-19 and conducted mental health assessments.

As a resident, Costello-Serrano researched and reported on various topics, such as regional anesthesia techniques for total knee replacement and nerve blocks.

Jonathan West, MBBS, M.S.

Jonathan West, MBBS, received his medical degree at the University of Limerick in Ireland. He completed his anesthesiology and perioperative medicine residency at the Western University Schulich School of Medicine in Canada. He has a Master of Science in chemistry from McMaster University in Canada. He has a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Wake Forest University in North Carolina.

During his residency, West taught airway boot camp workshops to incoming residents. In his research, he sought the best pain management for gynecological and oncological surgery.

In his spare time, West plays the guitar and alto saxophone.

Learn about our Regional Anesthesiology & Acute Pain Medicine Fellowship.

Three CA-2 residents scored in the top 10% nationally on the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) BASIC Examination in June. Congratulations to Victor Adepoju, M.D., Dimitri Kampouris, M.D., and Rohan Patel, M.D., on their outstanding performance!

The BASIC Examination is the first exam of the ABA board certification process. It tests residents on their scientific understanding of anesthesiology and focuses on specific areas, like pharmacology and anesthesia equipment. This exam is usually taken at the end of an anesthesiology resident’s first clinical year and helps them on their way to becoming an anesthesiologist.

By performing well on the exam, residents show that they are building a strong foundation of knowledge and meeting the highest standards of the practice of anesthesiology.

These high scores are a testament to our residents’ commitment to hard work and lifelong learning.

Learn about our residency program.

Incoming Multidisciplinary Pain Medicine Fellows

Duration: 12 Months

Rosa Amelia Garcia, M.D.

Rosa Amelia Garcia, M.D., earned her medical degree at the Ibero-American University School of Medicine in the Dominican Republic. She recently finished her physical medicine and rehabilitation residency at Larkin Hospital Health Systems in Florida. Before this residency, she was a preliminary general surgery resident at the University of Miami’s Jackson Memorial Hospital in Florida.

During her physical medicine and rehabilitation residency, Garcia was a co-leader on the Education and Research Committee for The Society of Women Innovators in Pain Management. In this role, she helped empower women in pain medicine to achieve their professional goals. She was also an ambassador for the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians, where she shared information and news with her local community. Her research has focused on neurology, and she won the Resident Research Award in 2024.

Jack Leal, D.O.

Jack Leal, D.O., received his medical degree at the Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. He recently finished his physical medicine and rehabilitation residency at the Nassau University Medical Center in New York. Prior to this residency, he completed a transitional year at the Medical City Weatherford’s residency program in Texas. He has a Bachelor of Science in finance from the University of South Florida.

During his residency, Leal was a lead investigator for quality improvement (QI) projects. For his most recent QI project, he led the development of a “visit summary,” which provided clinic patients with a summary of their diagnosis and treatment plan. Additionally, he co-authored a book about subacute rehabilitation. In 2023, he scored in the 99th percentile nationally among all PGY-2 physical medicine and rehabilitation residents on the annual in-training exam.

Zane Thompson, M.D.

Zane Thompson, M.D., acquired his medical degree at the Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine. He completed his physical medicine and rehabilitation residency at the University of Florida (UF) College of Medicine, where he was a chief resident. Before this, he finished an internship in internal medicine at the Naval Medical Center San Diego in California. He also has a Bachelor of Science in biomedical science from the University of South Florida.

During his residency, Thompson was a Physiatrist in Training ambassador for the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, where he served as a liaison between the academy and his residency program. For research, he has worked on a manuscript about the impact of strength training on individuals with knee osteoarthritis.

Thompson served as a flight surgeon for the United States Navy, where he earned the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for excellent service.

Thomas John Woodard, D.O.

Thomas John Woodard, D.O., earned his medical degree at the A.T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Missouri. He completed his anesthesiology residency at the University of Kansas School of Medicine. He has a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry from Rockhurst University in Missouri.

During his residency, Woodard was an elected member of the residency council, where he led and represented residents on the graduate medical education level. In addition, he was a member of a quality improvement team, focused on assessing the ability of anesthesia providers to accurately inflate endotracheal tube cuffs at appropriate tracheal pressures. He was also a primary author for a case report about the effects of unrecognized durotomy.

Duration: 14 Months

Bradley (Brad) William Gang, D.O.

Bradley (Brad) William Gang, D.O., received his medical degree from the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in South Carolina. He recently finished his anesthesiology residency at the UF College of Medicine in Jacksonville, where he was a chief resident. He has a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from Kent State University in Ohio.

During his residency, Gang was a manager of a quality improvement project, where he partnered with others to help prevent delays in care and ensure patients get their procedures covered by Medicare. He was a part of a pain and opioid stewardship task force, where he contributed to discussions and plans for new polices related to pain and post-operative pain management.

In 2019, Gang went on a medical mission trip to the Dominican Republic, where he provided health care services to underserved areas.

Volodymyr Toropchyn M.D.

Volodymyr Toropchyn, M.D, acquired his medical degree from the Lugansk State Medical University in Ukraine. He recently graduated from the residency program here at the UF Department of Anesthesiology. Prior to this residency, he completed a pre-residency fellowship in internal medicine at the University of Mexico.

During his residency, Toropchyn finished the Longitudinal Program, where he gained skills to teach medical students and patients. He was also a part of a case report that talked about the benefits of Gasserian ganglion radiofrequency ablation, in managing the facial pain of a patient with metastatic Ewing sarcoma.

Toropchyn graduated from medical school in the top 10% of his class.

incoming endoscopic spine fellows

Shahrukh Bengali, M.D.

Shahrukh Bengali, M.D., earned his medical degree from the UF College of Medicine. He started his anesthesiology residency at the University of Texas Southwestern but finished here at UF where he was a chief resident. He completed a pain medicine fellowship with us as well. He also has a Bachelor of Science in interdisciplinary studies in biology and medicine from UF, where he was a part of the Junior Medical Honors Program. In addition, he has a Bachelor of Science in biomedical engineering from the University of Miami in Florida.

As a chief resident in our department, he was involved in junior resident training and monthly scheduling. In 2023, he won a handful of departmental awards, such as Outstanding Senior Resident and the Chair’s Award for Best Resident.

During his fellowship, Bengali co-authored a chapter about arteriovenous malformations for a book about neurological and neurosurgical emergencies.

Bennett Kramer, M.D.

Bennett Kramer, M.D., received his medical degree from the Tel Aviv University’s New York State Program. He finished his anesthesiology residency at Baylor College of Medicine in Texas. He completed a pain medicine fellowship at Harvard Medical School in Massachusetts. He also has a Bachelor of Science in biology from Stony Brook University (SBU) in New York.

Kramer was the medical director of interventional pain management at the Northeast Rehabilitation Hospital in New Hampshire. He has also worked as an undergraduate research assistant at the SBU Hospital, where he studied the colon.

Kramer completed two years of a violin performance degree at The Juilliard School in New York. He has utilized his musical skills in hospitals by playing the violin for patients and their families.

Learn about our Multidisciplinary Pain Medicine Fellowship.

Learn about our Endoscopic Spine Fellowship.

Janos Geli, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor of anesthesiology, was chosen by our residents as the June 2025 Faculty Educator of the Month!

Dr. Geli’s nominations highlight his patience and teaching skills. One nomination said, “Dr. Geli is always willing to go over difficult learning topics with his residents and always makes it a priority to ensure some dedicated learning time during each of our cases together.” Residents also remark that they enjoy his instruction: “Dr. Geli is a pleasure to work with and I enjoy the time he takes to teach!” 

Congratulations, Dr. Geli! 

New research from the Department of Anesthesiology’s Martynyuk Laboratory was highlighted at the 2025 World Congress of Neuropsychopharmacology in Melbourne, Australia, held from June 15-18. Presented by Anatoly Martynyuk, Ph.D., the study explored how exposure to the commonly used anesthetic sevoflurane may influence brain and gut health across generations—findings that contribute to a growing area of research into the long-term effects of anesthesia.

The presentation, titled “Mechanisms and Pharmacological Therapy of Intergenerational Neurocognitive Deficiencies Induced by Exposure to the General Anesthetic Sevoflurane,” was delivered as part of a Featured Communication Session at the conference, which highlighted notable advances in the field. Co-authors on the study included Department of Anesthesiology researchers Ling-Sha Ju, M.D., Ph.D., Zeeshan Khan, Ph.D., Nikolaus Gravenstein, M.D., and the Department of Psychiatry’s Barry Setlow, Ph.D., and the work was funded by the National Institutes of Health.

Martynyuk’s team used animal modeling to study how sevoflurane affects brain function and related biological systems. While postoperative neurocognitive disorder—problems with thinking and memory following surgery and anesthesia—has been recognized as a health concern, much remains unknown about how these effects arise and who might be most vulnerable, and effective treatments are currently lacking.

The UF researchers found that in male rats, exposure to sevoflurane led to changes in stress-related brain pathways, inflammation, and cognitive function. In addition to examining brain function, the researchers analyzed the gut microbiome, a vital component of the brain–gut–microbiota (BGM) axis. The BGM axis is a communication network through which the brain and gut interact through nerves, hormones, genes, and the immune system. When this system is thrown off balance, it has been linked to problems not only with mental health and brain function but also with metabolism.

The study revealed abnormalities in the BGM axis that were most pronounced in the male offspring of exposed animals, despite these offspring having no direct exposure to the anesthetic. Remarkably, they found that treatment prior to sevoflurane exposure with the FDA-approved agents bumetanide or mifepristone normalized stress, inflammation, brain functions, and the gut microbiome in both the exposed sires and their offspring.

While this research was conducted in animals and further study is needed, it highlights potential pathways through which anesthesia could have longer-term biological effects. It also suggests that the gut microbiome could present an early biomarker of these risks. Martynyuk’s presentation highlighted the achievements of our department in research at an international level.

Congratulations to Dr. Martynyuk and his colleagues!

IncomIng cardiothoracic Fellows

Anthony Boateng, M.D.

Anthony Boateng, M.D., earned his medical degree at the Indiana University School of Medicine. He recently graduated from the residency program here at the University of Florida (UF) Department of Anesthesiology. Before he came here for anesthesiology residency, he was a preliminary surgery resident at the University of Illinois Chicago. Additionally, he has a Bachelor of Arts in chemistry from Berea College in Kentucky.

During his residency, Boateng was a part of the department’s education and resident recruitment committees, where he contributed efforts to recruiting prospective residents and helped develop educational curriculum. This year he was inducted into the Chapman Society, which is the UF Gold Humanism Honor Society chapter that recognizes physicians for promoting humanism in medicine and being compassionate in their clinical services. In addition, he works with medical and undergraduate students in the Medi-Gators Mentorship Program.

Kevin Clark, M.D., M.S.

Kevin Clark, M.D., M.S., received his medical degree at Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine in West Virginia. He recently graduated from the residency program here at the UF Department of Anesthesiology. He also has a Master of Science in biomedical science from Marshall University and a Bachelor of Science in biology from West Virginia University.

During medical school, Clark was vice president of the Anesthesiology Interest Group and a peer mentor in its learning community. For the 2019-2020 academic year, he was the recipient of the school’s scholarship campaign endowment. At Marshall University, Clark volunteered with its medical outreach program, which was a student-led mobile health clinic that provided free medical care in the community.

In his free time, Clark devotes his attention to a handful interests, such as astronomy, basketball, computers, and football.

Gabriel Garcia Barrera, M.D.

Gabriel Garcia Barrera, M.D., acquired his medical degree from the Florida International University (FIU) Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine. He recently finished his anesthesiology residency at Cleveland Clinic Florida. He also has a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from FIU, where he was a part of its Honors College.

During medical school, Garcia received the Professional and Graduate Degree Excellence Scholarship in 2020. In the same year, his abstract was named one of the best at the Florida Society of Anesthesiologists Annual Meeting. At the meeting, his team shared information about using central line placement in a patient with cardiac anomalies. Currently, he is working on a quality improvement project, which seeks to improve compliance with appropriate heparin-induced thrombocytopenia testing in surgical patients.

Rachel Hanke, M.D.

Rachel Hanke, M.D., earned her medical degree at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine. She recently completed her anesthesiology residency at The University of Texas Health. Before her residency, she was an anesthesia research fellow for the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science in Minnesota. Additionally, she has an Honors Bachelor of Science in comparative physiology, with high distinction, from the University of Toronto.

During her residency, Hanke joined a perioperative crisis response team that provided stress-reducing tips and community resources to people facing adverse perioperative events. She also has a passion for research and was a co-investigator for cases of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease at Nemours Children’s Hospital in Orlando, FL.

In her spare time, Hanke plays volleyball and pickleball. She also excels at classical piano and has achieved level seven practical and level four theory by Conservatory Canada standards.

Alex Horowitz, D.O., M.S.

Alex Horowitz, D.O., M.S., received his medical degree at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Florida. He completed a transitional year at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine, and he recently graduated from the residency program here at the UF Department of Anesthesiology. Additionally, he has a Master of Science in medical sciences from the University of South Florida and a Bachelor of Science in food science and human nutrition from UF.

During his residency, Horowitz was involved in the department’s education and resident recruitment committees, where he acted as a class representative. In his CA-1 year, he was selected to serve as one of eight Florida resident delegates to attend the 2022 American Society of Anesthesiologists Annual Meeting. He also took the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) BASIC Examination and scored in the top 10 percent.

Along with other authors, Horowitz has produced a number of journal articles that have been published including research on the variables that affect sensorimotor rhythm brain-computer interface performance.

Daniel Weigle, D.O.

Daniel Weigle, D.O., acquired his medical degree from the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine. He recently finished his anesthesiology residency with the UF Health Jacksonville program. From Florida State University, he has a Bachelor of Science in nursing and a Bachelor of Science in biology.

During his residency, Weigle took part in the Graduate Medical Education Committee and the Multidisciplinary Critical Care Committee. He also scored in the top 10 percent on the ABA BASIC Examination. During medical school, he worked as a registered nurse at HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital and was the president of their Anesthesiology Interest Group.

Learn about our Adult Cardiothoracic Fellowship.

Casey Taylor, D.O., was chosen by his peers as the June 2025 Resident of the Month!

Dr. Taylor’s nominations point out that he helps and motivates other residents. One nomination said, “He not only made us feel confident tackling subspecialty cases but a lot of times ended up staying later than any other mole team member to make sure that we had coverage for these cases and that us CA1s were not left in the dark.” His peers also appreciate his encouragement and support: “Dr. Taylor was incredibly encouraging, supportive, and helped fill in the gaps wherever needed.” Lastly, one nomination praised his leadership skills: “I seriously could not have asked for a better mole team leader and I wish every mole rotation was as great as this one! Thank you!”

Congratulations, Dr. Taylor! 

Please join us in welcoming Elvio Andres Mazzotta, M.D., to the UF Department of Anesthesiology as an assistant professor in the Division of Neuroanesthesiology.

Mazzotta earned his medical degree at the National University of Córdoba in Argentina where he also completed an anesthesiology residency at a private hospital. After this residency, he went to Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio, for a neuroanesthesia fellowship and anesthesiology residency. At Ohio State University, he received the highest in-training exam score in both his PGY-1 class and his CA-1 class. He was also a part of the Foundation for Anesthesia Education and Research Resident Scholar Program and has contributed to more than a dozen peer-reviewed publications.

In his postdoctoral training, Mazzotta focused on the enteric nervous system, which became one of his specific interests. He also has special expertise in a few areas, such as neuroanesthesia, spinal surgery, neurointerventional procedures, brain tumors, and deep brain stimulation.

In his free time, Mazzotta enjoys spending time with his family and cooking. He is a passionate fan of soccer and Formula 1 racing.

Welcome, Dr. Mazzotta!

View opportunities to join our faculty.

IncomIng Critical Care Medicine Fellows

Kathleen Ehresmann, M.D., MBA

Ehresmann earned her medical degree and completed a general surgery residency here at the University of Florida (UF) College of Medicine. Additionally, she has a Master of Business Administration from Jacksonville University in Florida, and she has a Bachelor of Arts in East Asian Languages and Literatures from UF.

Ehresmann has an interest in transplant procedures and believes that a transplant program cannot succeed without a well-organized critical care team. For her fellowship here, she hopes to gain an in-depth understanding of managing patients with advanced critical care needs, like those who need mechanical ventilation and sepsis management.

Ehresmann retired from the United States Navy as a lieutenant commander. During her twenty-year military career, she held different roles, such as a naval reserve officer and operations department head. She also has medical and clinical volunteer experience. Her most recent volunteer experience took her on a medical outreach trip to Ecuador, where she conducted physicals and performed minor procedures.

In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, gardening, and riding roller coasters.

Nicholas Laconi, M.D., M.S.

Laconi gained his medical degree and completed surgical residency and a surgical education fellowship here at the University of Florida (UF) College of Medicine. He also has a Bachelor of Science in Biology from UF and a Master of Science in Medical Sciences from the University of South Florida.

Laconi is currently an ad-hoc reviewer for the Cureus Journal of Medical Science, where he peer-reviews articles and provides constructive feedback for authors. He has extensive experience in teaching students here at the UF College of Medicine. For instance, he lectured fourth-year medical students in a course introducing learners to surgical instruments. In addition, he has acted as an in-situ simulation facilitator here at the college.

Incoming Critical care medicine — Emergency medicine Fellows

Osvaldo Duran-Melendez, M.D.

Duran-Melendez earned his medical degree at the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) School of Medicine. During medical school, he was selected to become a member of the Gold Humanism Honor Society. He completed his residency with the UPR Emergency Medicine residency program, where he was an academic chief resident. As a chief resident, he helped develop academic curriculum and coordinate simulation trainings. In addition, the UPR was also the school where he received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree. Recently, he finished an ultrasound fellowship with the University of Florida Department of Emergency Medicine.

By studying mechanical engineering, Duran-Melendez had the opportunity to learn about the medical devices industry as well as take courses in biomedical engineering and human anatomy. These experiences helped him discover medicine as a career option. His attention was first captured by emergency medicine, and then it gravitated to critical care medicine as he became more interested in the research and patient cases.

Through volunteering, Duran-Melendez has provided services and resources to communities hit by natural disasters. In 2020, he joined a medical brigade, tasked with helping earthquake-impacted communities in Peñuelas and Guánica, Puerto Rico. During this time, he provided health checkups and vaccination services to individuals.

In his spare time, he enjoys reading fantasy books, watching anime, and playing tennis.

Michael Oliver, M.D.

Oliver gained his medical degree at the California University of Science and Medicine (CUSM), where he was a clinical mentor. He completed his emergency medicine residency at the University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Arizona State University.

Oliver’s experience as an emergency medicine physician has furthered his interest in critical care medicine. He looks forward to the procedures and caring for critical patients. For his fellowship here, he hopes to improve his procedural repertoire and strengthen his leadership and teaching skills.

During Oliver’s time in medical school at CUSM, he founded and directed a program, called VIDA, that sought to increase the quality of healthcare services for Hispanic patients. For the VIDA program, he wrote grants and budget proposals as well as collaborated with university leadership to create an immersive medical school curriculum.

In his residency at Dell Medical School, Oliver helped the medical school with its admissions process. He interviewed medical school candidates and led social events for the prospective students.

In his free time, he enjoys football and traveling to new places. Some of his favorite experiences include running with bulls in Spain and volcano surfing in Nicaragua. In the future, he hopes to visit Greece, Italy, and Japan.

Rylee Pence, M.D.

Pence earned her medical degree at the Northeast Ohio Medical University. She recently finished her emergency medicine residency at the Summa Health System in Akron, Ohio, where she was an administrative chief resident. She also received her Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from Kent State University in Kent, Ohio.

Practicing emergency medicine has led to her interest in stabilization procedures and caring for patients with acute illness. Throughout her training, she became more interested in pursuing a career as an intensivist.

During her residency at Summa Health, she helped create curriculum for emergency medicine residents. She was also given the Research and Innovation Excellence Award in 2023 by Summa Health.

Learn about our Critical Care Medicine Fellowship Program.

Anesthesiology

• Epstein RH, Dexter F, Fahy BG. Inpatient postoperative mortality: comparing patients hospitalized preoperatively to those having elective surgery. Anesthesiology. 2025;143(1):62-70. doi:10.1097/ALN.0000000000005477

Biology

• Khan ZA, Duran TA, Sumsuzzman DM, Ju LS, Seubert CN, Martynyuk AE. Neurocognitive outcomes after extracranial surgery and general anesthesia in patients with a history of mild-to-moderate traumatic brain injury: systemic review and meta-analysis. Biology (Basel). 2025;14(6):640. Published 2025 May 31. doi:10.3390/biology14060640

Chance

• Reynolds PS, Nagaraja CH. Best of three—three women who revolutionized statistical practice. CHANCE. 2025;38(1):59–62. doi:10.1080/09332480.2025.2473296

Current Opinion in Anesthesiology

• McLeod GA, Reina MA, Boezaart AP. High-definition ultrasound in regional anesthesia. Curr Opin Anaesthesiol. Published online May 30, 2025. doi:10.1097/ACO.0000000000001534

European Journal of Anaesthesiology

• Gómez-Ríos MÁ, Van Zundert AAJ, McNarry AF, Law JA, Higgs A, De Jong A, Jaber S, Karamchandani K, Hansel J, Saracoglu KT, Leach R, Guimaraes HP, Abad-Gurumeta A, Gómez-Ríos D, Michalek P, Berkow LC, Fernández-Vaquero MÁ, Serrano-Moraza A, Gaitini L, Vaida S, Somri M, Gaszyński T, Brewster D, Desai N, Saracoglu A, Tsan SEH, Athanassoglou V, Komasawa N, Garg R, Shamim F, Rajendram R, Gutierrez-Couto U, López T, De Luis-Cabezón N, Flores DT, Garzón JC, Sastre JA, Roca de Togores López A, Meléndez-Salinas D, Fandiño-Orgeira JM, Casans-Frances R, Casalderrey-Rivas M, Romero-García E, Marín-Zaldívar C, Aroca-Tanarro A, Alonso-Correa O, Rodríguez-Martín LJ, Espinosa-Ramírez S, Hagberg CA. Guidelines on strategies for the universal implementation of videolaryngoscopy. Eur J Anaesthesiol. Published online June 19, 2025. doi:10.1097/EJA.0000000000002210

Innovations

• Stinson GP, Valdes CA, Bilgili A, Kugler L, Jimenez Contreras F, Bobba C, Purlee M, Patterson S, Jones TE, Shahid Z, Beaver TM, Scali S, Spratt JR. Endovascular arch and thoracoabdominal aortic intervention in patients with connective tissue diseases: a case series spanning 17 years. Innovations (Phila). Published online June 19, 2025. doi:10.1177/15569845251346161

Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery

• Polmear M, Hagen JE, Schrank GM, Heng M, Marcano-Fernández FA, Jeray KJ, Gage MJ, Slobogean GP, Sprague S, Vasilopoulos T; the PREP-IT Investigators. Deep infections after open and closed fractures. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2025;107(Suppl 1):71-79. Published 2025 Jun 18. doi:10.2106/JBJS.24.01249

Journal of Clinical Medicine

• Hao KA, Vasilopoulos T, Elwell J, et al. Missing data in orthopaedic clinical outcomes research: a sensitivity analysis of imputation techniques utilizing a large multicenter total shoulder arthroplasty database. J Clin Med. 2025;14(11):3829. Published 2025 May 29. doi:10.3390/jcm14113829

Neurology

• Saini AS, Samimi K, Kotadia M, et al. Teaching NeuroImage: a case of otosyphilis mimicking facial nerve schwannoma. Neurology. 2025;105(1):e213789. doi:10.1212/WNL.0000000000213789

Pain Medicine Case Reports

• Walbridge GB, Lopez D, Gingrich T. Iliopsoas abscess leading to chronic ilioinguinal neuralgia: a case report and discussion. Pain Med Case Rep. 2024;8(7):285-288.

Trauma Surgery Acute Care Open

• Moore EE, Michelson EA, Gabriel-Ramos K, Cripps MW, Flores A, Vandyck K, Thurston B, Brennan M, Viola F, Winegar DA. Multicenter evaluation of the Quantra with the QStat Cartridge in adult trauma patients. Trauma Surg Acute Care Open. 2025;10(2):e001672. Published 2025 Jun 3. doi:10.1136/tsaco-2024-001672

View opportunities to join our team.

For each academic year, the department interviews and screens many prospective residents that are among the best in the nation. This year we received 1,400 applications and interviewed over 200 candidates for our residency positions.

Twenty-six physicians are joining our residency program this June. Within the group we are welcoming 20 interns, including six graduates from the UF College of Medicine, and 6 CA-1 residents.

Please help us welcome the next generation of anesthesiologists to our team. We look forward to their contributions to UF and the community.

Incoming Interns

Lama Al Abdul Razzak, M.D.

Undergrad: Florida Atlantic University
Med School: Florida Atlantic University Schmidt College of Medicine

Mohamad “Omar” Beck, D.O.

Undergrad: University of Florida, Gulf Coast State College
Med School: West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine

Mikayla Dorminey, M.D.

Undergrad: University of Georgia
Med School: University of Florida College of Medicine

George “Len” Ettel, D.O.

Undergrad: University of Central Florida, St. Petersburg College
Med School: Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Transitional Year: Internal Medicine, Citrus Memorial Hospital

Kenneth “Kenny” Ferris, M.D.

Undergrad: University of Michigan
Med School: University of Michigan Medical School

Shivani Gupta, M.D.

Undergrad: University of Florida
Med School: University of Central Florida College of Medicine

Jake Hunsaker, D.O.

Undergrad: Utah State University
Med School: Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Emili Lopez, M.D.

Undergrad: Florida International University
Med School: West Virginia University – Eastern School of Medicine

Erica Matich, M.D.

Undergrad: University of Tampa
Med School: University of Florida College of Medicine

Erin Morrisroe, M.D.

Undergrad: University of Virginia
Med School: Stony Brook University School of Medicine

Omowonuola Ogundele, M.D.

Undergrad: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Meredith College
Med School: University of Florida College of Medicine

Alexa Ovalles Lacruz, M.D.

Undergrad: Florida International University, Miami Dade College 
Med School: Florida International University College of Medicine

K Perrins, M.D.

Undergrad: Utah Valley University, Ensign College
Med School: Washington State University College of Medicine

William “Will” Philips, M.D.

Undergrad: University of West Florida
Med School: University of Florida College of Medicine

Ahmed Rashid, M.D.

Undergrad: Valencia College, Rollins College
Med School: University of Florida College of Medicine

Zachary Schroeder, M.A., D.O.

Undergrad: Ohio State University
Masters: Bluefield University
Med School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Louisiana Campus

McKenzie Seitz, M.D.

Undergrad: Duke University, Georgetown University
Med School: Florida State University College of Medicine – Daytona Beach Regional Campus

Augustino Solomon, M.D.

Undergrad: University of South Florida
Med School: Ross University School of Medicine
Transitional Year: HCA North Florida

Iaroslav Tsymbaliuk, M.D., Ph.D.

Med School: O.O. Bogomolets National Medical University

Anson Wang, M.D.

Undergrad: University of Florida
Med School: University of Florida College of Medicine

Incoming CA-1 Residents

Joseph “Joe” Afzali, D.O.

Undergrad: City University of New York Hunter College, Rutgers
Med School: Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Transitional Year: Internal Medicine, University of Florida

Pedrito Hernandez Perez, M.D.

Undergrad: Florida Atlantic University, Palm Beach State College
Med School: Ross University School of Medicine
Dr. Hernandez Perez is our advanced commitment resident from last year.

Lori Jean-Baptiste, M.D.

Undergrad: University South Florida
Med School: Florida International University College of Medicine
Transitional Year: Surgery Residency, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital

Joseph Novoa, D.O.

Undergrad: Florida International University
Med School: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Transitional Year: HCA Florida Westside/Northwest

Matthew Wright, M.D.

Undergrad: Mesa Community College, Arizona State University
Med School: St. George’s University School of Medicine
Transitional Year: Internal Medicine, Broward Health North

Rasheedat Zakare-Fagbamila, M.D.

Undergrad: Stanford University
Med School: Duke University School of Medicine
Transitional Year: Neurological Surgery, University of Florida

Learn more about our residency program.

Kumar was promoted to clinical professor, while Brennan, Dooley, Edwards, Frantz, and Mora earned the clinical associate professor title. These promotions were based on the quality and impact of their services in regard to the University of Florida (UF), their profession, and society.

Kumar began his medical journey with an interest in helping those who suffer from acute or chronic pain. He has studied and worked in numerous places across the world, such as Delhi, India, and Detroit, Michigan. After settling in Gainesville, he joined the Department of Anesthesiology as an assistant professor in the Division of Pain Medicine. He is also the medical director of the UF Health Pain Medicine – Springhill clinic. His medical and research interests include endoscopic spine surgery, trigeminal neuralgia, and face/head pain. 

Brennan joined the department as an assistant professor in the Divisions of Critical Care Medicine and Liver and Transplant Anesthesia. Her history with the University of Florida goes beyond faculty experience as she completed both her residency and critical care medicine fellowship here. Her interest in critical care medicine helped lead to her appointment as the clinical director of research for the Division of Critical Care Medicine. One of her research interests involves using artificial intelligence to improve quality and safety for patients. 

Dooley entered the department as an assistant professor in the Divisions of Pediatric Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine. He did his anesthesiology residency at UF and completed a fellowship in pediatric anesthesiology at a hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas. Dooley dedicates time to fundraising for pediatric cancer research in memory of his daughter. He has also taken time to give back on medical mission trips, including one to Ecuador in 2019, where he provided care to underserved communities for cleft lip and palate repairs.

Edwards joined the department as an assistant professor in the Division of Pediatric Anesthesiology. He is the pediatric anesthesiology representative for the UF Health Pediatric Trauma Program and was instrumental in UF gaining a Level 1 pediatric trauma center designation from the American College of Surgeons. His interests within the field include malignant hyperthermia and perioperative blood management. He also enjoys educating residents and fellows.

Frantz specializes in critical care medicine. She joined the department as an assistant professor in the Division of Critical Care Medicine and is an assistant program director for our anesthesiology residency program. She has a passion for medical education and is the course director for the College of Medicine’s Transition to Residency course as well as co-director of the Anesthesiology/Critical Care Clerkship. Her education involved a critical care medicine fellowship here at UF. Her other clinical interests include cardiac and trauma care medicine.

Mora entered the department’s faculty as an assistant professor in the Division of Pain Medicine. Before holding this position, he practiced medicine in Colombia, his home country, and completed a residency in anesthesiology at the UF Jacksonville campus, where he was a chief resident. Mora also completed a pain medicine fellowship here with us at the UF Gainesville campus. He has a special interest in studying and researching neuromodulation and treatment for chronic pain.

Congratulations to our faculty members for their promotions!

View opportunities to join our faculty.

Svetlana Chembrovich, M.D., assistant professor of anesthesiology, was chosen by our residents as the May Faculty Educator of the Month.

Dr. Chembrovich’s nominations highlight her care and consideration. Residents remark that she goes above and beyond for her patients: “She’s always very patient and thoughtful with teaching blocks. Genuinely cares about her patients, stayed late for a pediatric patient we got consulted on and advocated for them to get an epidural instead of QL blocks before emergence for better pain relief.”

Congratulations, Dr. Chembrovich!

Sayoni Saha, M.D., was chosen by her peers as the May Resident of the Month!

Dr. Saha’s nominations praise her for being a great leader and team player. Her peers appreciate that they can rely on her in times of need: “I just had a tough Saturday call with Dr. Saha running the team. She demonstrated excellent leadership while also being a great team player. She helped me tremendously in my emergency case. Dr. Saha is organized, easy to work with, and clinically strong.” They also say, “Sayoni is an amazing resident, always going above and beyond for her team. She always finds a way to be helpful and is such a team player.”

Congratulations, Dr. Saha!

The University of Florida Department of Anesthesiology gathered to celebrate a significant milestone for its graduating residents on Saturday, June 14. The event, which took place at the Champion’s Club at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, was filled with heartfelt speeches, well-deserved awards, and emotional tributes. In addition to recognizing each of the resident graduates, the department presented several awards highlighting the exceptional contributions of residents, faculty, and CRNA/CAAs throughout the academic year.

Among those honored was Bobby Houston, M.D., one of the 2024–2025 chief residents, who received the Outstanding Resident Award for the Division of Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology. Reflecting on his final year, Houston shared, “It was an amazing year. I really got a chance to work on my leadership skills and I’m glad I had the opportunity to help out all my co-residents.”

Jessica Webber, M.D., shared Houston’s enthusiasm and expressed gratitude for her co-residents and department faculty. “Great group of people to work with, I felt comfortable asking everyone questions,” she said. “Everyone was super helpful, and I feel like I got really good training here and a wide variety of cases.”

One of the most poignant moments of the evening came as Greg Janelle, M.D., FASE, FASA, interim chair for the department, posthumously honored Michael Fowler, MBA, M.D., associate professor of anesthesiology and assistant program director for intern education, with the Chair’s Education Award. Fowler, who passed away on June 8, was unanimously selected for the award by department leadership in recognition of his lasting contributions as an educator and mentor. Known for his patience, kindness, and dedication to resident success, he will be deeply missed.

As graduates accepted their certificates from Tim Martin, M.D., MBA, associate chair for education, many paused to thank the loved ones and mentors who helped them along the way.

Houston offered a few words of advice to the next group of residents: “Make the most of it. The training goes by really fast. Just trust in your skills — UF is going to prepare you.”

Congratulations to each of our 24 resident graduates of the class of 2025!

View all of our award recipients below as well as where are graduating residents are going next.

Chair’s Awards

These recipients were selected by Interim Chair Greg Janelle, M.D., FASE, FASA, for outstanding service to the department.

Chair’s Education Award

Michael Fowler, M.D., MBA

best faculty member award

Michael Arnold, D.O.

Best Resident Award

Alisha Shah, M.D.

Chair’s Quality Award

Adam Wendling, M.D.

Unsung Hero Award

Soleil Schutte, M.D.

Chair’s Research Award

Catherine Price, Ph.D., ABPP-CN

Chair’s CRNA Award

Melissa Laguerre, CRNA

Chair’s CAA Award

Dia Kreuzer, CAA

Outstanding Resident Awards

The recipients of these awards were selected by departmental faculty.

Outstanding Senior Resident

Gabriella Williams, M.D.

Outstanding Junior Resident

Allyson Tragesser, M.D.

Division Awards

These recipients were selected by the faculty in each division for outstanding achievement.

Acute Pain Medicine-Intern

Wendy Guo, M.D.

Acute Pain Medicine-CA1

Abigail Bawden, M.D.

Acute Pain Medicine-CA3

Meena Kanhai, M.D., and Alisha Shah, M.D.

Acute Pain Medicine-CA3 Honorable mention

Gabriella Williams, M.D.

Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology-CA2

Allyson Tragesser, M.D.

CARDIOTHORACIC ANESTHESIOLOGY-CA3

Bobby Houston, M.D.

Critical Care Medicine

Talmage Wood, M.D.

Liver & Transplant Anesthesiology

Jon Vardanyan, M.D.

Multispecialty ANESTHESIOLOGY

Gabriella Williams, M.D.

Multidisciplinary Pain Medicine

Rachel Baker, M.D.

Neuroanesthesiology-CA2

Megan Koenig, M.D., and Taylor Gowen, M.D.

Non-Operating Room Anesthesia (NORA)

McKai Wood, M.D.

Obstetric Anesthesiology

Alisha Shah, M.D.

PEDIATRIC ANESTHESIOLOGY

Meena Kanhai, M.D.

Perioperative Medicine-Intern

Justin George, M.D.

Transition to Practice

Meena Kanhai, M.D.

VA Anesthesiology Junior Resident-CA1

Aksana Aliakseyeva, M.D.

VA Anesthesiology Junior Resident-CA2

Andrew Burchak, M.D.

VA Anesthesiology Resident of the year

Linda Lange, M.D.

VA Pain Clinic Anesthesia Resident of the year

Caitlyn Hudson, M.D.

Resident and CRNA/CAA Awards

These recipients were selected by the residents and our CRNAs and CAAs.

CRNA and CAA Resident of the Year

Talmage Wood, M.D.

Distinguished Team Player

Talmage Wood, M.D.

Exceptional CRNA or CAA of the Year

John Muller, CRNA

Michael E. Mahla Exceptional Resident of the Year

Alisha Shah, M.D.

Teaching Awards

These recipients were selected by the graduating residents.

Haven M. Perkins Lifetime Teaching Award

Barys Ihnatsenka, M.D.

T.W. Andersen Teacher of the Year

David Hutchinson, M.D.

Resident Graduates

Our 2025 graduates and where they are going next.

• Nnamdi Achebe, M.D. — Dr. Achebe will join U.S. Anesthesia Partners.
• Stacia Andrews, M.D. — Dr. Andrews will join Advocate Aurora St. Luke’s in Milwaukee, WI.
• Tony Boateng, M.D. — Dr. Boateng will remain at UF for Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology Fellowship.
• Kevin Clark, M.D. — Dr. Clark will remain at UF for Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology Fellowship.
• Alex Horowitz, D.O. — Dr. Horowitz will remain at UF for Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology Fellowship.
• Bobby Houston, M.D. — Dr. Houston will pursue an Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology Fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Ohio.
• Robert Hutnik, M.D. — Dr. Hutnik will join Envision Anesthesiologists of Greater Orlando in Winter Garden, FL.
• Meena Kanhai, M.D. — Dr. Kanhai will remain at UF for Regional Anesthesiology & Acute Pain Medicine Fellowship.
• Linda Lange, D.O. — Dr. Lange will join Naval Hospital Jacksonville in Jacksonville, FL.
• Ashlyn Mason, M.D. — Dr. Mason will join U.S. Anesthesia Partners in Maitland, FL.
• Tyler McKenzie, M.D. — Dr. McKenzie will join North Florida Regional Medical Center in Gainesville, FL.
• Olesia Merinova, M.D. — Dr. Merinova will pursue a Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology Fellowship at the University of Alabama.
• Vanessa Metellus, M.D. — Dr. Metellus will join a private practice.
• Hamad Sagheer, M.D. — Dr. Sagheer will join UF Health Jacksonville in Jacksonville, FL.
• Sayoni Saha, M.D. — Dr. Saha will pursue a Pediatric Anesthesia Fellowship at Harvard, Boston’s Children Hospital.
• Alisha Shah, M.D. — Dr. Shah will remain at UF for Regional Anesthesiology & Acute Pain Medicine Fellowship.
• Vlad Toropchyn, M.D. — Dr. Toropchyn will remain at UF for Multidisciplinary Pain Medicine Fellowship.
• Georgeanna Tsoumas, D.O. — Dr. Tsoumas will join Northwell Health Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New Hyde Park, NY.
• Andrew Tucker, II, D.O. — Dr. Tucker will join a private practice.
• Michael Walsh, M.D. — Dr. Walsh will join Cleveland Clinic – Hillcrest Hospital in Ohio.
• Jessica Webber, M.D. — Dr. Webber will be considering various career paths and opportunities.
• Gabriella Williams M.D. — Dr. Williams will join U.S. Anesthesia Partners in Orlando, FL.
• Tanner McKai Wood, M.D. — Dr. Wood will join Winchester Anesthesiologists, Inc. in Winchester, VA.
• Talmage Wood, M.D. — Dr. Wood will join Mountain West Anesthesia in Utah.

Learn more about our residency program.

Department members presented 14 posters and led 11 sessions or workshops at the event, which surpasses the numbers from last year’s meeting.

The FSA Annual Meeting is the largest gathering of anesthesiologists in the Southeastern United States.

The meeting’s highlights included a number of sessions delivered or moderated by our faculty: Lauren Berkow, M.D., Chris Giordano, M.D., Barys Ihnatsenka, M.D., Brandon Lopez, M.D., Yong G. Peng, M.D., Julie-Ann Thompson, M.D., and Adam Wendling, M.D.

Drs. Lopez, Thompson, and Wendling were the speakers for the first session of the event, which involved a committee panel that discussed different methods of initiating neuraxial labor analgesia. The panel not only talked about those methods but also considered their advantages and disadvantages.

Third-year resident Kyle Chan, M.D., and Asad Bashir, M.D., assistant professor of anesthesiology, contributed a poster that focused on ascorbic acid and its potential benefits. They concluded that ascorbic acid could serve as a potential option to manage hypotension caused by refractory vasoplegia after liver reperfusion.

Congratulations to all our amazing department members who contributed to this event and represented our department!

The next FSA Annual Meeting will be decided and announced later on by the association. The call for abstracts for the next annual meeting will be opening in winter 2025.

Sessions and Workshops

• Obstetric anesthesia committee panel – battle for the best labor analgesia: The old standard (epidural) vs. the speedy (combined spinal epidural) vs. the new kid (dural puncture epidural)
  • Moderator: Dr. Jennifer Hochman-Cohn
  • Speakers: Dr. Brandon Lopez, Dr. Julie-Ann Thompson, and Dr. Adam Wendling
• Point-of-care coagulation testing for major surgery
  • Moderator: Dr. Yong G. Peng
  • Speakers: Dr. Everett Jones and Dr. Yong G. Peng
• Thinking outside the regional (block) box: new blocks, new service, no problem
  • Moderator: Dr. Osama Hafez
  • Speakers: Dr. Matthew Colontonio, Dr. Roland Rizzi, and Dr. Barys Ihnatsenka
• High-yield head and neck blocks for everyday practice – Dr. Barys Ihnatsenka
• Sustainability Talks: Strategies to Drive Cost Savings and Promote Sustainability in Your Anesthesia Practice
  • Moderator: Dr. Benjamin Houseman
  • Speakers: Dr. Lauren Berkow, Dr. Benjamin Houseman, and Dr. Veronica Zoghbi
• Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) Workshop
  • Moderators: Dr. Yong G. Peng and Dr. Peggy White
  • Faculty: Dr. Cameron Howard, Dr. Amanda Frantz, Dr. Leshawn Richards, Dr. Brian Osman, and Dr. Robyn Weisman
• From the Summit to the OR: Applying Lessons from Mountain Rescue to Anesthesiology
  • Moderator: Dr. Chris Giordano
  • Speaker: Dr. Tiffany Brainerd
• Surgical Tourism and Anesthetic Principles
  • Moderator:  Dr. Cindy Yeoh
  • Speaker: Dr. Felipe Urdaneta
• Committee on Professional Diversity Panel: Disparities in Anesthesia Care and our Roles as Anesthesiologists
  • Moderator: Dr. Rosemarie Garcia-Getting
  • Speakers: Dr. Nahida Chaktoura, Dr. Anastasia Jones, Dr. Sonia Deshmukh Mehta and Dr. Paloma Toledo
• Cardiovascular Topics for Every Anesthesiologist
  • Moderator: Dr. Mo Azam
  • Speakers: Dr. Hong Liang, Dr. Yong G. Peng, and Dr. Michael Smith
• Atrial Fibrillation: An Old Clinical Dilemma and the Pursuit for Innovative Interventions – Dr. Yong G. Peng

Posters

Digital posters

• Efficiency of a structured course of regional anesthesia in resource-limited setting in Guatemala.
  Erika Taco-Vazquez, M.D.; Juan Mora, M.D.; Eduardo Walker-Pena, M.D.; Barys Ihnatsenka, M.D.; Steven Robicsek, M.D., Ph.D.; Federico Jimenez-Ruiz, M.D.
  University of Florida
• Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (Pres) In pregnancy: A case report and anesthetic management during preterm cesarean delivery
  Meena Kanhai, M.D.; Laurie Davies, M.D.; Pavel Balduyeu, M.D.
  University of Florida
• Gastric ultrasound and perioperative management of glp-1 receptor agonists: A quality improvement project
  Ahmed Rashid, B.A.; Erica Matich, B.S.; Michael Lafferty, B.S.; Peggy A White, M.D.; Amanda M Frantz, M.D.
  University of Florida Department of Anesthesiology
• Optimizing neuromuscular blockade in electroconvulsive therapy: A targeted approach to enhance recovery and reduce delirium in a patient with an elevated BMI.
  Benjamin Cipion, M.S.; Ryanne Thelwell, B.S.; Brent R Carr, M.D.; R. Victor Zhang, M.D., Ph.D.
  University of Florida College of Medicine
• The blue towel: A procedural infection barrier that is not what it seems
  Helena Krogman; Anirudh Venkatesh; Mia Corigliano; Timothy Feldheim, M.D.; Amir Jafari, M.D.; Nikolaus Gravenstein, M.D.; Abigail Schirmer, M.D.; Bryan J Stevens, M.D.
  University of Florida

Posters

• Ultrasound-guided pudendal nerve block for perioperative analgesia: A newly established technique for refractory pain after anal surgery?
  Hadia Maqsood, MD; Linda T Le-Wendling
  University of Florida
• A case report: Evaluation of wydase in complete scar removal: Evidence from magnetic resonance imaging and clinical applications
  Helena Krogman; Yazan Chaiah; Jack Leal; Bryan J Stevens, M.D.; Sanjeev Kumar, M.D.
  University of Florida
• Comparative outcomes of cervical catheter and non-catheter epidural steroid injections: An examination of clinical applications and review of outcomes
  Helena Krogman; Sharukh Bengali, M.D.; Aksana Aliakseyeva, M.D.; Bryan Stevens, M.D.; Sanjeev Kumar, M.D.
  University of Florida
• Where did that air come from? An unusual case of tracheoesophageal fistula in a neonate
  Sayoni Saha, M.D., MPH; Tyler Ray, M.D.; Karisa Walker, M.D., MEd
  University of Florida
• A case of modified RSI – optimal depth of sedation is the key
  Kevin Marfiak, D.O., MPH; Nicolas Lara, M.D.; Xiao Rui Yang, M.D.; R. Victor Zhang, M.D., Ph.D.
  University of Florida
• Reevaluating neuromuscular blockade strategies: Addressing succinylcholine hesitancy in cerebral palsy patients undergoing electroconvulsive therapy
  Asad H Bashir, M.D.; Sehrish Saleem; Brent R Carr, M.D.
  University of Florida
• Current trends in leadership amongst critical care anesthesiology fellowships
  Alexandra E Goldman, B.S.¹; Mikahla E Gay, B.A.¹; Brayden Tolman, B.S.¹; Jose G Lima, B.S.¹; Javier J Garcia, M.D.²; Terrie Vasilopoulos, Ph.D.²; Brenda G Fahy, M.D., MCCM^{2
  1}Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine; ²University of Florida
• “Why is the urine getting so cloudy?” a case of uric acid crystal development during propofol TIVA
  Robert Hutnik, M.D.; Jeffrey D White, M.D.
  University of Florida Department of Anesthesiology
• C-ing is believing: Ascorbic acid to the rescue after liver transplant reperfusion
  Kyle H Chan, M.D.; Asad H Bashir, M.D., FAAP
  University of Florida College of Medicine

The 2025 boot camp was held on the first week of June. One of the main purposes of this week of lectures and workshops was to prepare residents for their first year of clinical anesthesia training. Different sessions provided residents with tips, so they can be ready to meet the challenges of an operating room.

The boot camp involved a wide variety of simulations and demonstrations, such as showing residents the basics of airway management and the maintenance of anesthesia. In addition, residents learned how to deal with common emergencies in the operating room and handle different devices and equipment. In one of these sessions, Amanda Frantz, M.D., assistant professor of anesthesiology, taught them the ins and outs of crash carts.

Frantz was also one of many instructors who included hands-on activities in their sessions. As part of her CPR training, residents competed against their peers in a CPR race. To be the winner, the person had to perform the procedure on a dummy accurately and follow the correct rhythm.

Like in previous years, the boot camp included training needed for residents to survive and thrive in a clinical setting. However, it also introduced a new activity this year. Residents broke into teams and competed in a departmental scavenger hunt. One item on the hunt was to find the department chair’s office and take a photo with our interim chair, Greg Janelle, M.D., FASA, FASE.

A number of faculty, residents, and staff worked hard to put together this year’s boot camp and make it a success. Many thanks to the teams at the Anesthesiology Education Office, the Center for Experiential Learning and Simulation, the Center for Safety, Simulation & Advanced Learning Technologies, the Graduate Medical Education Office, and the instructors below.

Special thanks to those outside the department who also came to teach our residents in their areas of expertise:

Learn more about our residency program.

Anesthesiology

• Ju LS, Khan ZA, Gravenstein N, Seubert CN, Setlow B, Martynyuk AE. Intergenerational postoperative neurocognitive disorder in a rat model: Initiating mechanisms and pharmacological prevention. Anesthesiology. Published online May 23, 2025. doi:10.1097/ALN.0000000000005578

Annals of Thoracic Surgery

• Philip J, Jacobs JP, Peek GJ,  Stukov Y, Narasimhulu SS, Coppola JA, Wilson L, Bilgili A, Purlee MS, El Hasnaoui Z, Pitkin AD, Sullivan KJ, Bleiweis MS. 100 episodes of Berlin heart: comparison of patients who underwent VAD explantation after cardiac recovery to those without cardiac recovery. Ann Thorac Surg. Published online May 9, 2025. doi:10.1016/j.athoracsur.2025.04.021

Bioengineering

• De Lazzari B, Capoccia M, Badagliacca R, Maybauer MO, De Lazzari C. Modelling and Simulation of the Interactions Between the Cardiovascular System and the Combined Use of VA ECMO and IABP: Comparison Between Peripheral and Central Configurations. Bioengineering (Basel). 2025;12(5):540. Published 2025 May 17. doi:10.3390/bioengineering12050540

Clinical Anatomy

• Iwanaga J, Kikuchi K, Hur MS, Kawai H, Tabira Y, Reina MA, LaPrade RF, Watanabe K. What do we know about ligaments?. Clin Anat. Published online May 13, 2025. doi:10.1002/ca.24289

Cureus

• Knudsen R, Ma N, Markut KA, Mohamed B. Can physical prehabilitation reverse frailty in elderly patients before spine surgery? A case report. Cureus. 2025;17(5):e84465. Published 2025 May 20. doi:10.7759/cureus.84465
• Kotadia M, Samimi K, Saini AS, Gaetanos J, Benson J. Suspected pediatric pheochromocytoma in a normally hypotensive patient: diagnostic and management complexity. Cureus. 2025;17(4):e82856. Published 2025 Apr 23. doi:10.7759/cureus.82856
• VerHage EJ, Jimenez Ruiz F, VerHage TR, Roig JC. The greater saphenous venipuncture procedure: a reliable phlebotomy method for neonates. Cureus. 2025;17(4):e82837. Published 2025 Apr 23. doi:10.7759/cureus.82837

Healthcare

• Bibiano Guillén L, Recio Carrasco C, Cárdenas Rebollo JM, van Niekerk D, Rodríguez Pascual J, Rubio-Rodríguez MC, Reina MA. Assessment of quality of life and difficulties in recording data from health-related quality of life questionnaires in patients with cancer undergoing immunotherapy treatment. Healthcare (Basel). 2025;13(9):1002. Published 2025 Apr 26. doi:10.3390/healthcare13091002

JAMA Pediatrics

• Dooley FC, Edwards C, Austin TM. What roles do skill and experience play in the rate of first-attempt success in peripheral intravenous catheter insertion with ultrasound guidance?. JAMA Pediatr. Published online May 27, 2025. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2025.1083

Journal of Clinical Anesthesia

• Jones A, Feldtmann EJ, Bellido C, Coughlin EC, Mhaskar, RS, Smith CR, Green BL, Le-Wendling LT. Racial and ethnic differences in acute post-operative pain management: Systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Anesth. Published online May 5, 2025. doi:10.1016/j.jclinane.2025.111858

Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology

• Hshieh TT, Chapin BA, Mak W, et al. Better Assessment of Illness Study (BASIL) II for delirium severity: study design, variables, and methods. J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol. Published online May 16, 2025. doi:10.1177/08919887251343604

Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology

• Snyder DL, Sidhom S, Chatham CE, Tillotson SG, Zapata RD, Modave F, Solly M, Quevedo A, Moawad NS. Utilizing artificial intelligence: machine learning algorithms to develop a preoperative endometriosis prediction model. J Minim Invasive Gynecol. Published online May 19, 2025. doi:10.1016/j.jmig.2025.05.003

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Mid-April marked the end of the University of Florida College of Medicine’s Transition to Residency course led by Amanda Frantz, M.D., and organized by the UF Department of Anesthesiology. This three-week course is designed to prepare medical students for their next steps as residents and is the capstone to their medical education. Frantz, assistant professor of anesthesiology, took over as director of the course this year, and it was the largest class to participate with 151 medical students.

For the first two weeks, all of the students came together for lectures on topics from ethics and antibiotics to wellness and investing. In the third week, students were divided into groups based on their educational direction: adult, pediatric, and perioperative. Nancy Joseph, MBBS, assistant professor of pediatrics, and Andrew Shychuk, M.D., assistant professor of internal medicine, assisted Frantz in organizing the pediatric and adult pathways.

Medical students in the perioperative group, which included those going into the field of anesthesiology, participated in a hands-on workshop, rotating through ten stations. They trained on adult airway, arterial and central lines, bronchoscopy, chest tubes, intraosseous access, peripheral intravenous line using ultrasound, lumbar puncture, defibrillation, and transesophageal and transthoracic echocardiography.

Faculty, fellows, and residents from the UF Departments of Anesthesiology and Surgery led the simulation training, however, this course is truly a multidisciplinary effort. Many thanks to our colleagues from the Departments of Emergency Medicine, Community Health and Family Medicine, Hematology, Medicine, Neurology, Nephrology, Ophthalmology, Pediatrics, and Radiology for their assistance in making this year’s course a success.

Learn more about our educational programs.

Emuejevoke “Voke” Chuba, M.D., M.S., assistant professor of anesthesiology, has been elected to represent the College of Medicine in the University of Florida Faculty Senate. Her term begins in the fall of 2025 and runs through the spring of 2028. Chuba was chosen along with six other members of the College of Medicine. The Faculty Senate is a university-wide institution through which shared governance is practiced at the University of Florida.

“Thank you for your votes, encouragement, and support as I embark on this journey as a member of the UF senate, representing the College of Medicine,” Chuba wrote in an email to the department. “I couldn’t have done it without you.” Chuba joined us in September 2024 in the Divisions of Critical Care Medicine and Cardiothoracic Anesthesia. She completed fellowships in both disciplines at the University of Pittsburgh.

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Joseph AbuRahma, M.D., assistant professor of anesthesiology, was chosen by our residents as the April Faculty Educator of the Month.

Dr. AbuRahma’s nominations highlight his use of small group meetings for teaching and praise him for being an active educator who is also enjoyable to work with in the OR. One read, “Small group meetings are really helpful and make complex topics easier to understand!”

Congratulations, Dr. AbuRahma!

David Jablonski, Jr., M.D., was chosen by his peers as April’s resident of the month!

Jablonski’s nominations praise him for staying cool under pressure, maintaining a positive attitude, and consistently pushing himself out of his comfort zone to learn and become a better physician. “Each time [he felt beyond his comfort level], he has risen to the occasion, held his cool, and shown his ability to take care of the patients,” one of his nominations said. “He’s a great resident and deserves to be recognized!”

Congratulations, Dr. Jablonski!

To explore this issue, UF Department of Anesthesiology faculty members Meghan Brennan, M.D., M.S., and Sonia Mehta, M.D., were joined by colleagues from Stanford University, the University of Chicago, the University of California Irvine, and private surgical practice in co-authoring the article “Perioperative Practice Patterns of Anaesthesiologists Surrounding Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Agonist Medications,” which was published in the Turkish Journal of Anaesthesiology & Reanimation. To explore current medical practice and concerns, the researchers conducted a nationwide survey of all members of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA). Over 1,800 physicians responded, providing valuable insight into how they are navigating the use of GLP-1 agonists.

An overwhelming 97% of respondents reported being familiar with GLP-1 agonists, and 62% indicated having moderate to significant experience with patients on these medications. While 81% of respondents had not personally observed complications in these patients, aspiration due to delayed gastric emptying and subsequently an increased aspiration risk was identified as the primary concern by the majority of respondents. While the precise duration of delayed gastric emptying caused by GLP-1 agonists remains unclear, the possibility of retained stomach contents at the time of surgery has prompted many anesthesiologists to remain cautious. Most practitioners reported following current ASA “nothing by mouth” (NPO) guidelines for patients taking GLP-1 agonists.

As off-label use of GLP-1 agonists continues to rise, particularly for weight loss in otherwise healthy individuals, the authors cite the need for additional guidelines and research. “Free-text responses indicated providers wanted further guidance from the ASA, as current guidelines may be insufficient regarding the NPO as well as medication cessation recommendations,” the article states. “As the use of these drugs becomes ubiquitous, widespread implementation of preoperative anaesthesia clinics should be considered, and excellent communication with the surgical team is essential.”

The study provides insight into understanding how medical professionals are navigating the intersection of popular drug use and surgical safety—and underscores the need for clear, evidence-based guidance as the use of GLP-1 agonists shows no signs of slowing.

Congratulations to Drs. Brennan and Mehta!

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We are thrilled to announce CA3 resident Anthony Boateng, M.D., and CA2 residents Kellen Creech, D.O., and Abby Schirmer, M.D., were inducted into the UF Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS) chapter on May 2.

The GHHS chapter at the UF College of Medicine is called the Chapman Society and is one of more than 180 chapters in medical schools and residency programs. Members are expected to be humanistic leaders and lead initiatives that foster the human connection in healthcare. The GHHS community is made up of medical students, physicians, and other leaders who have been recognized for their compassionate care.

Nominations consist of letters of recommendation citing specific examples of humanistic behavior and character. Current members present at the election meeting vote to extend membership based on things like maintaining compassion in the face of adversity, excellence in teaching, and involvement in service-related activities.

Congratulations Drs. Boateng, Creech, and Schirmer!

Learn more about our residency program.

Critical care medicine fellow Jenna Littmann, M.D., joined us in July 2024 after completing her anesthesiology residency at Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, New York. She spoke to us about her fellowship experience and what is next for her.

Q: How has your fellowship been going?

A: It has been going really well and went by incredibly quickly! All of the attendings have been very supportive of including my input during rounds, allowing me to supervise procedures independently, and aiding in my education. My co-fellows have also become good friends of mine, and it has been great learning from those with emergency medicine and surgery backgrounds. 

Q: What has been the highlight?

A: I really enjoyed my time in unit 77, our cardiac surgery ICU. As a resident in New York, I did not have the opportunity to rotate in our cardiothoracic unit, so it was a great opportunity to learn about managing all the mechanical devices: LVAD, BiVAD, VA and VV ECMO, Impellas, and balloon pumps. The hospital at which I did residency also did not perform lung transplants, so taking care of those patients was a new experience for me. 

Q: Why did you decide to come to the University of Florida (UF) for your critical care medicine fellowship?

A: My decision to come to UF for critical care medicine fellowship was multifactorial. I was looking for a program in the Southeast of the USA to be close to my family, and my brother-in-law did his cardiac anesthesia fellowship at UF in 2016, and he had a wonderful experience with the education at UF and really enjoyed working with his colleagues. After interviewing with UF and seeing all the different ICUs I would be rotating through, I knew I would get a broad exposure to a variety of types of patients to set me up for success in whatever environment I decided to pursue post-fellowship. 

Q: What’s your favorite thing about Gainesville?

A: I’ve been lucky to explore lots that Gainesville has to offer – a UF football game, many different local restaurants, bike riding on the Gainesville-Hawthorne trail, and exploring some of the springs (of course, all while enjoying the Florida sunshine!) Coming from the north, I have simply been trying to spend as much time outdoors as possible.

Q: What is next for you?

A: I actually accepted a pediatric fellowship position in Charleston, South Carolina, to add to my knowledge and repertoire as an anesthesiologist. Beyond that is still to be determined, but I do know I would like to remain in the Florida/Carolinas area, so it’s very possible life will bring me back to UF!

Learn more about our Critical Care Medicine Fellowship.

Lauren Berkow, M.D., FASA, professor of anesthesiology, has been recognized by the University of Florida Office of Sustainability as a champion for change in 2025. Champions for Change awards are given out each year for efforts in sustainability as well as health and wellness. Berkow was chosen for a Sustainability Champion for Change award due to her dedication to environmental conscientiousness at UF Health.

Berkow is co-chair of the UF Health Shands Sustainability Committee and has led numerous sustainability initiatives at UF Health including waste reduction in the OR and recycling programs in the hospitals. Her efforts have helped UF Health earn Practice Greenhealth Environmental Excellence awards annually since 2018. Additionally, Berkow’s creation of educational courses and organization of Earth Day celebrations has significantly raised awareness in the healthcare community.  

Nominations for the Champions for Change awards are judged by a review committee looking for individuals or groups who demonstrate problem solving, innovative thinking, and outstanding service that has a positive impact on the overall goals of sustainability or health and wellness. In the sustainability category, winners have made substantial efforts to improve things like waste reduction, water or energy conservation, and sustainability education.

Congratulations, Dr. Berkow!

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ASA Monitor

• Kazior M, Feldman J, Samouce C, Lampotang S. APSF launches TEI 3 course: Manual External Defibrillation, Cardioversion, and Pacing. ASA Monitor 89(5):p 34-35, May 2025. doi: 10.1097/01.ASM.0001111940.10539.91