We are proud to announce that Sebastián Gatica, M.D., has earned subspecialty certification in neurocritical care, demonstrating his commitment to the care of patients suffering from complex and serious neurological conditions.
The certification, which was launched in 2018, is sponsored by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology (ABPN) and cosponsored by the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA), which offers it to its diplomates.
Anesthesiologists play a key role in the treatment of patients who require neurocritical care, and the certification allows ABA diplomates to distinguish themselves and signify their dedication to improving patient care. Neurocritical care doctors, including anesthesiologists, are specially trained in the diagnosis and management of complex and serious neurological conditions such as encephalitis, traumatic brain injury, and spinal infections.
Gatica, who completed fellowships in neuroanesthesiology and critical care anesthesiology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, saw the value in pursuing the certification, which required a commitment of at least two years of clinical practice in a neuro intensive care unit.
“I think it is important to formalize intertest and training in this area,” said Gatica, assistant professor of anesthesiology. “I feel accomplished from a training perspective.”
Gatica was supported in earning the certification by Edward McGough, M.D.; Brenda Fahy, M.D., M.C.C.M.; and Timothy Morey, M.D. He also credited the UF Health neurocritical care team led by Katharina Busl, M.D., M.S., for welcoming him and allowing him to learn. Going forward, Gatica hopes to work closely with Basma Mohamed, MBChB, to integrate the care of neurosurgical patients with the perioperative experience.
Congratulations, Dr. Gatica!