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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
Meet Paola Nathaly Silva Enriquez, M.D., a talented and dedicated member of our anesthesiology residency program. After completing her medical degree at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Facultad de Medicina in Colombia, Enriquez joined our team as an intern in 2024. As she embarks on her first clinical…
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…
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…
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…
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.
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…
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…
Six of our faculty members were promoted this year, effective July 1, 2025. Congratulations to Meghan Brennan, M.D., Cole Dooley, M.D., Christopher Edwards, M.D., Amanda Frantz, M.D., Sanjeev Kumar, M.D., and Juan Mora, M.D.! Kumar was promoted to clinical professor, while Brennan, Dooley, Edwards, Frantz, and Mora earned the clinical…
Timothy W. Martin, M.D., MBA, FASA, FAAP, professor of anesthesiology and pediatrics and associate chair for education, has been appointed by the American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM) as an item writer for the Health Care Administration, Leadership, and Management (HALM) examination. As an item writer, Martin will help the…
Please join us in welcoming Tyler Fong, M.D., who has joined us as an assistant professor in the Division of Acute Pain Medicine. Fong earned his medical degree at St. George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada and completed his anesthesiology residency at Rutgers Health in Livingston NJ, where he…
Laurie K. Davies, M.D., recently spoke with us about her career with the University of Florida Department of Anesthesiology. She is a professor of anesthesiology, a joint professor of surgery, an affiliate professor of obstetrics and gynecology, and medical director of UF Health Shands Hospital’s operating rooms. Q: You completed…
Congratulations to Benjamin Chapin, M.D., on being named co-chair of the American Delirium Society (ADS) Research Committee. Chapin, a cognitive-behavioral neurologist, joined the department as an assistant professor in 2023. As part of the University of Florida’s Perioperative Cognitive Anesthesia Network (PeCAN), he works with patients who have…
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 interim associate chair of research for the UF Department of Anesthesiology. Dr. Przkora advocates for a collaborative…
Olga “Kiki” Nin, M.D., recently spoke with us about her career with the University of Florida Department of Anesthesiology. She is a clinical associate professor in the Division of Acute Pain Medicine, the assistant chair for clinical services, and medical director of UF Health’s Florida Surgical Center and…
Charlie Kim, M.D., joined the department as a UF Health physician and medical director at the Ocala Neighborhood Hospital in our Regional Programs Network. He comes to us from TidalHealth in Maryland where he was a staff anesthesiologist and the medical director of ambulatory centers. Prior to TidalHealth, Kim was…
Asad Bashir, M.D., FAAP, and Kenneth John, M.D., joined the UF Department of Anesthesiology as assistant professors in September. Bashir joined the Division of Liver & Transplant Anesthesiology and John joined the Division of Critical Care Medicine. Bashir received his medical degree from Shifa College of Medicine in Islamabad,…
We’re pleased to welcome two new faculty members to the Department of Anesthesiology. Kevin Priddy, M.D., and Andrey Suprun, M.D., both joined the Division of Acute Pain Medicine as assistant professors on August 5, and have both recently completed our Regional Anesthesiology & Acute Pain Medicine (RAAPM) Fellowship Program. Dr.
Please join us in congratulating Laurie Davies, M.D., and Albert Robinson, III, M.D., who have both been promoted to the rank of clinical professor. Promotion in the Department of Anesthesiology represents consistent hard work, dedication, and commitment to the goals of our institution. We’re grateful to Dr. Davies and Dr.
Shigeharu Tsuda, Ph.D., transitioned from a postdoctoral associate to assistant scientist in the Division of Research last month. Tsuda earned his M.S. in kinesiology from Indiana University. He also earned an M.S. in animal sciences and a Ph.D. in veterinary medicine, both here at the University of Florida.
Rene Przkora, M.D., Ph.D., professor of anesthesiology and director of our multidisciplinary pain medicine fellowship, has been appointed as an at-large member of Graduate Medical Education Committee (GMEC). The GMEC is responsible for the oversight and administration of each of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-accredited programs, which…
The Department of Anesthesiology is pleased to welcome Casey Miller, MSN, APRN, to UF Health Pain Medicine – Halifax Health. Miller will be joining Mark Bender, M.D., as a nurse practitioner. Miller received his nursing degree from Santa Fe College, and is a recent graduate from the University of Phoenix,…
Congratulations to Karisa Walker, M.D., M.Ed., associate professor of anesthesiology and associate program director of education assessments, who was chosen by our residents as the February Faculty Educator of the Month! Read on for some excerpts from her nominations. “Dr. Walker has an extensive background in educational theory, particularly for…
Rene Przkora, M.D., Ph.D., professor of anesthesiology and director of our multidisciplinary pain medicine fellowship, has been appointed to the Communications and Website Committee for the Association of University Anesthesiologists (AUA). Przkora was chosen for his leadership attributes and dedication to academic anesthesiology. The Communications and Website Committee for the…
We are pleased to announce the appointment of our three new chief residents for the upcoming academic year. Alex Horowitz, D.O., Bobby Houston, M.D., and Georgeanna Tsoumas, D.O., will serve from April 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025. The position of chief resident is an important role, and members of…
We are excited to announce that two of our staff members—Kathy Parrish, MBA, and Abbey Doege—have been honored with 2024 Superior Accomplishment Awards for their outstanding contributions to our department and institution! Winners of the Superior Accomplishment Awards are nominated by supervisors, peers, and customers. They have shown a consistent…
We recently had an opportunity to chat with Chris Giordano, M.D., professor of anesthesiology and director of the Anesthesiology/Critical Care Clerkship. Dr. Giordano is also the current president of the Florida Society of Anesthesiologists (FSA) and was recently named the Phase 2/3 Teacher of the Year for the…
Greg Janelle, M.D., FASE, FASA, interim chair of the Department of Anesthesiology and a professor of anesthesiology and surgery, has been named vice chief of the medical staff at UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville. In this role, he will continue his long-standing commitment to managing Credentials Committee activities, minutes, credentialing…
Andrey Suprun, M.D., is currently a fellow in our Regional Anesthesiology & Acute Pain Medicine Fellowship (RAAPM) Program, and will be joining us in the fall as an assistant professor in the Division of Acute Pain Medicine. We sat down with Dr. Suprun to discuss his journey in the…
Robert Tokhunts, M.D., Ph.D., joined the department last month as an assistant professor in the Division of Critical Care Medicine. Tokhunts earned his Ph.D. in pharmacology and toxicology at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, and was a neuroscience fellow at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland. After…
Terrie Vasilopoulos, Ph.D., associate professor of anesthesiology and orthopaedic surgery & sports medicine, has been voted into the University of Florida Society of Teaching Scholars (STS) by current society members. Vasilopoulos, who is the current chair-elect of the American Statistical Association’s Statistical Consulting Section and a statistical editor for the…
Congratulations to Trevor Sudweeks, D.O., who was chosen by our residents as our Faculty Educator of the Month. Dr. Sudweeks is an OPS physician here in the department. Read on for some quotes from his nominations. “Dr. Sudweeks is a wonderful educator who makes learning stress free and something to…
Janos Geli, M.D., Ph.D., joined the Department of Anesthesiology in February as an assistant professor of anesthesiology in the Division of Critical Care Medicine. Geli earned his medical degree from University of Pecs Medical School in Hungary and subsequently completed work as a research fellow, attained a Ph.D., and…
Chris Giordano, M.D., professor of anesthesiology and director of the Anesthesiology/Critical Care Clerkship, has been named the Phase 2/3 Teacher of the Year for the UF College of Medicine for 2022-23. “This award is particularly special because it is entirely voted on by the students,” wrote Shireen Madani Sims,…
Congratulations to associate professor of anesthesiology Joshua Sappenfield, M.D., who was chosen by our residents as the December Faculty Educator of the Month! Check out some of the comments from his nominations to see why our residents love working with this talented physician. “Dr. Sappenfield is a great teacher, always…
We’re pleased to congratulate Andrey Suprun, M.D., and David Hutchinson, M.D., on being issued a patent for their new technology, “Intravenous Tubing Venting Assembly.” The patent describes a method and intravenous tubing apparatus which provides air bubbles with a venting path that does not permit fluid passage. Suprun…
We are excited to congratulate Tim Martin, M.D., MBA, FASA, associate chair for education, chief of the Division of Pediatric Anesthesiology, and professor of anesthesiology, for his recent selection to the national leadership council of the Association of Anesthesiology Core Program Directors (AACPD). As part of its national leadership council,…
Maria A. K. Öhrn, M.D., joined the Department of Anesthesiology in January as an assistant professor in the Division of Multispecialty Anesthesiology. Öhrn is a “triple gator,” having completed her bachelor’s degree, medical degree, and anesthesiology residency here at the University of Florida. She was also a clinical instructor/special fellow…
Tom Guyton, M.D., rejoined the UF Department of Anesthesiology faculty this month as an assistant professor in the Division of Multispecialty Anesthesiology. Guyton earned his medical degree from Harvard Medical School and completed his anesthesiology residency here at the University of Florida. After completing an NIH Training Grant at the…
Burhan Kazaal, M.D., joined the department this month as an assistant professor in the Division of Multispecialty Anesthesiology. Kazaal earned his medical degree from Damascus University in Damascus, Syria. After working as a primary care physician at Riyadh Central Hospital in Saudi Arabia for several years, he came to…
Jeanelle Brown, M.D., joined us last December as chief of anesthesiology at Halifax Health | UF Health. Since then, she has taken the lead on a number of initiatives, noting that their success is due to the support of UF Health and Halifax Health leadership. “I am proud of…
Kayser Enneking, M.D., professor of anesthesiology and orthopaedics, was recently honored by UF Women in Medicine and Science (WIMS) for her professional excellence, contribution as a role model, and outstanding leadership. Enneking, who also received the UF College of Medicine’s Lifetime Achievement Award earlier this year, shared…
Please help us congratulate Patrick Millan, M.D, who was chosen by our residents as the October 2023 Faculty Educator of the Month. Dr. Millan is an assistant professor in the division of Cardiothoracic Anesthesia, and it’s no surprise to see him win this award. He was recently one…
Abigail Schirmer, M.D., CA-1, who once presented a research poster at the 2016 American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) annual meeting as a University of Florida undergraduate, returned from this year’s conference as president-elect of the ASA Resident Component. Schirmer, who was elected unanimously, is the first female…
Five of our amazing faculty were promoted this year, effective July 1, 2023. Congratulations to Linda Le-Wendling, M.D., Basma Mohamed, MBChB, Cameron Smith, M.D., Ph.D., Jose Soberon, M.D., and Patrick Tighe, M.D., M.S.! Le-Wendling and Tighe have been promoted to the rank of clinical professor and professor, respectively. Mohamed and…
Kayser Enneking, M.D., professor of anesthesiology and orthopaedics, is a name synonymous with excellence in the field of anesthesiology. Due to her exceptional contributions throughout her 30+ years of service at the University of Florida College of Medicine, she has been honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. “We’re fortunate that…
Greg Janelle was appointed interim chair for the Department of Anesthesiology in January, but his time with the University of Florida goes much further back. We sat down with Greg to discuss his past, present and future with the department. Q: What was your time at UF as a…
Please help us congratulate our February 2023 Resident of the Month: Talles Sidronio, M.D., CA-3! Dr. Sidronio was nominated by his fellow residents and faculty for his hard work and motivation and for going above and beyond in his duties. Below are some of the quotes from his nominations.
We are thrilled to announce the results of the 2023 NRMP Match! We successfully matched with 20 categorical (4-year) residents, including five from the University of Florida College of Medicine. Additionally, we matched with four “reserved for physician” (3-year) residents and one “advanced” physician who will begin training at…
Every year our anesthesiology interns go through a four-week rotation that is focused solely on didactics and simulations called Intern Education Month. The rotation also introduces the residents to available resources that can help them clinically and academically. Sprinkled throughout are wellness activities so that classmates can form closer relationships…
Please help us congratulate our January 2023 Resident of the Month: Georgeanna Tsoumas, D.O., CA-1! Dr. Tsoumas was nominated by her fellow residents and faculty for her hard work and motivation and for going above and beyond in her duties. Below are some of the quotes from her nominations.
We are pleased to announce that Martin Noguera, M.S., Research Administrator II, has been honored with the 2023 UF Superior Accomplishment Award for his outstanding contributions to our department and institution! The Superior Accomplishment Awards program is designed to recognize outstanding faculty and staff for their dedication to their…
Ben Chapin, M.D., a cognitive-behavioral neurologist who previously was a research fellow with the UF Health Perioperative Cognitive Anesthesia Network (PeCAN), has joined the department as an assistant professor. Prior to stepping into his new role, he took part in the Integrative and Multidisciplinary Pain and Aging Research Training…
Marc Oliver Maybauer, M.D., Ph.D., joined us in January as professor of anesthesiology and chief of our Critical Care Medicine Division. In addition, he will assume the responsibilities of Executive Director of the Critical Care Organization at UF and Director of the Anesthesiology ECMO Program. Before joining us, Dr. Maybauer…
Please help us congratulate our December 2022 Resident of the Month: Gabriella Williams, M.D., CA-1! Dr. Williams was nominated by her fellow residents and faculty for her hard work and motivation and for going above and beyond in her duties. Below are some of the quotes from her nominations.
Congratulations to Terrie Vasilopoulos, Ph.D., associate professor of anesthesiology and orthopaedic surgery & sports medicine, for being named a statistical editor for the Journal of Clinical Anesthesia (JCA)! In this role, Dr. Vasilopoulos will review submitted papers for statistical quality as well as organize, write and solicit editorials on statistical…
We are pleased to announce that Gregory M. Janelle, M.D., FASE, FASA, has been appointed interim chair of the department of anesthesiology. In his new role, Dr. Janelle will provide leadership for anesthesiology’s residency and fellowship programs, interdisciplinary research programs and clinical services, and will oversee faculty development and administrative…
Mark Bender, M.D., joined us on Aug. 15 as a UF Health physician in chronic pain medicine for the regional anesthesia program at UF Health Pain Medicine – Halifax Health in Daytona Beach, Florida. In this role, Dr. Bender will play a key role in expanding the UF Health Pain…
François Modave, Ph.D., joined us on Aug. 1 as a professor in artificial intelligence (AI). Dr. Modave received a Ph.D. in computer science from the ENSEEIHT in Toulouse, France. For the first half of his career, he focused on artificial intelligence and mathematical methods of decision theory and game theory.
Peter Nguyen, M.D., joined us on Aug. 2 as a UF Health physician for the regional anesthesia programs at Halifax Health. He comes to us from C.A.S.E. Medical Group in Sacramento, CA, where he worked as an anesthesiologist for two years. Dr. Nguyen completed his anesthesiology residency with the UF…
Yosaf Zeyed, M.D., M.S., joined us on Aug. 1 as an assistant professor in the Division of Multispecialty Anesthesia. He joins us from West Virginia University, where he served as assistant professor in the Department of Anesthesiology since 2018. Dr. Zeyed earned his medical degree from Benghazi University and his…
We are pleased to announce that Amanda Frantz, M.D., assistant professor of anesthesiology, has been named interim chief of the Division of Critical Care Medicine. In this role, Dr. Frantz will ensure that patients receive high-quality care and serve as a contact point for faculty and staff to…
Congratulations to our four faculty who were promoted effective July 1, 2022! Christopher Giordano, M.D.: promoted to clinical professorOlga “Kiki” Nin, M.D.: promoted to clinical associate professorTerrie Vasilopoulos, Ph.D.: promoted to research associate professorYury Zasimovich, M.D.: promoted to clinical associate professor Promotion is a significant professional…
We are pleased to announce that Brandon Lopez, M.D., assistant professor of anesthesiology, has been named medical director for CRNA/CAA services on the academic campus. In this role, Dr. Lopez will enhance communication among the CRNAs/CAAs and other parties such as the department, serve as a liaison and advocate for…
We are saddened to share the news that Robert Roy Kirby, M.D., Colonel, USAF, MC (retired), a professor in the UF Department of Anesthesiology for 21 years, has died. Kirby was a pioneer in developing ventilation concepts and bringing them to patients, as well as a prolific author. He focused…
We are saying farewell this spring to Ilan Keidan, M.D., associate professor of anesthesiology, as he retires after more than 20 years at UF, including the past 16 on faculty. Keidan completed his anesthesiology residency at UF after earning his medical degree from Sackler School of Medicine at Tel-Aviv University…
Kelly Spaulding, who worked tirelessly to make our residents and fellows feel at home and serve our faculty, retired this March after more than 30 years with the Department of Anesthesiology. Kelly’s unparalleled event-planning skills, knowledge, and good cheer have been vital to the successful operations of the Anesthesiology…
Patrick Millan, M.D., joined us in March as an Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology in the Division of Cardiovascular Anesthesia. He graduated from our Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology Fellowship in June 2021 and has worked since at the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center. Dr. Millan earned his medical degree from Florida State…
Bruce Spiess, M.D., FAHA, a cardiothoracic anesthesiologist and world-renowned expert on blood management who has been an ardent proponent of research, retired in early March after six years with the Department of Anesthesiology.
We are excited to announce that Vera Rehberg, administrative specialist II, has been honored with the 2021-22 UF Superior Accomplishment Award for her outstanding contributions to our department and institution. The Superior Accomplishment Awards recognize faculty and staff who have shown efficiency or economy in their work, contributed outstanding and…
Amir Jafari, D.O., joined us on Feb. 7 as an Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology in the Division of Multispecialty Anesthesia. He graduated from our Multidisciplinary Pain Medicine Fellowship in June 2021 and has worked since then as an interventional pain physician at Pain Treatment Center in Ocala. Dr. Jafari earned…
Airway experts As the delta variant caused a surge of patients with COVID-19 to be hospitalized at UF Health this summer, the department’s anesthetists redeployed to help. CRNAs and CAAs put their specialized skills and airway expertise to use on proning and intubation teams and helped provide high-level patient care…
Gevalin Srisooksai, M.D., joined us as an assistant professor of anesthesiology in the Division of Neuroanesthesiology on Oct. 24. She completed our Neuroanesthesiology Fellowship this fall after completing her anesthesiology residency with us. She also worked as OPS faculty throughout 2020 and 2021. Dr. Srisooksai earned her medical degree at…
Thousands of anesthesiology professionals from around the world attended the 2021 American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Annual Meeting held Oct. 9-12 in San Diego, CA. The meeting is the world’s largest anesthesia-educational event focused on the science and practice of anesthesiology. It allows anesthesiology professionals to…
Congratulations to Ricky McHugh, residency/fellowship coordinator II, who has been honored with the 4th Quarter 2021 Program Coordinator Superstar award from the UF Graduate Medical Education Office! Ricky was nominated by Timothy W. Martin, M.D., M.B.A., FASA, professor of anesthesiology, associate chair for education, and chief of the Division…
Congratulations to Sylvain Doré, Ph.D., FAHA, who was recently honored for his leadership and service as the 2020-21 UF Faculty Senate Chair during a reception organized by UF President Kent Fuchs, Ph.D. Doré received a plaque and gavel in honor of his work throughout his term. Doré also gave remarks…
Second-year resident, Muna Oli, M.D., has been appointed as one of two resident representatives to the University of Florida Graduate Medical Education Clinical Learning Environment Review (CLER) Council. Timothy Martin, M.D., Professor of Anesthesiology and Associate Chair for Education, recommended Oli to the council which seeks housestaff perspectives on the…
This month we are saying farewell to Nettie Van Wyen, an administrative assistant II who served the Division of Critical Care Medicine, as she retires after five years with the department. Nettie joined us in November 2016 after 10 years at UF. She first joined UF as an assistant to…
We are excited to have three accomplished doctors joining us. Welcome to the department! Robin Bergbauer, M.D., joined us on Sept. 13 as an assistant professor in the Division of Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology. She joins us from HCA Healthcare in New Port Richey, Florida, where she worked as a cardiovascular anesthesiologist.
Isaac Luria, M.D., joined us as an assistant professor of anesthesiology in the Division of Acute Pain Medicine in September 2021. He completed a yearlong fellowship in our Division of Acute Pain Medicine this summer after completing his anesthesiology residency with us. Luria earned his medical degree at UF, as…
Congratulations to Kelly Spaulding, program assistant in the Education Office, who was honored in August for 30 years of service to the University of Florida! Kelly received a plaque from Kent Fuchs, Ph.D., UF president, at a staff appreciation reception held Aug. 10 at the Earl and Christy Powell University…
Congratulations to third-year resident Andrew Neff, D.O., and second-year resident Alicia McLeod, M.D., who have been elected to serve as the anesthesiology representatives on the 2021-22 University of Florida College of Medicine Housestaff Council! Neff will serve as hospital relations chair as part of the council’s…
Nicholas Hosford, M.H.A., joined us as Practice Manager, Pain Medicine UF Health Springhill, on Monday, July 26. Nicholas has worked for the Department of Orthopaedics at UF Health since 2016, most recently as business office supervisor. He has held prior positions with Dermatology Associates and as relief manager for Ronald McDonald…
Welcome to the department! Jonathan “Nicky” Cates, M.D., joined us on July 1 as an assistant professor in the Division of Critical Care Medicine after completing his Critical Care Medicine fellowship with us. Cates earned his medical degree from the University of South Carolina and completed his residency in…
Congratulations to Sanjeev Kumar, MD, Sonia Mehta, MD, and Richa Wardhan, MD, who have been promoted to Associate Professor, effective July 1, 2021! Promotion is a significant professional achievement, representing the culmination of years of dedicated work. All three have made outstanding contributions to our university, our…
Our Pain Medicine Faculty, Fellows, and their families celebrating graduating at Lake Wauburg. The 2021 graduates of our fellowship programs celebrated the milestone in small groups at various locations in recent weeks. We are extremely proud of each of our graduates for their hard work and dedication to…
Congratulations to fourth-year resident, David Hutchinson, M.D., and recent graduate Milu Thakkar, M.D., who were inducted into UF’s Resident Chapter of the national Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS). Hutchinson and Thakkar were nominated by their peers for induction into the organization, which comprises medical students, residents, faculty, and other…
Congratulations to Albert R. Robinson III, M.D., associate professor of anesthesiology, on completion of his term as 2020-2021 president of the UF College of Medicine Faculty Council! He will now serve as past president for one year and received a plaque in recognition of his outstanding leadership and…
We are excited to announce that Samsun (Sem) Lampotang, Ph.D., FSSH, FAIMBE, has received the prestigious 2022 J.S. Gravenstein Award from the Society for Technology in Anesthesia (STA). The award is named for Joachim S. “Nik” Gravenstein, M.D. (1925-2009), Lampotang’s mentor and a driving force in advancing…
Rishab Chimmanamada, M.H.A., joined us on May 28 as the Manager of Health Care Administration at Central Florida Health. Rishab earned his Master of Health Administration degree from Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine in May 2021. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from…
The UF Department of Anesthesiology is joining healthcare providers nationwide in recognizing the unique skills of Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants (CAAs) during National CAA Week. As members of our anesthesia team, CAAs help provide each patient with the safest model of care. Our CAAs are dedicated, highly educated, and extensively trained…
In the past three years, the Anesthesiology Wellness Program has grown substantially, adding eight thriving interest groups on topics ranging from cooking to meditation and increasing participation in all areas of the department by hosting speakers and events. The wellness program’s mission is to encourage physical activity and mental…
Congratulations to anesthesiology intern Blessing Ogbemudia, M.D., who has been honored with the LEAD Resident Award presented by UF Health Shands Hospital nursing staff for his outstanding performance in promoting high-quality patient care. The award recognizes a resident who has gone above and beyond professionally and in their patient…
Each year, National Nurses Week beings on National Nurses Day, May 6, and ends on Florence Nightingale’s birthday, May 12. Registered nurses in the United States constitute our nation’s largest health care profession and are an indispensable component of the safety and quality of care of hospitalized patients. We want…
F. Kayser Enneking, M.D., has been honored with the 2021 Gaston Labat Award from the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine. She delivered a lecture at the 46th Annual Regional Anesthesiology and Acute Pain Medicine Meeting on May 15 as part of the Excellence in ASRA…
Please help us congratulate our Residents of the Month! February Resident of the Month: Aaron Hanson, M.D. Dr. Hanson has consistently worked hard, willingly changed his schedule for the benefit of his colleagues, stepped up in multiple difficult cases to assist the attending, and served as a patient advocate. Special Recognition:…
Congratulations to Carley Hume, administrative assistant II, for being selected as the winner of the fifth annual Rebecca Y. Lovely Outstanding Service Award! Carley joined our department in early 2020 and has consistently demonstrated dedication, professionalism, efficiency, and enthusiasm in her role in the Chair’s Office. Nominators noted that…
We are proud to announce that third-year resident Dave Hutchinson, MD, has been honored with the 2020 Outstanding Resident Educator Award. This award is presented by the University of Florida’s Society of Teaching Scholars to one individual from each department. The award is intended to honor a resident who…
Tammy Bleeker, M.Ed., joined us on April 5, 2021, as Assistant Director for Education and Training Programs. In this position, Tammy will oversee the operations of the Education Office. Tammy comes to us from the Department of Pediatrics in the UF College of Medicine, where she has worked for the…
The UF Department of Anesthesiology is joining the healthcare community nationwide in honoring the extraordinary physicians who have dedicated their careers to caring for others. National Doctors Day provides an opportunity to thank the physicians who provide the highest quality patient care and to recognize their sacrifices. Doctors work long…
After a nearly 31-year career serving our department in numerous capacities ranging from helping to manage the Critical Care Medicine division and their fellows to assisting faculty, Poppy Meehan officially retired at the end of February. Poppy began her career at the University of Florida in 1990 as an…
We are excited to announce that two staff members – Kathy Parrish, MBA, and Christina Hendricks, MA – have been awarded 2020–2021 UF Superior Accomplishment Awards for their outstanding contributions to our department and institution during an especially challenging year. The Superior Accomplishment Awards recognize faculty and staff who have shown efficiency or economy…
This month we are saying farewell to Robert “Butch” Loeb, MD, an exemplary clinician who is retiring after four years with our department. Dr. Loeb joined the Department of Anesthesiology in March 2017 as a Professor of Anesthesiology in the Division of Multispecialty Anesthesiology. He started his academic career at…
A big welcome to Kimberly Sibille, PhD, MA, as a Joint Associate Professor with the Division of Pain Medicine, and Brent Carr, MD, as Joint Assistant Professor. Dr. Sibille is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Aging & Geriatric Research as well as Affiliate Faculty in the…
Eleven of our faculty have been awarded the Exemplary Teacher Award for 2020! 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…
Congratulations to Professor Brenda G. Fahy, MD, MCCM, who has received a Spring 2021 Faculty Enhancement Opportunity (FEO) award to complete a university-based Sherpa Executive Coaching Program to further her leadership and mentoring skills. Dr. Fahy received $4,666 in FEO funding to attend the fully immersive program, which she…
This month, we said farewell to longtime Professor of Anesthesiology Avner Sidi, MD, who retired after 35 years with the department. Dr. Sidi was a prolific author whose work on simulation, transplantation anesthesia, and other basic science concepts positively impacted the next generation of physicians and our field. He will…
This month, we are saying farewell to Ramachandran Ramani, MBBS, MD, a Professor of Anesthesiology in the Division of Neuroanesthesia and an internationally known expert on functional MRI, who has retired after five years with our department. Dr. Ramani joined us in January 2016 from Yale University School of Medicine.
Please join us in congratulating Bryan Ray, MD, and Maggie Green, CAA! Residents and anesthetists are nominated by residents and faculty for their hard work, motivation, and for going above and beyond in their duties. Dr. Ray was chosen as November resident of the month for his endurance and…
Pablo Pizarro Rosario, MD, joined us on Aug. 17, 2020, as an Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology in the Division of Critical Care Medicine. He has more than 30 years of military service and joins us from the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth in Virginia, where he has served as a staff…
Revered Professor Nikolaus Gravenstein, MD, has been selected for the 2020 University of Florida College of Medicine Faculty Council Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his more than three decades of contributions to our department, specialty, and institution. The award recognizes the most outstanding members of…
Dr. Boezaart brought passion, learning, and innovation, as well as his very special presence, and he will be missed. We would like to thank him for all of his efforts to make UF a better place.
On January 22, 2018, administrative staff of the Department of Anesthesiology received an email. The subject: “Wellness Team – Volunteers Needed.” That email was the first in a chain of events leading to the foundation of what is now a thriving department-wide Wellness Program. In response to feedback from staff…
Brenda Fahy, MD, remembers exactly where she was when she received one of the most important phone calls of her life. “I was standing on the beach,” she said. “I don’t remember exactly what was said after I was informed I’d be the next president…
By Susan Ford, RN My first recollection of anything medical was at about age 3–5 when my mother actually worked as a nurse’s aide at J. Hillis Miller Health Science Center (now UF Health Shands). Mom would come home and tell me stories about “grand rounds” and I could say…
By Alberto Bursian, MD When I first began my residency in July 2016, my only goal was to make sure I did no harm. In July 2017, when I was first unpaired, the reality of that goal became very real. Political advocacy was not a thought in my…
By Megan Koenig As a Clinical Research Coordinator for the Department of Anesthesiology, I have had the opportunity to understand clinical care and to play a role in the discovery of innovative techniques. My involvement began over three years ago as a Research Assistant while I was an undergraduate…
We pass each other in the hall, we exchange emails, we chat in the break room, but how well do we really know our colleagues? Five randomly selected members of our department discuss their homes, their jobs, and their hobbies. Want to be featured? Let us know! Advanced Practice…
By Lauren Berkow, MD, UF Sustainability Committee Did you know that April was Earth Month? In our practice as anesthesiologists, what we do every day can directly impact the environmental footprint of our hospital. The inhalational anesthetic gases we deliver to our patients are greenhouse gases. The exhaled…
