Welcome to the Department of Anesthesiology


The Department of Anesthesiology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis is one of the most successful and innovative anesthesiology programs in the U.S. We have a long and rich history of excellence in the multi-faceted missions of collaborative patient care, education, and research.

2023 Highlights & Accomplishments

We are proud to share a brief overview of our accomplishments and highlight
the breadth and depth of these achievements across our quadripartite missions.

Latest News

Study in Cell sheds light on neuronal pathways of sneezing and coughing

Study in Cell sheds light on neuronal pathways of sneezing and coughing
In a recent study published in Cell, Professor of Anesthesiology, Qin Liu, PhD, and her team at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have identified the specific neurons that trigger sneezing and coughing in mice. This discovery marks a significant advancement in our understanding of these fundamental reflexes, with potential implications for managing respiratory symptoms in humans.

Train here,
thrive anywhere.®

Our training programs prepare tomorrow’s leaders in clinical and academic medicine. Trainees thrive in a challenging environment fueled by a spirit of camaraderie and our shared determination to improve patient care. 

Groundbreaking Research

The department is heavily funded by grants from the National Institutes of Health and has ranked among the top five anesthesiology departments in NIH dollars for over 15 years.

Committed to providing exceptional patient care


We work collaboratively with our partners at Washington University School of Medicine and the nationally ranked Barnes-Jewish Hospital system to continuously improve the health and well-being of the people in our community.  We take pride in being leaders in the rapidly-advancing field of anesthesiology – encompassing perioperative medicine, peripartum and critical care, and pain management.


Featured Anesthesiology Department Members

Gabrielle Fernandez, MD
Resident Physician

Menelaos Karanikolas, MD, MPH
Pod 5 Leader; Professor of Anesthesiology

Sarah Perez, CRNA
CRNA, Assistant Professor, and Scheduling Coordinator for the Nurse Anesthesia Program

Patrick Yursik
Director of Marketing & Communications

Department Updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Our department is closely monitoring the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). See the latest departmental updates and resources on the coronavirus page.

Why we love St. Louis

Here you’ll find charming neighborhoods, vibrant cultural and culinary scenes, and plenty of fun for nature-lovers and urbanites alike – all packed into an incredibly affordable city.