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.
We invite you to explore our department website and join our vibrant community.
Train here,
thrive anywhere.™
Our training programs prepare tomorrow’s leaders in clinical and academic medicine.
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
Jake AuBuchon, MD
Jake grew up on a horse farm in Union, MO. His father worked as a part-time horse trainer, so much of his childhood was spent cleaning stalls, fixing fence, and going to horse shows around Missouri. He completed the combined degree program at the University of Missouri – Kansas City (Go Kangaroos!). After medical school, Jake completed his anesthesiology residency, pain management fellowship, and pediatric anesthesiology fellowship at Washington University. He also spent three months at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital for additional pediatric pain medicine exposure. Jake is currently the Director of Pediatric Pain Management at St. Louis Children’s Hospital and his clinical practice focuses on pediatric acute and chronic pain management in addition to still l providing OR pediatric anesthesia. He also enjoys being involved in medical student and resident education. Outside of work, he loves spending time with my his wife, Sarah, and his 3 children (Owen, Bella, and Lucy). Family days usually involve going on hikes, biking, and being active.
Broc Burke, MD, PhD
Allison Mitchell, MD
Allison is a proud Texan and graduate of University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. She then traveled to St. Louis for anesthesiology residency where she has remained happily since 2012. She served as a Chief Resident in 2015-2016 and completed Obstetric Anesthesia Fellowship in 2016-2017. She has served as a faculty member primarily working in Obstetric Anesthesia as well as the General Division in Parkview Tower. She is extremely excited for her new role as Associate Program Director of the residency. Her goal in this position is to improve wellness education and give back to the program that gave her unparalleled training. Outside of work, she enjoys becoming a wine connoisseur and traveling internationally with friends and family.
Kelly Nessel
Kelly was born and raised in St. Louis and currently lives with her fiancé Ken, her 22-year-old daughter Sierra, and their forever-puppy, Trixie (she’s 6). She joined the department in August 2010 as the Clinical Operations Manager supporting South Campus operations. As opportunities presented themselves, her role evolved, and she is now the Clinic Administrator responsible for managing cross-functional workflows and operational efficiencies for a team of 12 amazing administration members who support General, OB, Regional, Trauma, and CPAP. Kelly also acts as the MyDay Project Manager, HIPAA Liaison, and United Way Ambassador. Before WashU, Kelly managed claim processing units and call centers in the medical insurance field. She prides herself on being a ‘lifelong learner’ and recently earned a Master’s of Business Administration degree in December from Maryville University. Kelly loves reading (currently focused on the 1920s era), running to keep her brain calm, and, most importantly, helping her parents in Highland, IL, with their prairie restoration. Finding ‘balance’ in life is the key!
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.
Latest News
Jamie Brown-Shpigel, MD, accepts POD 4 Leader role
Anesthesiology program ranks among nation’s best
Pratik Sinha, MBChB, PhD, joins department
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.