Recognized leaders in
Anesthesiology
Learn more about our nationally ranked
training programs.
Welcome to the Department of Anesthesiology
The Department of Anesthesiology at WashU Medicine 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.
Career Opportunities
We offer exciting opportunities in the department for medical doctors, CRNAs, ACNPs, PAs, administrative professionals, and others. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds to join a collaborative and inclusive environment.
The Gift of Time
Dr. Michael S. Avidan, former head of the Department of Anesthesiology, was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer in 2022. He was given only 6 months to live. Yet four years later he is still living a fulfilling life — gifted by clinicians and scientists the time to keep loving, working, thinking and appreciating the world around him.
This is one physician’s personal message about science, gratitude and hope.
Latest News
Scientists identify brain’s brake that shuts off chronic pain (Links to an external site)
How early-life stress leaves a ‘scar’ inside brain cells (Links to an external site)
Matern appointed CRNA Program Medical Advisor
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 WashU 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
Heather Ewing
Staffing Administrator
Suman Subbaraya Kandachar, MD
Assistant Professor, Anesthesiology
Shawn Reynolds, MSPA, PA-C
Physician Assistant
Bradley Richards, MD
Resident Physician
2025 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.
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.