Anand Lakshminarasimhachar, MD
Medical School: Bangalore University, Bangalore, India
Residency: Anesthesiology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
Current Role: POD 1 Leader, Professor of Anesthesiology, Assistant Residency Program Director; WashU Medicine
It has been an immense privilege and honor to be a part of the Anesthesiology Department at Washington University in St. Louis for the past 20 years, a place I am proud to call my home. Having worked in various parts of the world, I can confidently say that the experience here is unparalleled. Our department is truly a one-stop shop for anyone’s aspirations, whether they lie in clinical work, educational opportunities, clinical and translational research, or even basic research.
The opportunity to collaborate with residents, CRNAs, medical students, and fellows has been deeply rewarding. Our department nurtures and supports your interests, whether they are in clinical practice, teaching, research, or administrative roles.
After completing my anesthesia training in India and earning my FRCA in London, I joined the cardiothoracic division at Washington University as a visiting foreign specialist. I was welcomed into the department and quickly integrated into its clinical and educational activities. The department’s support was instrumental in my professional journey. Upon completing my USMLE exams and obtaining full medical registration, I transitioned to a full-time faculty member, marking the beginning of a fulfilling career with no looking back.
The department played a critical role in my professional development. A few years into my tenure, I was entrusted with a leadership role as a POD leader in the General Anesthesia Division. My passion for education was recognized, leading to my appointment as the Director of Resident Education. The department encouraged my growth, enabling me to attend numerous courses and conferences related to education. I also completed a year-long Teacher’s Training Course offered by the Academy of Educators at WashU, further solidifying my commitment to education.
Being an international faculty member comes with unique challenges, particularly concerning visa and green card processes. However, the department consistently supported me, ensuring timely visa renewals and facilitating my green card application. These challenges never hindered my professional progress, and I was impressed by the equitable opportunities for promotions and compensation that the department upheld. Starting as a clinical instructor 20 years ago and rising to a full clinical professor is a journey I’m immensely proud of.
A unique aspect of being an international faculty member is the challenge of not being American board certified. Yet, our department leadership went above and beyond, advocating with the ABA (American Board of Anesthesiology) to secure eligibility for international faculty through the Clinical Educator Pathway. I’m proud to say that several of our faculty members, including myself, have completed this pathway and become board eligible, with more international faculty currently on this journey.
Washington University in St. Louis is among the top-rated institutions in the U.S., and our Anesthesiology Department is nationally renowned and respected. One of the significant perks of working here is the support we receive for child tuition benefits and continuing education for personal growth, both of which have been invaluable to me. The university’s substantial contribution to retirement benefits is also noteworthy.
The diversity within our department is remarkable, creating an environment that feels like a microcosm of the world. The respect, love, and concern for every individual have consistently impressed me throughout my time here. I am as comfortable talking with a patient care technician or anesthesia technician as I am with our department chair or anyone in leadership.
The St. Louis community has also played a significant role in my personal growth. I have cultivated many lasting friendships both inside and outside the department. St. Louis is a wonderful city to live in, offering a variety of cultural and recreational activities that cater to diverse interests.
In short, my passion for continuous learning and self-improvement, the wonderful people I work with, and the exceptional environment of the Department of Anesthesiology at WashU are why I love being a part of this incredible team.