The Department of Anesthesiology is thrilled to announce the appointment of Abby Bisch, DNP, CRNA, and Elvira Sayfutdinova, MSN, CRNA, as the inaugural co-directors of our CRNA Mentorship Program at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Their exceptional dedication and expertise in fostering professional development and support among CRNAs have led to this well-deserved recognition.
Both Abby and Elvira bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to their role as co-directors. Elvira received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2016 and earned a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Nurse Anesthesia in 2020. After Abby completed her Bachelor of Science in Food Science in 2014, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2015 and completed a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesia in 2020.
As co-directors, Abby and Elvira will lead our voluntary CRNA peer mentoring program, specifically designed to foster leadership and engagement within our community. With their guidance, the mentorship program is poised to thrive, delivering ongoing benefits to our CRNAs.
The success of the CRNA Mentorship Program stands as a testament to the diligent efforts of Abby and Elvira. Recognizing the need for improved support during the onboarding process, they dedicated themselves to thorough research, sought expert advice, and developed a comprehensive framework for the program. Since its inception in 2022, the mentorship program has been integrated into their new-hire orientation, ensuring that all newly hired CRNAs receive the necessary resources and guidance to excel within our institution.
Abby and Elvira’s efforts have gained recognition not only within WashU but also from numerous anesthesiology groups nationwide, who have reached out to seek their guidance in establishing their own mentorship programs. Their contributions and the program’s impact have earned them an invitation to present at the prestigious AANA Congress in Seattle on August 22, 2023. During this event, they will share valuable insights on creating and implementing a CRNA mentorship program at other institutions.
“I am very proud of Abby and Elvira,” said Director of CRNA Activities, David Eisenbath, CRNA. “Their commitment to improving the department and supporting their colleagues has been exceptional. The appointment of Abby and Elvira as co-directors reflects the esteem and appreciation they have earned from their peers and superiors.”
Please join us in congratulating Abby and Elvira on their well-deserved appointment. We look forward to their continued success and the positive impact they will have on the CRNA community at WashU and beyond.