News

Isabella Riordan, MD, has accepted the appointment to serve as Interim Chief of the Progress West Hospital Division of Anesthesiology. Dr. Riordan will also serve as the Director of Anesthesiology for the hospital and be involved with the Credentials Committee and Medical Executive Committee. 

Chak Lattanand, MD, MBA, has been appointed as a Vice-Chair for Clinical Operations for Washington University’s Department of Anesthesiology. Dr. Lattanand will provide crucial leadership, including managing the clinical business of the department, and providing expertise in the areas of financial clinical operations, strategic planning, and contract/affiliation negotiations and management.

The Perioperative Blood Management Project—led by WashU anesthesiologists, Megan Dewey, MD, and Sunny Lou, MD, PhD—was selected as the winner for the 2021 Team Award for Quality Improvement from BJC HealthCare for its success in reducing blood product waste in the operating rooms.

Goldfarb School of Nursing, including the nurse anesthesia program, celebrated its commencement ceremony on Saturday, December 18, 2021 at the Powell Symphony Hall.

Preeta George, MD, and Adithya Bhat, MD, have been selected to serve as the Medical Director and Assistant Medical Director, respectively, of the Howard and Joyce Wood Simulation Center in the Office of Education.

In honor of Sandy Hawes, a beloved friend and dedicated member of the Department of Anesthesiology, the department has established the Sandy Hawes Memorial Award, an annual award recognizing department members who possess excellent communication skills, are supportive in nature, well-poised, dedicated, and go above and beyond the call of duty.

In his new role, Dr. Athiraman will oversee the clinical excellence, quality and safety and educational needs of the neuro-anesthesia section. He will work closely with our faculty, CRNA’s, fellows, residents, medical students, nursing and neurosurgical colleagues.

In this new Associate Vice Chair role, Ms. Herrera will work closely with the Vice Chair for Professional Development and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and will develop and implement innovative well-being programs in the department.