Department of
On March 21, 2025, the Department of Anesthesiology welcomed 23 new residents. This outstanding group of physicians comes from medical schools across 12 states, including WashU Medicine, and three countries.
Faculty and advanced practice providers (APPs) from WashU Medicine’s Department of Anesthesiology were recognized for their outstanding contributions to critical care medicine during the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) 2025 Annual Congress.
William D. Owens, MD, former head of the Department of Anesthesiology at WashU Medicine, passed away on Jan. 3, 2025, at the age of 85. A pioneer in clinical outcomes research and anesthesia education, he significantly advanced the field through his leadership, mentorship, and contributions to critical care and pain management.
According to a new study by WashU Medicine researchers, male and female rats with chronic pain release different dopamine levels after fentanyl due to sex hormones, which may explain higher opioid use and overdose rates in men.
Researchers at WashU Medicine and Stanford University developed a compound that relieves pain in mice but doesn’t affect the brain, avoiding side effects and abuse potential. The molecule, derived from cannabis, may provide an alternative to opioids for treating chronic pain.
Meet Yolanda, a Senior Grant Specialist in the Department of Anesthesiology. With over 25 years of banking and accounting experience—and a passion for education—she brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Since joining Washington University in 2020, she has been instrumental in managing grants and financial operations with precision and care. Outside of work, Yolanda enjoys watching TV, reading, and dedicating time to her manuscript, aspiring to become a published author. Follow along for a glimpse into a day in her life!
Meet Linda Yun, Business Director of Clinical Operations in the Department of Anesthesiology. With a dynamic role that blends strategy, finance, and operations, Linda navigates the ever-changing demands of clinical administration to keep everything running seamlessly.
Bernadette Henrichs serves as the Director of CRNA Education and Research in the Department of Anesthesiology and as the Director of the Nurse Anesthesia Program at Barnes-Jewish College, a program she founded in 2004. While she spends most of her time at the College, she also practices in Pod 5 every Wednesday. Outside of work, Bernadette enjoys cycling, running, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.
Joanna Abraham is an Associate Professor of Anesthesiology and the Institute for Informatics, Data Science, and Biostatistics (I2DB). She has an interdisciplinary training and background in computer science, applied clinical informatics, human factors, and implementation science. She is the Principal Investigator of the SAFE-T (Supporting Advancements for Frontline Excellence in patient safeTy) Lab.
Meet Lisa Parks, Division Administrator of Clinical Operations in the Department of Anesthesiology. With a career spanning banking and academia, Lisa thrives in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same. Whether she’s supporting multiple divisions, streamlining international faculty onboarding, or handling administrative tasks that keep clinicians focused on patient care, Lisa wears many hats to keep everything running smoothly. From morning meetings to last-minute problem-solving, follow along for a behind-the-scenes look at a day in her life!