Department of
The Department of Anesthesiology is proud to recognize team members who have received accolades through the SAFE (Supporting a Fair Environment) Reporting platform.
Isabella Riordan, MD, Associate Professor of Anesthesiology at WashU Medicine, was named December 2025 Physician of the Month by Progress West Hospital in recognition of her exceptional leadership, clinical excellence, and commitment to patient care.
Congratulations to the Nurse Anesthesia Class of 2025 on their hard work, dedication, and meaningful contributions to the future of nursing and anesthesia care.
As Chief CRNA, Diana plays a key leadership role in ensuring the day runs smoothly for both patients and providers in West County. Her work extends beyond the operating room, encompassing leadership, coordination, and support for a multidisciplinary team in a fast-paced clinical environment. In this “Day in the Life,” Diana offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to lead with intention, adaptability, and a strong commitment to team-based care.
January’s Well-being Word Newsletter focuses on navigating change. Change can be exciting and uncomfortable at the same time, but adapting is an active, learnable skill.
Aysu’s days begin before sunrise, when the house is quiet and she mentally maps out everything ahead—OR cases, block lists, her daughter Goksu’s full schedule, and the countless details that keep life moving. With a cup of coffee in hand, she shifts smoothly into the rhythm that defines her world: caring for patients, teaching trainees, supporting her family, and balancing the many roles she loves. Read her Day in the Life for a glimpse into her daily routine.
Caring for yourself and your family is part of sustaining a healthy, meaningful career. Read the December Health & Wellness Newsletter for a timely reminder to prioritize your well-being and explore the resources WashU offers as we head into 2026.
Meet the recipients of this year’s WELCCOME Awards and celebrate the colleagues whose everyday actions make our department a more collaborative, supportive, and connected community.
Michael Avidan, MBBCh, chair of the WashU Medicine Department of Anesthesiology and anesthesiologist-in-chief at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, has been selected to receive the 2025 President’s Achievement Award from The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital.
WashU Medicine researchers, including Dr. Jordan McCall from the Department of Anesthesiology, have shown that certain psychedelic compounds break the link between neurological functions and blood flow in the brain.