Department of
Researchers at WashU Medicine Anesthesiology have discovered a key link between chronic pain and sleep disruptions, a combination that can impair daily functioning, reduce quality of life, and increase healthcare costs.
Dr. Bethany Pennington, Associate Professor of Anesthesiology, has been named Associate Vice Chair for Quality and Safety. A dedicated leader in patient safety and quality improvement, she will help shape strategy and innovation in patient safety and QI across the department.
Researchers have developed a modified form of morphine that retains its pain-relieving power while minimizing harmful side effects, according to a study in PNAS. By changing just one atom in the molecule, the team significantly improved the drug’s safety profile.
As the academic year ends, we celebrate our graduating residents and fellows for their lasting impact on patient care, education, and the future of medicine. Learn more about their achievements and celebrations.
Researchers at WashU are using machine learning to better predict who will experience persistent pain after surgery.
Brennan McMillan, MD, has been appointed as the Associate Clinical Director at Progress West Hospital (PWH), effective July 1, 2025.
Alexander Chamessian, MD, PhD, assistant professor of anesthesiology at WashU Medicine, has been named a 2025 recipient of the Rita Allen Foundation Scholars Award in Pain.
Melissa Prewitt, AGACNP-BC, was named St. Louis Magazine’s 2025 Excellence in Nursing Intensive Care winner.
The Department of Anesthesiology is proud to recognize team members who have received accolades through the SAFE (Supporting a Fair Environment) Reporting platform.
Fourth-year anesthesiology resident Mitsukuni Yoshida, MD, PhD, was recently awarded a $75,000 Research Fellowship Grant from the Foundation for Anesthesia Education and Research (FAER).