Category: A Day in the Life

Meet Mara Bollini, Director of Patient Safety and Quality within the Center for INQUIRES. Mara has been with anesthesiology helping to shape the structure, systems, and goals that guide the work within the patient safety and quality space across the department for over 13 years. The position requires the ability to dive into the details of a given situation or dataset while appreciating the big picture and impact from a department perspective.

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.

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.

This month’s Day in the Life takes you inside a day of Nicole Durko, MD, Associate Chief of the Division of Obstetric Anesthesiology at WashU Medicine. From leading patient care at Missouri Baptist Hospital to cheering on her son’s hockey team, Nicole balances a demanding career with family life, fitness, and plenty of St. Louis adventures.

Chief Resident and CA-3 Arianna Montes de Oca takes us behind the scenes of her obstetric anesthesia rotation—a fast-paced block where no two days are the same. She also shares how she balances the intensity of residency with life at home alongside her husband, daughter, and their dog.

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!