Department of
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!
Bethany is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology at WashU. She has primarily worked as a clinical pharmacy specialist in various ICUs across BJH, most notably in the CTICU. Now, with a focus on research, education, and quality improvement, she supports various initiatives across WashU. She is a Study Director for the THRIVE […]
Alexis is an Administrative Coordinator for the Research Division within the Department of Anesthesiology at WashU Medicine. She splits her time between the Haroutounian Lab and the Center for Clinical Pharmacology. Outside of work, she enjoys exercise, reading, learning guitar, participating in church activities, and hanging out with her family!
Jimmy is a nocturnal intensivist at WashU Medicine. Outside of work, he dedicates his time to writing, reading, spending time with his daughters, engaging in charitable initiatives, and playing basketball. His book, available on his website, chronicles his inspiring journey from youth homelessness to Harvard. All proceeds from the book sales have been donated to national and local charities, supporting causes such as domestic violence shelters, women’s safe houses, and homelessness initiatives in the St. Louis area. Since 2023, Jimmy has raised and donated over $16,000 through his book sales.