As graduation day on June 20 nears, our three chief residents reflect on their experiences, share what’s next in their journeys, and offer words of wisdom for those who follow. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and the lasting mark they’ve made on our department and the field of anesthesiology.
Nathan Achilly, MD, PhD
Next steps
I will be staying at WashU Medicine for a fellowship in pediatric anesthesiology!
Residency highlights
Working an overnight trauma call with my co-chiefs, Arianna and Brandon. It was full of educational cases, good food, and incredible vibes. Residency is a team sport. There is nothing better than working alongside your friends.
What I love about St. Louis
Tower Grove Park. My kids love the farmers market, live music, playground, beautiful scenery, and seemingly endless green space.
Parting advice
It’s important to acquire both knowledge and wisdom. Knowledge is knowing how to place an arterial line, but wisdom is knowing when to place one. Be hungry to learn from patients, attendings, CRNAs, nurses, and techs. Residency is like being at a buffet. Your plate is only so big and your time to eat is limited. Fill it to the max, or you’ll regret not trying more.
Brandon DeClouette, MD
Next steps
After residency, I am staying at WashU Medicine for a fellowship in regional anesthesiology.
Residency highlights
My favorite experience during residency was running multiple trauma cases with my best friends. It is a joy to work side-by-side with great minds to help save lives. You can see everyone’s hard work come to fruition. After our cases we ordered food and relaxed in the resident lounge.
What I love about St. Louis
The food scene is impressive…there are tons of great places to eat. Forest Park is also a great attraction. I love taking walks, going to the zoo, checking out the museums, and watching the various performances (e.g. Shakespeare in the Park). There are also plenty of nearby places to golf as well!
Parting advice
Residency is a marathon, not a sprint. Learn as much as you can, do as much as you can, make life-long friends, and always stay true to yourself.
Arianna Montes de Oca, MD
Next steps
I will be staying at St. Louis Children’s Hospital to complete a fellowship in pediatric anesthesiology. I’m excited to continue my training in an environment that has been both challenging and supportive, and to keep learning from incredible mentors and colleagues.
Residency highlights
The best part of residency was the friendships. Going through residency together—long calls, busy days, and meaningful milestones—created bonds that made the experience truly special and helped me grow both personally and professionally.
What I love about St. Louis
My favorite part of living in St. Louis is the parks. Living between Tower Grove Park and Forest Park has been such a gift. The city is incredibly family‑friendly, with beautiful green spaces that make it easy to relax, recharge, and spend quality time outside.
Parting advice
Communication is key. Make sure to listen when needed, speak up when something matters, and don’t hesitate to talk to everyone: co‑residents, attendings, nurses, and staff. Strong communication builds trust, strengthens teams, and makes residency a better experience for everyone.