Our success is intimately linked to the accomplishments of each and every member of our department.
Each month, four members are nominated and featured to celebrate their commitment to patient care, education, and research.
Current Featured Anesthesiology Department Members
Catherine Gould, PA-C
Physician Assistant
Parita Jani, MD
ACTA Fellow
Sherry McKinnon
Manager of Clinical Research, Regulatory and Compliance
Andrew Schaffer, MD
Resident Physician
Featured Anesthesiology Department Members Archive
Jiaxin Huang, MD
Resident Physician, Class of 2022
Department of Anesthesiology Featured Member: June 2020
Jiajia is currently a CA1 resident. She was born in Beijing, China and moved to Michigan when she was 3 years old. She completed her undergraduate and medical degrees at the University of Michigan (Go Blue!) and then came to St. Louis shortly after. She was very happy to start residency at WashU. So far her CA1 year has allowed her to work with many wonderful faculty on challenging cases and has exposed her to exciting potential career paths. Outside of work, she loves traveling to new places. Over the last year, she was able to go hiking in the French Alps and also spent a week in Barcelona, Spain. She enjoys playing tennis, watching movies at the local Chase Theater, and exploring St. Louis restaurants with her co-residents.
Gary Hubbard, CRNA
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Department of Anesthesiology Featured Member: July 2025
Gary Hubbard is a seasoned and highly respected CRNA in the Department of Anesthesiology at Washington University and BJC. After graduating from Webster University’s nurse anesthesia program in 2016, he joined the department and has since become a cornerstone of the clinical team. With over two decades of experience in healthcare—including time in the ICU at Mercy Hospital—Gary brings a deep well of knowledge, precision, and compassion to every case.
Known among colleagues as the “paragon of the highest quality CRNA our hospital can achieve,” Gary exemplifies professionalism and excellence in everything he does. He is consistently early to work, thoroughly prepares for each patient, and collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams across the hospital. Whether caring for the most complex adult cases, pediatric patients at SLCH, or leading within his own service line, Gary is known for his calm, deliberate approach and unwavering commitment to exceptional patient care.
His colleagues describe him as intelligent, kind, and deeply devoted—not only to his patients but also to teaching and supporting his peers. A patient and effective educator, Gary communicates the intricacies of anesthesia care with clarity and depth, making him a role model for CRNAs both new and experienced.
Outside of work, Gary is an avid world traveler who has explored more than 20 countries across five continents. His adventures have taken him from the jungles of Cambodia to the mountains of Peru, and he loves incorporating the flavors of his travels into his home cooking and baking. At home in St. Louis, Gary enjoys the local culinary scene, relaxing by the water with his partner, and spending time with their two beloved dogs.
Thoughtful, humble, and deeply committed, Gary Hubbard sets a high standard for what it means to be a CRNA—and we’re proud to have him as a member of our team.
Abby Hughes-Strange, CRNA
Lead CRNA, Progress West Hospital
Department of Anesthesiology Featured Member: November 2021
Abby was born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware. She attended Washington University in St. Louis and earned a bachelor’s degree in history. During her undergraduate years, she realized that her dad’s occupation was interesting, challenging, and offered a great work-life balance. He, of course, was a CRNA!
After graduation from WashU, Abby completed an accelerated BSN at University of Delaware. Her college sweetheart brought her back to St. Louis, and she took a job in the neuro ICU at Barnes-Jewish Hospital.
After 2 years in the ICU, she enrolled at Webster University where she completed her anesthesia degree in 2015. She was offered a job at Progress West Hospital with the Department of Anesthesiology and has been working there ever since.
The college sweetheart turned out to be a good gamble! Abby has been married to her husband, Tom, since 2013 and they are parents to 5-year-old Lila, and 2-year-old Maisie.
Outside of work, Abby enjoys spending time with her family, quilting, following the British royal family, and reading mysteries.</p>
Jena Isaacson
Clinical Informaticist
Department of Anesthesiology Featured Member: February 2026
Jena is a Clinical Informaticist within the Department of Anesthesiology, where she has served since February 2024. She holds Epic certifications in both Optime and Anesthesiology.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in health science from Maryville University in St. Louis. Prior to joining the department, Jena spent five years in the Division of Electrophysiology at BJH and three years on the Epic 1 Optime/Anesthesia team.
Outside of work, Jena is a proud mother of three. She is active in her community, volunteering with Cub Scouts, leading hiking adventures, and attending her children’s various sporting events.