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
Marie-Lisette Chapman, MSN, AGAC-NP
Nurse Practitioner
Jessica Higginbotham, PhD
Instructor, Anesthesiology
Max Nieva, MD
Associate Professor, Anesthesiology
Shaan Patel, MD, MPH
Resident Physician
Featured Anesthesiology Department Members Archive
Chandler Klemm, MD
Resident Physician
Department of Anesthesiology Featured Member: November 2025
Chandler is a second year anesthesiology resident at WashU Medicine. His journey began on the soccer field, where he played Division I collegiate soccer while earning his undergraduate degree in Memphis. He went on to attend medical school at the University of Tennessee, continuing to build both his academic and athletic discipline.
A St. Louis native, Chandler was determined to return home for residency at WashU/BJC, where he could establish lasting roots in the community that shaped him. He and his wife recently welcomed their second daughter and enjoy spending family time exploring St. Louis favorites like the Zoo and Grant’s Farm.
Chandler is passionate about mentoring future anesthesiology residents and is currently exploring fellowship opportunities as he looks ahead in his medical career.
Ahalya Kodali, MD
Instructor, Anesthesiology
Department of Anesthesiology Featured Member: April 2022
Ahalya Kodali, MD, is a Pediatric Anesthesiologist in the Department of Pediatric Anesthesia at Saint Louis Children’s Hospital. Dr. Kodali completed her residency at Boston University Medical Center in 2019 and continued her training in Pediatric Anesthesia at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. After completion of her fellowship, she stayed on as an attending physician. Apart from clinical duties, she is involved in developing and running the pediatric anesthesia simulation center for the fellowship program as well as other educational activities for residents and medical students. Outside of work, Dr. Kodali is an avid video gamer and “techie” who likes to build her own computers.
Belma Kulovac, MSN, CRNA
Nurse Anesthetist
Department of Anesthesiology Featured Member: October 2025
Belma Kulovac is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist from Charlotte, NC. Originally from Bosnia, she immigrated to the United States with her family at the age of seven, shortly after the war. Belma’s journey into healthcare began with earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from UNC Charlotte in 2012, where she gained valuable experience working in a Level 1 Trauma ICU.
Her passion for anesthesia led her to Wake Forest University, where she earned her Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia in 2020. During her graduate studies, she met and married her husband, Mirnes, and together they moved to St. Louis after her graduation.
Upon becoming a CRNA, Belma began her career at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, where she has enjoyed working in all the PODs on the main campus and various other BJH sites. This fall, she will transition to a permanent position at BJH West County while continuing to serve at off-site locations.
Outside of work, Belma is an avid foodie with a love for travel and new experiences. Whether exploring nature on a hike or discovering hidden gems at local coffee shops, she enjoys embracing new adventures. Belma and Mirnes are the proud parents of a baby boy, Bilal, and are excited to embark on this new chapter of their lives.
Nic Labbee
Web Developer
Department of Anesthesiology Featured Member: October 2019
Nic is the web developer for the Department of Anesthesiology. He joined the Department IT group in 2003 as a member of the helpdesk before moving to web developer in 2013. He earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Southeast Missouri State University. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Jill, and two kids, Emma and Lucas.