Featured Anesthesiology Members

Department of Anesthesiology – APP of the Quarter: June 2024

Emily Ferrara Mandernach is an acute care nurse practitioner who joined the Department of Anesthesiology in July 2022. She graduated from Saint Louis University with her Master of Science in Nursing in December of 2021 where she was awarded the Leadership in Nursing award and Summa Cum Laude for her academic achievements. Prior to starting at Washington University, Emily worked as a critical care nurse in the Surgical, Trauma, and Burn ICU at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. Her clinical time in the ICU has fueled her passion for critical care and continues to mold her into a strong and compassionate advanced practice provider. Working for Washington University has provided her with the opportunity to engage in various learning environments, participate in high-intensity interventions, and make vigilant decisions that impact a patient’s hospital journey.

Emily’s contribution to the profession extends beyond the ICU. She is also a clinical instructor at Saint Louis University and teaches nursing students hands-on training and provides real-world guidance. Additionally, Emily works as a contributing author and editor of various nursing exam review books and materials for Springer Publishing Company. She continues to write on topics related to her current cardiovascular expertise. Her dissemination of knowledge to others will continue to impact evidence-based care for cardiovascular patients and exemplifies the role of the nurse practitioner as an expert clinician and educator.

Outside of the hospital, Emily enjoys hiking adventures and traveling with her husband, Josh, visiting her family on the East Coast, cooking, and spending time with her dog, Louie, a Yorkshire Terrier mix.

Emily was named Q2 2024 APP of the Quarter!

Her nominator says, “Emily consistently demonstrates exceptional qualities that make her a standout member of the team. Her kindness, helpfulness, and extensive knowledge base have significantly energized and uplifted our group. She approaches every interaction with genuine warmth and empathy, creating a positive and welcoming environment for both colleagues and patients. Her ability to make everyone feel valued and heard is a testament to her compassionate nature.”

Department of Anesthesiology Featured Member: March 2020

Bruno was born in Florida and moved to California when he was 11. He completed his undergraduate degrees in Electrical Engineering and Neuroscience at the University of California, Los Angeles before completing his PhD in Bioengineering and a medical doctorate both at the University of California, San Diego. During his MS4 year, he came to Washington University to complete an away rotation in cardiac anesthesiology during which he was constantly having to explain why someone from California would want to move here. It was the easiest question posed to him; the people and the opportunities in the department are amazing. He recommends an away rotation here to every medical student reading this.

Bruno considers himself fortunate to have matched here, and even more fortunate to serve as a chief resident alongside Hawa Abubakar and Dean Thorsen. He is looking forward to his upcoming fellowships in critical care and adult cardiothoracic anesthesiology, both at WashU. Outside of work, he enjoys home improvement projects (he finished his basement during his CA1 year) and spending time with his wife and 1.5 year old daughter. He and his wife are excited to welcome a son in July.

Department of Anesthesiology Featured Member: February 2020

Jenny is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner in the Pediatric Division. Her role is with the Inpatient Anesthesia and Difficult Airway Services. She loves the opportunity to work with kids and their families while inpatient. She enjoys a wide variety of patients she sees throughout the whole hospital. Outside of work, she loves to spend time with her husband, Chris, daughters, Ava and Lucy and dog, Clark. She loves to camp, hike, read, and hang out with friends. She is happy to be in Pediatrics and working with a great group of people!

Department of Anesthesiology – FAS Employee of the Quarter: March 2026

Kelli has been in the Department of Anesthesiology since starting with WashU Medicine five years ago, and she is very dedicated to her job. She enjoys helping the team when they have questions or need help resolving complex issues. Outside of work, she loves traveling, being outdoors, and spending time with her husband, kids, and two poodles.