Featured Anesthesiology Members

Department of Anesthesiology Featured Member: May 2025

Juliet Mwirigi is a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Anesthesiology at WashU Medicine. Her research focuses on targeting cannabinoid type 1 receptors (CB1Rs) with peripherally restricted compounds to relieve pain. By integrating molecular biology, transcriptomics, and imaging, she aims to uncover how CB1Rs function in distinct sensory neuron subtypes across species-paving the way for more translatable, non-opioid strategies for chronic pain relief. Juliet is also a recipient of the prestigious HHMI Hanna Gray Fellowship. She unwinds with movies, stock charts, and weekend hikes—her perfect trio for balance and inspiration.

Department of Anesthesiology — APP of the Quarter: December 2025

Katie Myler, an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, joined the Department of Anesthesiology in April 2022. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing from Saint Louis University, awarded in December 2021. Before embarking on her role as a Nurse Practitioner, Katie has accumulated valuable experience as a Cardiovascular ICU Nurse since 2016. This background inspired her to further her expertise in critical care and cardiac surgery. Currently, she serves in the Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Units at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Missouri Baptist.

Katie was named the APP of the Quarter in Dec. 2025! Here is what her nominator has to say about her:

“Katie consistently demonstrates exceptional clinical expertise while also serving as a dedicated preceptor and mentor to new APPs and cross-trainees. She is highly regarded by CTI attendings for the knowledge she brings to rounds and her ability to teach complex concepts in a clear, supportive, and nonjudgmental way. Katie also contributes to our social and wellbeing committee and is always willing to lend a hand. Her positive attitude, professionalism, and commitment to others create a welcoming, high-performing team environment and truly reflect WashU values.”

Congratulations, Katie!

Department of Anesthesiology Featured Member: January 2026

Holly joined the Department of Anesthesia in September of 2019 and currently serves as the Assistant Supervisor over the managed care team with the billing department. In this role, she works with her team to ensure that payment is received in a timely manner from insurance companies.

Holly brings 20 years of experience resolving denials and working directly with insurance companies to resolve outstanding claims through the multiple stages of the revenue cycle. She has worked for multiple hospitals around the country but has found a home at WashU Medicine.

Holly has recently graduated with her master’s degree in human resources from WashU. She hopes to continue to expand her knowledge and career while setting up her team for success.

Outside of work at WashU Medicine, Holly can be found with either her daughter, husband or dogs. Holly has a house full of hunting dogs that require constant love and attention, and she would not have it any other way. When she is not working her dogs, she can be found with a book in her hand and a dog by her side.

Department of Anesthesiology Featured Member: September 2021

Thomas graduated from the University of Missouri – St. Louis with a major in psychology and continued with graduate training at DePaul University in Chicago, IL.

He joined the Division of Clinical and Translational Research in 2018 and currently works as a clinical research coordinator in lab of Dr. Ben Palanca.

Outside of work, Thomas enjoys spending time with his family, practicing martial arts, watching anime, hiking, and chasing his almost 3-year-old daughter Rain around the house.