This announcement was sent on behalf of Drs. Michael Avidan, Mitchell Fingerman, and Chak Lattanand.
Following a comprehensive search and rigorous interview process, we are pleased to announce the appointment of Daniel Fernandez, MD, as the Medical Director of Anesthesiology at the Sunset Hills Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC), effective September 1, 2026.
In his role, Dr. Fernandez will partner closely with the Regional and Ambulatory Division Chief and the Vice Chair for Clinical Operations to support daily operations, optimize staffing and scheduling, and promote safety, quality, and efficiency across perioperative and procedural areas. He will also play a key leadership role in advancing strategic initiatives, strengthening quality and safety programs, and ensuring the delivery of high-reliability, patient-centered care across the ASC.
Dr. Fernandez is currently an Assistant Professor in the Divisions of Regional & Ambulatory Anesthesiology and General Anesthesiology in the Department of Anesthesiology at WashU Medicine. He completed his undergraduate studies in chemistry and biology at Southern Methodist University before earning his medical degree from Indiana University. He joined the WashU Medicine team for residency training in anesthesiology, graduating in 2020, and went on to complete a fellowship in regional anesthesia and acute pain in 2021.
Since joining the faculty, Dr. Fernandez has been actively engaged in both academic and community-based clinical care. He currently serves as a POD 2 leader, where he oversees scheduling, case flow, protocols, patient safety, and quality improvement initiatives across a group of operating rooms specializing in trauma, orthopedic, plastic, and general surgery.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Fernandez on this well-deserved appointment. We know that he will continue to foster a culture grounded in professionalism, inclusion, and innovation, while ensuring that perioperative environments remain safe and respectful for all.