Members from the Department of Anesthesiology, including residents, fellows, CRNAs, and physicians, recently attended the 56th Annual Meeting of the Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology (SOAP) in Denver, Colorado. The event’s theme, “Focusing on the Patient: Improving Individual Outcomes and Experiences,” provided a platform for obstetric anesthesiologists and trainees to explore the latest advancements in the field, with a special emphasis on enhancing patient care.
At the meeting, department colleagues presented case studies on important topics in obstetric anesthesia:
- Heather Acuff, MD, PhD, a CA-III resident and WU Scholar, presented a comprehensive systematic review and network meta-analysis on interventions to prevent postpartum depression.
- Shreya Goswami, MD, a CA-II resident, shared her research findings on the efficacy of bilateral erector spinae plane catheters for achieving successful labor analgesia.
- Michael Rybak, a CRNA and obstetrical pod leader, discussed the implications of delayed removal of fractured spinal needles.
- Maitri Shah, MD, an obstetrical anesthesia fellow, shed light on thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and its impact on maternal and fetal health.
- Patricia Strutz, MD, MSCI, an obstetrical anesthesia fellow, presented a compelling case report on multidisciplinary management for Placenta Accreta Spectrum with secondary abdominal pregnancy.
Additionally, Acuff participated in the Gertie Marx Competition and was awarded first place for her project “Peripartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders and the Development of Preeclampsia” (in collaboration with Duke University). Named in honor of one of the pioneers of obstetric anesthesia, the competition is judged by an international panel of scholars and highlights the best quality research conducted by anesthesia trainees. Winning first place in such a prestigious competition underscores her dedication and the quality of her research on the correlation between mood disorders and pre-eclampsia.
The 2024 SOAP Annual Meeting not only fostered collaboration and information sharing but also showcased the commitment of faculty, staff, and trainees to the field of obstetric anesthesiology, continually striving to enhance patient outcomes and experiences.
