This announcement was sent on behalf of Drs. Michael Avidan and Anne Drewry.
We are excited to announce several key leadership appointments within the Division of Critical Care Medicine. These roles reflect our commitment to advancing patient care, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovation across our critical care units.
Bradley A. Fritz, MD, MSCI – Co-Medical Director, Surgical ICU
Effective July 1, 2025, Dr. Fritz has been appointed Co-Medical Director of the SICU at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. An Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology, Dr. Fritz has established himself as a leader in quality improvement, perioperative outcomes research, and tele-ICU innovation. He currently chairs the BJH Critical Care Committee and serves as the Director of Research and Informatics for the Tele-ICU program. In this new role, Dr. Fritz will focus on enhancing surgical critical care operations, implementing evidence-based protocols, and fostering collaboration among SICU faculty, trainees, and APPs to improve patient safety and outcomes.
Jan Kasal, MD – Co-Medical Director, 5600 Multidisciplinary ICU
Effective July 1, 2025, Dr. Kasal has been appointed Co-Medical Director of the 5600 Multidisciplinary ICU. A Professor of Anesthesiology and Internal Medicine, Dr. Kasal is an internationally recognized educator and expert in critical care echocardiography. Since joining our faculty in 2018, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership as Co-Director of our Critical Care Ultrasound Program, and through his dedication to both bedside care and faculty development. In this new role, Dr. Kasal will collaborate with interprofessional teams to design and implement the structure, staffing, and clinical operations for the newly established 5600 ICU, ensuring the delivery of exceptional, patient-centered care.
Brendan Kurtz, MD – ICU Director, Memorial Hospital Belleville
Effective July 1, 2025, Dr. Kurtz has been appointed ICU Director at Memorial Hospital Belleville (MHB). Dr. Kurtz joined our faculty in 2023 after completing his fellowship in Anesthesiology Critical Care Medicine. With clinical experience spanning emergency medicine, community ICUs, and tele-ICU services, he brings a broad perspective to critical care leadership. In this role, Dr. Kurtz will oversee ICU operations, quality improvement initiatives, and interdepartmental collaboration at MHB. He will also serve as a key liaison with hospital leadership and co-chair the hospital’s Critical Care Committee, helping to ensure alignment between clinical operations and the strategic priorities of our department.
Bruno Maranhao, MD, PhD – Medical Director, Plaza West Cardiothoracic ICU
Effective August 1, 2025, Dr. Maranhao has been appointed Medical Director of the Plaza West Cardiothoracic ICU. An Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology, Dr. Maranhao is fellowship-trained in both Critical Care and Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology, and he is board certified in multiple subspecialties including advanced perioperative echocardiography. Since joining the faculty in 2022, he has provided leadership across ICUs and ORs, and currently serves as Co-Medical Director of the APP Group. As Medical Director, he will lead the planning, staffing, and operational development of the new Plaza West CTICU, serve on key hospital committees, and oversee implementation of quality, safety, and communication initiatives.
Please join us in congratulating Drs. Fritz, Kasal, Kurtz, and Maranhao on these well-deserved appointments. Their leadership and expertise will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen and expand our critical care services.