Sydney Nykiel-Bailey, DO, associate professor of anesthesiology, and Ashley Weinhold, MD, assistant professor of anesthesiology, were recently inducted into the Academy of Educators at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. The recognition took place during the Academy’s annual meeting, “Education Day,” held on October 15, 2024.
The Academy of Educators unites faculty committed to fostering a culture of educational excellence at WashU Medicine. As new members, Nykiel-Bailey and Weinhold will collaborate with fellow educators to enhance health science education and contribute to initiatives that elevate teaching and mentorship within the institution.
Nykiel-Bailey earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Kansas City University of Medicine. She completed her residency in anesthesiology and fellowship in pediatric anesthesiology at WashU Medicine, where she has served as faculty since 2011. Holding an advanced teaching certificate from Harvard Medical School, she graduated with a Master of Health Professions Education from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in July 2024. She is currently the associate program director for the Anesthesiology Residency Training Program and also serves on WashU Medicine’s Committee on Admissions, further shaping the future of medical education.
As the associate program director, Nykiel-Bailey has made a lasting impact on resident education. Her passion for teaching is evident in her contributions to the Pediatric Anesthesiology Education Committee and her work developing a new Health Equity and Disparities Curriculum.
“I cherish my time teaching and mentoring the residents,” said Nykiel-Bailey. “There’s no greater reward than seeing them grow into confident, skilled physicians. I am excited to continue developing innovative educational programs that reflect our commitment to excellence.”
Weinhold earned her medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine. She completed both her residency and fellowship in pediatric anesthesiology at WashU Medicine and joined the faculty in 2016. Currently, Weinhold is the program director for the Pediatric Anesthesiology Fellowship Program, with a clinical focus on pediatric trauma, mass casualty planning, pediatric acute pain, and regional anesthesia.
As part of the Academy of Educators, Weinhold was selected to join the course development team for the Developing Faculty Competencies in Assessment course at Washington University. She will travel to Chicago with a team to complete the ACGME course, bringing back their expertise to help establish the inaugural hub at WashU Medicine. In addition to being on the course development team, she will teach in the annual 2.5-day hub course starting in spring 2025.
“I am honored to be recognized alongside such incredible educators,” said Weinhold. “My passion for teaching stems from a desire to prepare the next generation of pediatric anesthesiologists to excel in both clinical practice and compassionate care. This recognition motivates me to continue improving how we educate future leaders in medicine.”
“Both Drs. Nykiel-Bailey and Weinhold embody the core values of our department and of the Academy of Educators,” said Richard Benzinger, MD, PhD, Interim Vice Chair for Education.
“Their dedication to teaching and ability to inspire excellence in anesthesiology make them invaluable members of our faculty. We are fortunate to have them shaping the future of our department and the field—and our trainees are lucky indeed to have them as educators and role models.”
Richard Benzinger, MD, PhD, Interim Vice Chair for Education
The induction of Nykiel-Bailey and Weinhold into the Academy of Educators is a testament to their commitment to the future of medical education. Through their leadership, innovative curriculum development, and passion for mentorship, they continue to shape the next generation of anesthesiologists.