A POD Leader is a crucial member of the anesthesia team, responsible for overseeing a group of operating rooms (POD – Perioperative Department) to ensure optimal patient care and operational efficiency. They support anesthesia providers (MDs, CRNAs, residents, trainees) by managing resources, maintaining appropriate OR time-break ratios, and being available in crisis situations. POD Leaders also facilitate communication with other teams, coordinate daily schedules, manage staffing for the next day, and participate in safety and quality projects.
Jamie Brown-Shpiegel, MD
Assistant Residency Program Director of Recruitment, Integration, and Wellbeing; Program Director, Trauma Anesthesiology Fellowship; Assistant Professor, Anesthesiology; POD 4 Leader
Muthuraj Kanakaraj, MD, FRCA, EDIC
Assistant Professor, Anesthesiology; POD 5 Leader
- Email: m.kanakaraj@wustl.edu
Ryan King, MD, PhD
Assistant Professor, Anesthesiology; POD 5 Leader
- Email: christopherking@wustl.edu
Anand Lakshminarasimhachar, MD
Assistant Residency Program Director; Professor, Anesthesiology; POD 1 Leader
- Email: lakshmia@wustl.edu
Admin; Shirley Vaughn
