Julia Merlo, CRNA, DNAP

Julia Merlo, CRNA, DNAP

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist

Julia has been a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) with the Department of Anesthesia for over two years. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Saint Louis University (SLU), while also playing on the SLU Women’s Soccer team. Additionally, while in nursing school Julia tutored anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pathophysiology, and pharmacology for nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training, and pre-med students. After receiving her BSN, Julia worked in the Medical Intensive Care Unit at SSM St. Mary’s Hospital, as well as caring for patients perioperatively with the St. Louis Pain Consultants at the Mid America Spine Center.

Julia received her Doctorate of Nurse Anesthesia Practice, (DNAP) at Missouri State University School of Anesthesia in Springfield, Missouri. While in CRNA school, she was a recipient of The Crabtree Family Nurse Anesthesia Scholarship, which is awarded to students that represent excellence and outstanding achievements in anesthesia. At Missouri State, Julia completed her capstone and doctorate studies focusing on multimodal approaches to pain management. She was chosen to present her capstone and dissertation at the Missouri Association of Nurse Anesthetists (MOANA) Conference to Missouri CRNAs and SRNAs.

Currently, Julia works in the CRNA float pool and practices anesthesia throughout all the PODs on both south and north campuses at BJH and BJWC. She recently joined the WashU OB team and expanded her practice into labor and delivery.

Julia has always had a passion for teaching and sharing knowledge, which is one of the main reasons she chose to be a member of WashU’s Anesthesia Department. She loves the teaching facility and enjoys precepting and working with SRNAs and residents, as well as being a part of a team focused on research and evidence-based practice.

Julia was born and raised in St. Louis. She has five siblings (four sisters and one brother) and is a loving aunt to her four nephews and niece. In her free time, Julia enjoys reading, running, hiking, walking her dog, and spending time with friends and family. You can find her enjoying Italian cuisine on the Hill or at her favorite ice cream spot, Ted Drewes.