People

Department of Anesthesiology Featured Member: February 2026

Christy Boyle is a Nurse Anesthetist, who primarily practices at Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital. She has been a part of the Department of Anesthesiology since she graduated in 2018. Christy obtained her Doctor of Nursing Practice from Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville.

Outside of work, Christy enjoys spending time with her family; her husband Zach, and 2 kids ages 6 and 4. She is also a part of SLAM (St. Louis area masters swimming team) and enjoys relaxing with a good book (the past few years she has hit a yearly 100 book reading goal)!

Medical School: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Residency: Michigan State University

Medical School: Weill Cornell Medicine

* ASAP

Department of Anesthesiology APP of the Quarter: December 2024

Holly Brooks, ACNP, has been nominated as the Q4 2024 APP of the Quarter for her outstanding dedication, compassion, and leadership. Holly’s unwavering commitment to her team, patients, and their families is truly inspiring. Holly's nominator says that she goes above and beyond in every aspect of her work, creating a supportive and collaborative environment while consistently demonstrating excellence in patient care. Her positive energy, advocacy, and ability to connect with others make her an invaluable asset to the team and a shining example of what it means to lead with both heart and skill. Congratulations, Holly!

Department of Anesthesiology Featured Member: June 2025

Aaron (AJ) Brown is a nurse practitioner and valued member of the Advanced Practice Provider (APP) group in the Department of Anesthesiology. He has been with the department since January 2019, following his graduation from St. Luke’s College of Health Sciences in Kansas City with a degree as an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP).

Before joining the APP group, AJ gained experience in a variety of clinical settings, including the neurosurgical service at OSF St. Francis in Peoria, Illinois, and the CVICUs at St. Luke’s in Kansas City and SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital. Over time, he has found his passion in working with community ICUs, particularly at Progress West Hospital. He values the dedicated, hands-on time with patients and the opportunity to serve his local community.

Outside of work, AJ enjoys spending time with his family, experimenting with his BBQ smoker, and chasing his ever-evolving golf goals.