Micaela  Clark-Bethel, MD

Micaela Clark-Bethel, MD

Pediatric Anesthesiology Fellow, Class of 2023

Residency: Washington University/ Barnes Jewish Consortium

Medical School: University of Nebraska College of Medicine

"Deciding where to pursue a Pediatric Anesthesiology Fellowship is an important decision. Luckily, the Anesthesiology Department at St. Louis Children’s Hospital made that decision easy for me. Having trained at Washington University in St. Louis for residency, I was able to experience the high acuity cases that come with being a tertiary care center as well as a level 1 trauma center while being well supported by our experienced and caring attending anesthesiologists.

One of the things that immediately stood out to me about SLCH was the collaborative work environment amongst the staff of various disciplines, everyone works together to take the best possible care of our patients which was very important to me. I look forward to continuing to grow my skills in this supportive environment throughout my fellowship and know I will make lasting relationships that will extend far beyond fellowship! 

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time exploring Forest Park which is located right across the street from the hospital and walking distance from where I live. I also enjoy trying various restaurants with my husband and friends, spending time with my dog, and playing card games and board games."

Caitlynn Miller, DO

Caitlynn Miller, DO

Pediatric Anesthesiology Fellow, Class of 2023

Residency: University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

Medical School: Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine

"The pediatric anesthesiology fellowship at Washington University stood out to me for its strong regional/pain experience throughout the fellowship year. The program also promotes wellness through various activities. I look forward to training in a program with a wide variety of complex cases in a supportive environment. I am also excited to check out all the great restaurants St. Louis has to offer!"

Jason Pierce, MD

Jason Pierce, MD

Pediatric Anesthesiology Fellow, Class of 2023

Residency: Virginia Mason Medical Center

Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine

"There were many great programs that I encountered on the pediatric anesthesia fellowship trail, however, Washington University distinctly stood out. The faculty seemed very friendly, approachable, and down to earth. In addition, several fellows and attendings that I worked with at my residency program trained at Washington University and only had stellar things to say about the quality of education to be received here. I am looking forward to the robust didactic program and complex cases with the faculty here, to prepare me for my career afterward, as well as getting to know my co-fellows better. When I am not at the hospital I enjoy hiking and biking, and look forward to what the St. Louis area has to offer."

Jessica Santucci, DO

Jessica Santucci, DO

Pediatric Anesthesiology Fellow, Class of 2023

Residency: Naval Medical Center San Diego

Medical School: A.T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (KCOM)

“I chose WashU/ St Louis Children’s for fellowship because it offers complex cases within a small fellowship class and in such a supportive environment. Everyone I talked to genuinely enjoyed their job and had positive things to say about the hospital, the cases, and the faculty.  Since getting here, I have found that to absolutely be true. Everyone I have met so far has been fantastic. As fellows, we are exposed to big cases and are not having to compete with each other to get them. St. Louis is a hidden gem…. I had no idea that it offered so much and can’t wait to enjoy the food, the festivals, and the outdoors. When I am not at work, I am hanging out with my husband and our two dogs. We love walking them in Forest Park and I am excited to explore the many trails all over the area.”

Brandon Tan, MD

Brandon Tan, MD

Pediatric Anesthesiology Fellow, Class of 2023; ASAP Scholar

Medical School: University of Cincinnati College of Medicine

Residency: Washington University School of Medicine

"St. Louis Children’s Hospital is a nation-leading children’s hospital. With such a reputation it is such a bonus that the faculty and staff exude kindness and positivity. We have case complexity and tailored career development plans with faculty and a network to find fulfilling employment starting immediately.

For myself, I am a 80%-20% research-clinical fellow with goals toward a career as a basic science-focused physician-scientist. At this hospital, we have the flexibility for excellent clinical training while allowing for protected time to pursue long-term projects. Outside of work, I have a great time with my wife and children. I enjoy singing, cooking and tasting new foods, and overall living my best suburban dad life!"

Richard Villegas, MD

Richard Villegas, MD

Pediatric Anesthesiology Fellow, Class of 2023

Medical School: University of Santo Tomas (2008)

Pediatrics Residency: University of Nevada, Las Vegas (2010-2013)

Pediatric Chief Resident: University of Nevada, Las Vegas (2013-2014)

Pediatric Critical Care Fellow: University of California, San Diego (2016-2019)

Anesthesiology Residency: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas (2019-2022)

"I chose St. Louis to be closer to family. My wife grew up in Chesterfield and we were able to purchase a lovely home close to her old elementary school and high school. St. Louis is a hidden gem of a city with lots to offer including festivals, great food, and diverse, friendly people. It's centrally located with easy access to the West Coast, Northeast, and the South.

I chose St Louis Children's Hospital to do my pediatric anesthesiology fellowship because I wanted my last year of training to be at a busy transplant center, with robust cardiac rooms, and a nationally recognized pediatric intensive care unit. St Louis Children's Hospital is a quaternary referral center on Washington University Medical Campus which has provided the support I need to continue my pediatric burn research that I originally started in Texas. Most importantly, it has some of the most experienced, knowledgeable, and nicest pediatric anesthesia staff I have met. Being able to experience tough, challenging cases in a friendly teaching environment was very important to me and SLCH definitely supports this culture.

This is my eleventh year of post-graduate training and I have worked in multiple children's hospitals. If you want to come to a big city with a small-town vibe, learn pediatric anesthesia in a robust clinical hospital, and have fun while doing it, I believe St Louis Children's Hospital has it all.  After my fellowship, I intend to practice both pediatric intensive care medicine and pediatric anesthesiology."