Profiled

Department of Anesthesiology Featured Member: December 2024

Erin is proud to call herself a BJH/WashU lifer. Her journey began in 2005 as a night-shift patient care technician in the MICU, and this year, she is celebrating 20 years at BJH, now serving as an assistant professor in the School of Medicine. Over the years, she has held a variety of roles, including patient care technician, ICU nurse, student nurse, and now faculty. She feels incredibly fortunate to have had these opportunities and to work alongside such exceptional colleagues in a remarkable and inspiring department. Along the way, she has built lifelong friendships and connected with many incredible people.

A native St. Louisan and proud resident of the city, Erin can often be seen commuting to work—rain, shine, or cold—on her signature mint-green Vespa. She lives in the Shaw neighborhood with her husband, daughter, two dogs, and a giant African sulcata tortoise. She enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring her vibrant neighborhood, and walking through Tower Grove Park.

Outside of her professional life, Erin stays busy coaching soccer and leading a Girl Scout troop. She has a passion for traveling with friends and family, discovering new restaurants, and staying active at the gym. For her, working at WashU has been a cornerstone of her career, and she couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.

Department of Anesthesiology Featured Member: June 2021

Kayla is a graduate of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville with a degree in exercise science. She worked in the ophthalmology field in her home state of Illinois for four years before joining the Department of Anesthesiology. She currently supports Dr. Thomas Graetz, chief of Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology, as well the Cardiothoracic and Critical Care Medicine Divisions.

In her free time, Kayla likes to spend time with her family, redecorate her home, and work on her photography business. Before COVID-19, her favorite thing to do was travel to the beach, which she hopes to see again one day soon. She and her husband welcomed their first son, Gavin, last October and have two crazy but wonderful dogs at home.

"I truly love working for the department, and I hope to grow with it for years to come."

Department of Anesthesiology Featured Member: July 2020

Alex was born and raised in Virginia. He graduated from the University of Virginia with bachelor’s degrees in psychology and biology. After medical school at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, Alex joined the department in 2013 as an anesthesia resident. He subsequently completed fellowships here in both obstetric anesthesiology and pain management. Combining these sometimes disparate interests, his research focuses on neuropathic pain, opioid analgesia, and management of the high-risk parturient. Clinically, Alex can be usually be found at Barnes Jewish Hospital on Labor and Delivery or in the ORs, though he also spends time at Missouri Baptist Medical Center and Progress West Hospital. He is particularly excited about his role as Chief of Fetal Surgery Anesthesiology, where he works in a large and talented interdisciplinary team to coordinate in-utero surgery on fetuses with a variety of complex pathologies. Outside of the hospital, Alex enjoys working out and taking in the St. Louis's greatest offerings, including the local craft beers, accessible hiking trails, and Sugarfire BBQ.

Department of Anesthesiology – FAS Employee of the Quarter: June 2023

Amira Hodzic has been named the 2023 Q3 Employee of the Quarter! Her nominator couldn't speak more highly of her, stating, “Amira has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to mastering every aspect of her job, always asking the 'why' behind our processes and driving innovative solutions to improve accuracy and workflow. She is a true asset to our team.”

Since joining the Department of Anesthesiology in 2022 as a fellowship coordinator for Pediatric Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Amira has made a remarkable impact. She was chosen to serve as one of the department's nine Equity Champions, where she spearheads discussions and provides training on anti-racism culture change and leadership.

Originally from Bosnia, she immigrated to upstate New York as a child but has spent the last eight years in St. Louis. She is an alumna of SLU’s College for Public Health and Social Justice, and just recently completed her Master’s in Health Leadership from WGU. Outside of work, Amira enjoys hanging out with family and friends, thrifting, writing poetry, and playing with her dog, Julie.

Amira humbly attributes her success to her education team, “Lauren, Erin, Shirley, and Tegan are some of the greatest colleagues. While I am so appreciative to be acknowledged as Employee of the Quarter, this acknowledgment would not be possible without the mentorship and guidance of my wonderful team!”

Department of Anesthesiology Featured Member: March 2020

Janice is an Executive Secretary for the Pain Division in the Anesthesiology Department. She has worked for Washington University for 20 years and has spent the entire time in the Pain Management Center. She completed a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2009 through University College at Washington University. She enjoys spending time with her three grown children and three grandchildren. She and her husband recently celebrated 40 years of marriage by taking a Mediterranean cruise.

Department of Anesthesiology Featured Member: July 2025

Erin is an executive secretary who supports clinical operations and the general and trauma divisions. She came to WashU Medicine in January of 2023 after working in K-12 education for 16 years as a high school English teacher and school administrator. She is really enjoying working with adults after spending so many years with teenagers.

Erin and her husband share four wonderful kids in their blended family. She loves to travel (especially to mountains and beaches), read, and relax as often as possible.

Department of Anesthesiology Featured Member: June 2025

Katie Holzer, PhD, LCSW, is an assistant professor in the Department of Anesthesiology and the administrative director of the Center for Perioperative Mental Health. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Illinois Wesleyan University, a Master of Social Work from the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis, and a PhD from Saint Louis University’s School of Public Health and Social Justice.

Before joining the department, Dr. Holzer worked as a clinical social worker in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatry at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. Her research focuses on improving mental health outcomes for older adults and enhancing patient engagement in clinical research.

A St. Louis native, Dr. Holzer enjoys exploring the city with her husband, Deven, and their two energetic sons, Bobby (6) and Charlie (3). In her free time, she likes reading, traveling, playing tennis, and volunteering with the Alzheimer’s Association.

Department of Anesthesiology Featured Member: December 2023

Erin Hooper is a board-certified pediatric Nurse Practitioner who recently joined the Pediatric Pain Management team in the Department of Anesthesiology. She helps manage patients with acute pain on the inpatient Pediatric Pain service as well as with Chronic Pain conditions in the outpatient setting.

Prior to working with the Department of Anesthesiology department, Erin worked in the neonatal intensive care unit, and also coordinated care for children with medical complexity and special health care needs. Erin enjoys translating research into practice through education, and being a resource for patients and families.

Outside of work, Erin enjoys spending time with her husband Robert, and their three children Violet, Layla, and Brett, and keeping up with their busy schedules, sports events, and activities.

Department of Anesthesiology Featured Member: September 2019

Hongzhen is an Associate Professor of Anesthesiology. Dr. Hu earned his PhD from The Ohio State University. He joined the Center for the Study of Itch in the summer of 2014. His lab aims to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying somatic and visceral hypersensitivity in the skin and visceral organs focusing on ion channels as drug targets. Outside of work, besides gardening, he also enjoys running and traveling with his family.

Department of Anesthesiology Featured Member: September 2025

Dake is a third-year anesthesia resident originally from southern California. He received his undergraduate degree in neuroscience at UCLA. He then went on to earn his medical degree from the University of Iowa. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his partner and their two dogs. In his free time, Dake loves running, binge-watching TV shows, and traveling as much as possible.