Profiled

Department of Anesthesiology Featured Member: June 2020

Jiajia is currently a CA1 resident. She was born in Beijing, China and moved to Michigan when she was 3 years old. She completed her undergraduate and medical degrees at the University of Michigan (Go Blue!) and then came to St. Louis shortly after. She was very happy to start residency at WashU. So far her CA1 year has allowed her to work with many wonderful faculty on challenging cases and has exposed her to exciting potential career paths. Outside of work, she loves traveling to new places. Over the last year, she was able to go hiking in the French Alps and also spent a week in Barcelona, Spain. She enjoys playing tennis, watching movies at the local Chase Theater, and exploring St. Louis restaurants with her co-residents.

Department of Anesthesiology Featured Member: July 2025

Gary Hubbard is a seasoned and highly respected CRNA in the Department of Anesthesiology at Washington University and BJC. After graduating from Webster University’s nurse anesthesia program in 2016, he joined the department and has since become a cornerstone of the clinical team. With over two decades of experience in healthcare—including time in the ICU at Mercy Hospital—Gary brings a deep well of knowledge, precision, and compassion to every case.

Known among colleagues as the “paragon of the highest quality CRNA our hospital can achieve,” Gary exemplifies professionalism and excellence in everything he does. He is consistently early to work, thoroughly prepares for each patient, and collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams across the hospital. Whether caring for the most complex adult cases, pediatric patients at SLCH, or leading within his own service line, Gary is known for his calm, deliberate approach and unwavering commitment to exceptional patient care.

His colleagues describe him as intelligent, kind, and deeply devoted—not only to his patients but also to teaching and supporting his peers. A patient and effective educator, Gary communicates the intricacies of anesthesia care with clarity and depth, making him a role model for CRNAs both new and experienced.

Outside of work, Gary is an avid world traveler who has explored more than 20 countries across five continents. His adventures have taken him from the jungles of Cambodia to the mountains of Peru, and he loves incorporating the flavors of his travels into his home cooking and baking. At home in St. Louis, Gary enjoys the local culinary scene, relaxing by the water with his partner, and spending time with their two beloved dogs.

Thoughtful, humble, and deeply committed, Gary Hubbard sets a high standard for what it means to be a CRNA—and we’re proud to have him as a member of our team.

Department of Anesthesiology Featured Member: November 2021

Abby was born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware. She attended Washington University in St. Louis and earned a bachelor's degree in history. During her undergraduate years, she realized that her dad's occupation was interesting, challenging, and offered a great work-life balance. He, of course, was a CRNA!

After graduation from WashU, Abby completed an accelerated BSN at University of Delaware. Her college sweetheart brought her back to St. Louis, and she took a job in the neuro ICU at Barnes-Jewish Hospital.

After 2 years in the ICU, she enrolled at Webster University where she completed her anesthesia degree in 2015. She was offered a job at Progress West Hospital with the Department of Anesthesiology and has been working there ever since.

The college sweetheart turned out to be a good gamble! Abby has been married to her husband, Tom, since 2013 and they are parents to 5-year-old Lila, and 2-year-old Maisie.

Outside of work, Abby enjoys spending time with her family, quilting, following the British royal family, and reading mysteries.</p>

Jena is a Clinical Informaticist within the Department of Anesthesiology, where she has served since February 2024. She holds Epic certifications in both Optime and Anesthesiology.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in health science from Maryville University in St. Louis. Prior to joining the department, Jena spent five years in the Division of Electrophysiology at BJH and three years on the Epic 1 Optime/Anesthesia team.

Outside of work, Jena is a proud mother of three. She is active in her community, volunteering with Cub Scouts, leading hiking adventures, and attending her children’s various sporting events.

Department of Anesthesiology Featured Member: February 2025

Sarah has been a critical care nurse practitioner at WashU Medicine for nearly a decade, bringing a wealth of experience from a medical career that began in 2006. Throughout her time at WashU, she has taken on numerous roles, serving as a member of the PIA Safe group, a wellness champion, a WOW committee member, a preceptor, and the founder of the APP Social & Well-Being Committee. While her heart belongs to the Surgical Trauma ICU, she is currently embracing the challenge of learning new skills in the Cardiothoracic ICU.

Outside of work, Sarah loves to travel and stay active—one of her personal goals is to visit all the major national parks. A devoted ice cream lover, she enjoys almost every flavor except plain chocolate. She also cherishes time with her friends, family, boyfriend, two dogs, and cat.

This year brings an exciting new chapter—Sarah is thrilled to welcome a baby girl in March!

Department of Anesthesiology Featured Member: October 2024

Michelle earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Mizzou in 2004 and spent several years working in mental health before returning to school to pursue her BSN. After graduating from UMSL's nursing program in 2008, she began her nursing career at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, first in the Neuro/NSGY ICU (10400) and later in the SICU (8400). She was part of the transition to the new SICU (4400) before deciding to further her education. Michelle is a graduate of Goldfarb’s NP programs, holding an MSN in Adult/Gero NP and a post-MSN in Acute Care Adult/Gero NP. She has worked with various intensivist groups throughout the metro area and joined the department in 2018.

Michelle primarily practices at Memorial Hospital in Belleville, Illinois, where she lives with her husband, son, three dogs, and turtle. Reflecting on her work, she shares, "The best part of my job is serving my community and being part of such a great team at Memorial."

Fun fact: By the time Michelle was in 6th grade, she had lived in six different states: Texas, Indiana, Tennessee, Delaware, Maryland, and Kentucky.

Department of Anesthesiology Featured Member: July 2023

Danish joined Washington University School of Medicine as a resident in 2016 and has been with the institution since. During that time, he completed a fellowship in obstetric anesthesiology and went on to become its program director. His academic passions include taking care of vulnerable populations, teaching residents, and making the fellowship the best place in the nation to learn about obstetric anesthesia. At home, he loves to spend time with his wife, wrestle his two kids, take care of his garden, and play video games.

Department of Anesthesiology Featured Member: January 2021

York is an assistant professor in the Division of Pediatric Anesthesiology. He was born in China and grew up in Connecticut. He studied Biomedical Engineering as an undergraduate at Washington University in St. Louis and completed medical school and residency at the University of Connecticut before returning to St. Louis. York is the Director of Anesthesia at Shriners Hospitals for Children St. Louis and is also an active member of the acute pain management team at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. He has an interest in the application of data science to operational problems in anesthesiology and healthcare. York lives in St. Louis with his wife Tina, an emergency medicine physician, and their 2-year-old son, Dresden.

Department of Anesthesiology Featured Member: March 2022

Jessica Justmann is an assistant professor in the Department of Anesthesiology. She completed her residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation followed by fellowships in adult and pediatric pain management at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. She treats both pediatric and adult patients with chronic pain conditions, and works to restore their function. In her free time, she spends as much of her time outside as possible hiking and camping with her children, as well as gardening and running. When inside, she sews her own clothes and holds the household record for the highest score in Just Dance.

Department of Anesthesiology Featured Member: December 2024

Muthuraj Kanakaraj, MD, MBBS, is an Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology at WashU Medicine. He earned his medical degree from Tirunelveli Medical College in India and completed his anesthesiology training at Madras Medical College, India, and in the United Kingdom. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Anaesthetists (FRCA) and holds the European Diploma in Intensive Care Medicine (EDIC).

Dr. Kanakaraj worked as an attending anesthesiologist in the UK for four years before joining the faculty at WashU Medicine in 2018. His professional focus is on patient safety, quality improvement, and education. He leads educational initiatives for residents, student nurse anesthetists, and nursing staff. Additionally, he serves as a physician leader for POD-5 and prioritizes patient safety and staff well-being as essential aspects of care.

Outside of work, Dr. Kanakaraj enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. A passionate supporter of Arsenal Football Club, he firmly believes they are destined to win the Premier League.