Profiled

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.

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>