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Ram Volotzky, MD, Stepping Down as Chief of Anesthesiology at Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital

An announcement from Michael S. Avidan, MBBCh, FCASA, Dr. Seymour and Rose T. Brown Professor of Anesthesiology, Professor of Anesthesiology and Surgery, and Head of the Department of Anesthesiology

I would like to extend sincere appreciation on behalf of the Anesthesiology Department, Washington University School of Medicine, and Barnes-Jewish Hospital for the leadership role Dr. Ram Volotzky has played at the Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital (BJWCH) for the last 25 years. Dr. Volotzky will be stepping down from his leadership role on October 31, 2019.

As the Chief of Anesthesiology at BJWCH, Dr. Volotzky has grown the division, provided guidance to a committed group of anesthesiologists and CRNAs, forged strong relationships with other departments and the hospital, and ensured that Anesthesiology has made substantial contributions to the health and well-being of many thousands of patients who have undergone surgeries and procedures at BJWCH.

Dr. Volotzky trained as a doctor at Tel Aviv University, in Israel. He completed Anesthesiology residencies both in Israel and at Washington University in St. Louis. He worked as a Staff Anesthesiologist at Jewish Hospital from 1985 to 1994, becoming an expert in all areas of Anesthesiology. Thereafter he took on the role of Anesthesiologist in Chief of the West County Division, a position he has held to this day. In this capacity, he has substantially expanded the facilities at BJWCH, worked closely with his colleagues – especially Dr. Brett Wolff – in building the anesthesiology service at the Washington University Orthopedics Center in Chesterfield, and provided outstanding partnership to the staff at the Advanced Endoscopy Center.

The Anesthesiology Department is deeply indebted to Dr. Volotzky for his sustained leadership and many contributions, which have included the following roles: Chief of Medical Staff; OR Committee representative; delegate to Medical Executive Committee; Credentialing Committee member; planning and design of new ORs and surgery center; and participation in quality improvement and safety processes. Overall, Dr. Volotzky’s contributions have been substantial. Today the West County Division is one of the jewels in the crown of the Washington University Anesthesiology Department. The dedicated anesthesiologists and CRNAs who comprise the Division are all impressive and are committed to the mission and vision of the Department, BJC and the School of Medicine.

Please join me in thanking Ram Volotzky for his many years of exemplary contributions to our Academic Medical Center, to the members of our Department, and to the community that we serve. There will be an announcement within the next few days regarding future leadership of this important Division.

Michael Avidan, MBBCh, FCASA
Dr. Seymour and Rose T. Brown of Anesthesiology
Head, Department of Anesthesiology