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WashU Anesthesiology Residents Shine at MARC 2024

Residents from the Department of Anesthesiology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis excelled in presenting their research and case reports at the 2024 Midwest Anesthesia Resident Conference (MARC) held in Omaha on April 5-7, 2024. 

Originating in 1961, the MARC has grown into the largest anesthesia resident’s conference globally, attracting over 600 participants from 37 different anesthesia departments. Attendees presented unique medical cases, described novel research and quality improvement projects, and engaged in networking and educational opportunities. 

“Our residents have once again showcased excellence in research, innovation, and compassionate care,” said Associate Residency Program Director, Sydney Nykiel-Bailey, DO. “Their achievements not only reflect our commitment to academic rigor but also exemplify the spirit of collaboration and continuous learning that defines our community.”

Meet the participating residents:

Heather Acuff, MD, PhD, current CA3 resident, placed first in the obstetrical category for her study, “Interventions to Prevent Postpartum Depression: A Network Meta-analysis.” She also placed second in the same category for her study “Peripartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders and the Development of Preeclampsia.”
Javaughn Baker, MD, current CA2 resident, presented his study in the cardiovascular category, “A Case of Embolized Pulmonic Valve.” 
Archana Bharadwaj, MD, MPH, CHES, a current CA1 resident, placed second in the pediatric category for her case report, “Aborted Epidural: Loss of Lower Extremity Signals during Lateral Positioning in a Patient with Morquio Sndrome.”
Lillian Chen, MD, a current CA3 resident, placed third in the Quality Improvement category for her case report, “Suction Thrombectomy of a Saddle Pulmonary Embolism in a Patient with DNR/DNI Status.”
Derek Clary, DO, a current CA3 resident, presented his poster in the Quality Improvement category, “Cricothyrotomy Protocol.” 
Shourik Dutta, MD, a current CA2 resident, placed third in the pediatric category for his case report, “Penetrating Gunshot Wound – an Uncommon Case of Fetal Trauma.”
Divya Mehta, MD, current CA2 resident, presented her case study in the critical care category, “Challenged in Managing Thyrotoxicosis-induced Cardiomyopathy: A Case Report.”
Ashton Shaffer, MD, PhD, a current CA1 resident, placed first in the cardiovascular category for her case report, “Bioprosthetic Aortic Valve Replacement in a Patient with Alpha-gal Syndrome.”
Philip Smith, MD, PhD, a current CA1 resident, presented his poster in the basic research category, “Mouse Astrocyte BMAL1 Kockout Reduced Perineuronal Nets and Synaptic Potentiation and Increased Anxiety Behavior.” 
Elizabeth Wong, MD, a current CA2 resident, placed third in the obstetrical category for her case report, “Multidisciplinary Management of Placenta Accrete Spectrum Disorder.”
Jamie Yang, MD, PhD, a current CA3 resident, placed first in the general category for his poster, “Characterizing Post-reperfusion Syndrome in Liver Transplants.” Yang also presented a poster in the Quality Improvement category, “Improving Efficiency and Accuracy of ACGME Case Logging.”
Phillip Yang, MD, a current CA1 resident, presented his case study in the cardiovascular category, “Intracardiac Clot Migration during Pulmonary Embolism Thrombectomy.”

“The accomplishments of these residents stand as a testament to their dedication and innovative spirit,” remarked Nykiel-Bailey. “Their success at MARC 2024 not only showcases their individual excellence but also reflects their commitment to advancing patient care.”