Diversity & Inclusion News

On September 26, 2024, UPMC Shadyside CRNAs Rachel Hicks and Jessica Kridler joined forces with M-PowerHouse again to introduce high school students at the Pittsburgh Science and Technology Academy to careers in nurse anesthesia. 

Their innovative study aims to address the complex interplay between socioeconomic factors and obstetric anesthesia care for patients with opioid use disorder.

A recent study led by Andrea Ibarra, MD, MS, published in JCA Advances, highlights the beneficial impact of increased institutional diversity engagement on reducing burnout among anesthesia providers.

Tomorrow is Juneteenth! We take this moment to honor this pivotal day in American history. On June 19, 1865, the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom, marking an end of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth is not only a celebration of freedom but also a time to reflect on the struggles and achievements of African Americans throughout history.

June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate diversity and inclusion within the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) community. We invite everyone to join us in showing support and solidarity as we make this Pride season the best one yet!

The UPMC Presbyterian-Shadyside Diversity Mentorship Program, coordinated by coordinated by Danielle Robinson and David A. Snyder, MSN, CRNA, celebrated the graduation of its inaugural class on May 14, 2024.

UPMC Shadyside nurse anesthetists Rachel Hicks, MSN, CRNA, and Jessica E. Kridler, MSN, CRNA, partnered with M-PowerHouse on February 22, 2024, unveiling a program to introduce high school students to the fulfilling vocational path of becoming a CRNA.

Paul Hoffmann, DO, is an anesthesiologist working at UPMC Presbyterian and UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.

John W. Jones, MSN, CRNA, works at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital as a nurse anesthetist in the anesthesiology department.

Laura Wiggins, DNP, MSN, CRNA, Lt. Col. (retired), USAF, is one of the OB Clinical Coordinators for the Nurse Anesthesia Program and an Assistant Professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing. She primarily works at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital as a CRNA.