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Illustration of a woman and a man sitting at a table, engaged in a friendly conversation. Both are gesturing with their hands, facing each other, and smiling. The background features green potted plants against a light green wall, creating a relaxed and professional setting.

Celebrating National Mentoring Month

January marks National Mentoring Month. Our faculty, certified registered nurse anesthetists, and staff are actively engaged in mentoring initiatives that span all levels of our organization.
Screenshot of Drs. Stephen Esper, Joseph DeRenzo, and J. Peter Rubin on 1,000-lb Sisters

Drs. Stephen Esper and Joe DeRenzo Featured on Season 6 Finale of “1,000-lb Sisters”

 

Stephen A. Esper, MD, MBA, Director of the UPMC Center for Perioperative Care, and Joseph S. DeRenzo, MD, Chief Anesthesiologist of UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, along with J. Peter Rubin, MD,…

books on a shelf

January 2025 Publications

Twenty-four publications authored or co-authored by members of our team were published in January 2025.
Jacquelyn Morillo-Delerme, MD

Remembering Dr. Jacquelyn Morillo-Delerme

Jacquelyn Morillo-Delerme, MD, a distinguished alum of our department who served as a faculty member and attending anesthesiologist at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, passed away on Saturday, December 28, 2024.
Vincent J. Contento, MSN, CRNA

Vincent Contento Honored with University of Pittsburgh Nurse Anesthesia Program Legacy Award

Vincent J. Contento, MSN, CRNA, based at UPMC Shadyside, was recognized as the longest-tenured Student Registered Nurse Anesthetist (SRNA) Coordinator in the history of the University of Pittsburgh Nurse Anesthesia Program during their 2024 graduation ceremony.
Graduation cap and degree

From Students to CRNAs: Pitt's Nurse Anesthesia Class of 2024 Achieves Milestone

The University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing’s Nurse Anesthesia Program proudly honored the graduating Class of 2024 on Friday, December 13, at the University Club, celebrating 35 graduates who successfully completed their rigorous academic and clinical training to earn their Doctor of Nursing…
The logo for the Foundation for Anesthesia Education and Research (FAER). It features the acronym "FAER" in bold white letters with a yellow stylized wing design to the right, above the full name of the organization in white text. The background is blue.

Summer 2025 FAER MSARF Program Application Season Now Open

The Foundation for Anesthesia Education and Research (FAER) Medical Student Anesthesia Research Fellowship (MSARF) program offers medical students the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge anesthesiology research under the guidance of experienced mentors.
festive graphic for "Kennywood Holiday Lights" featuring a yellow arrow outlined in green and adorned with colorful Christmas lights. The words "Holiday Lights" curve above the arrow, and "Kennywood" is written in bold black text within the arrow. A red ribbon curls below, surrounded by greenery, ornaments, and candy canes on a white background.

Thrills, Lights, and Festive Delights: Department Gathers for 2024 Holiday Party

Faculty, trainees, clinicians, researchers, and staff and their families and guests came together on December 8 to celebrate the winter season at our Holiday Lights Party at Kennywood.
A festive room decorated for Christmas, featuring a lit Christmas tree adorned with colorful ornaments and lights. Surrounding the tree are numerous wrapped presents in various festive patterns, including Santa Claus and holiday-themed designs. A small table to the left holds a miniature Christmas tree and holiday decor, while a larger Santa Claus figure sits on a sideboard to the right. The walls have framed photos and a modern navy-blue accent design. The cozy atmosphere highlights a joyful holiday scene.

UPMC Presbyterian CRNAs Brighten the Holidays for Local Families in Need

They brought joy to two local families through the Red Cross Adopt-a-Family program by providing gifts and holiday meals to families facing difficult times.
A group photo at the University of Pittsburgh first signing day for startups event featuring 13 people, including Dr. Trent Emerick, standing or seated behind tables adorned with blue and gold Pitt banners and pom-poms. The group includes individuals in Pitt apparel, the Pitt mascot Roc the Panther, and others dressed in business or casual attire. The backdrop includes balloons and a Pitt logo.

Dr. Trent Emerick and Vanish Therapeutics Showcased at Pitt’s Signing Day for Startups

Trent D. Emerick, MD, MBA, FASA, and other Pitt innovators participated in the University’s first signing day for startups, an event created to spotlight scientists who are driving downfield to commercialize their research.
Two women stand on either side of a table covered with a purple tablecloth that reads "UPMC Life Changing Medicine, Advanced Practice Providers." Behind the table is a display with a sign that says, "Your life-changing career starts here" and promotes opportunities for advanced practice providers. The table features medical training tools, including anatomical models and medical instruments. A balloon column in pink and white stands to the left, with large windows in the background revealing a parking lot a

Erica Wiesen and Julia Dixon-Ernst Champion CRNA Careers at UPMC Pathways Career Event

On December 4, 2024, these UPMC Presbyterian CRNAs showcased diverse career opportunities during the UPMC Pathways for Students Educational Career Event at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh.
A stylized, colorful painting of a seated woman with her head bowed and her arms resting on her knees. The artwork uses bold, abstract brushstrokes in shades of blue, orange, red, and yellow to depict the woman, contrasting against a soft beige background. Her hair is tied in a bun, and her expression conveys introspection or sadness.

CTSI Awards Dr. Ben Alter Funding to Investigate Fibromyalgia Pain in Women

The award supports Dr. Alter’s project, “SharpFocus Stimulation to Treat Fibromyalgia Pain in Women,” which aims to address the pressing need for novel, noninvasive therapies for fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition that disproportionately affects women.
A festive table setup with a St. Patrick's Day theme. The table is covered in a green tablecloth and decorated with shamrock-shaped cutouts, miniature leprechaun hats, and gold accents. Plates hold themed desserts, including cupcakes with green frosting and shamrock toppers, and a powdered sugar-topped cake slice. Glasses of iced tea with shamrock stirrers are placed alongside gold utensils. Additional decorated tables are visible in the background, maintaining the same theme.

Fifth Annual Fundraiser for Opioid Epidemic Awareness Supporting Light of Life Rescue Mission

Mark your calendars for a St. Patrick’s Day-themed evening at the 5th Annual Opioid Epidemic Awareness Fundraiser on Saturday, March 22, 2025, from 6–10 PM at the stunning Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.
Simulation mannequin

Dr. Charles Lin Awarded Beckwith Institute Funding to Advance Simulation Training Across UPMC

Dr. Lin’s project supports the expansion of a surgical airway simulation workshop from Passavant to other UPMC hospitals to inform the development of MediSimScale, a toolkit that will streamline the process for scaling simulation training by collecting efficacy and dissemination outcome data.
Drs. Aaron Tarnasky, Dylan Bard, Wesley Ramirez, and John Driggers

Residents Recognized with Chair’s Distinction Awards for Outstanding Anesthesia Knowledge Test Scores

Drs. Dylan Bard, John Driggers, Wesley Ramirez, Aaron Tarnasky, and Tyler Weigel were recognized for their exceptional performance on the Anesthesia Knowledge Tests (AKT), placing them in the 95th percentile or higher nationally.