It is with deep sadness that we share news of the passing of our esteemed former faculty member, Dr. Robert G. Krohner, on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.
Dr. Krohner was a dedicated physician, educator, and researcher whose contributions to anesthesiology and critical care spanned decades. Born in Detroit, MI, he pursued his undergraduate studies at Michigan State University and Wayne State University, earning a BS in Psychology with honors in 1979. He went on to receive his medical degree from the University of Osteopathic Medicine and Health Sciences in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1983. He completed his anesthesiology residency at the Medical College of Ohio Hospital in 1987, followed by a critical care medicine fellowship at Sinai Hospital of Detroit in 1988.
Dr. Krohner joined our department in 1988 and spent the majority of his career at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, where he served as an attending anesthesiologist until his retirement in 2020. At the time of his retirement, he held a primary appointment as Associate Professor in the School of Medicine and a secondary appointment as Associate Professor in the School of Nursing, Department of Nurse Anesthesia.
Throughout his career, Dr. Krohner was actively involved in professional societies, including the Allegheny County Medical Society, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), the Pennsylvania Medical Society, the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association, the Pennsylvania Society of Anesthesiologists, and the Florida Medical Association. He was a Founding Member of the Society for Airway Management and the Society of Anesthesia and Sleep Medicine. Dr. Krohner was widely recognized for his expertise in airway management, postoperative nausea and vomiting, and simulation training in obstetric anesthesiology. His teaching contributions were extensive, as he served as an instructor for over 60 courses at the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC, along with numerous national workshops, including nearly 20 years of sessions of the Difficult Airway Workshop with Simulation at the ASA’s annual meetings.
Among his many honors and awards were recognition in Who’s Who in America Colleges and Universities in 1982-1983, the American Medical Association Physician’s Recognition Award in Continuing Medical Education in 1995, and Magee’s “Good Save”- Patient Care award in 2015 and 2016. He was an author or co-author on over 30 publications, including nine book chapters.
Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Krohner was an active member of his community, coaching youth hockey, baseball, and basketball in Upper St. Clair. He also volunteered with the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, and USA Swimming and High School Swimming Programs.
Dr. Krohner’s legacy of teaching, mentorship, and clinical excellence will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of working alongside him. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and colleagues.