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Amy Jo Berresford

Remembering Amy Jo Berresford

Amy spent more than 20 years as a CRNA at UPMC Magee-Women’s Hospital, where she served with skill, compassion, and professionalism until her retirement in 2018.
Dale Fleck, Jennifer Fleegle-Vitsas, and Derek Reckard

UPMC Presbyterian CRNA Leadership Team Earns UPMC “Extra Mile” Awards

Dale Fleck, Jennifer Fleegle-Vitsas, and Derek Reckard won the UPMC Physician Services “Extra Mile” Award, which celebrates individuals who perform their roles with exceptional dedication, go above and beyond, elevate morale, embody UPMC’s values, and uplift everyone around them.
Kim Cantees

Dr. Kimberly Cantees Receives Drexel WMC/MCP Distinguished Graduate Award

The award recognizes Drexel Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania / Medical College of Pennsylvania graduates who have shown exceptional service, professional accomplishments, leadership, active participation in professional organizations, and scholarly contributions.
A decorative image with flasks filled with purple liquid including the words "#4 in NIH funding in 2025 according to Blue Ridge Institute"

Department NIH Ranking Ascends to #4 in 2025

Our department earned the #4 spot among all NIH-funded anesthesiology departments in the nation, up from #6 in 2024.
The words "Chief Residents 2026-2027" on top of an image of a patient being administered a bag mask

Announcing Our 2026-2027 Chief Residents

Congratulations to Denali Davis, MD (Chief Resident) and Sarah Fribance, MD and Tyler Weigel, MD (Associate Chief Residents) on their appointments.
Dr. Taylor sits next to a microscope

Dr. Brad Taylor Receives NIH R01 Award to Investigate Brain Circuits of Pain Modulation by Neuropeptides

The grant, titled "A Parabrachial Hub for the Prioritization of Pain and Other Survival Behaviors," will support Dr. Taylor's continued investigation into how the brain naturally modulates pain in response to competing survival needs.
microscope and data waves

Seed Grants Fuel Pain Research Innovations by Postdoctoral Scholars

Our department has awarded research seed grants to T32 postdoctoral scholars Sarah Margerison, PhD, and Jim Wherry, PhD, who are both pursuing innovative approaches to understanding and treating pain conditions.
Association of University Anesthesiologists logo

Drs. Michael Best and Liz Leimer Inducted into AUA as Associate Members

Associate membership in the AUA recognizes early-career faculty who demonstrate excellence and leadership potential in scholarly research, education, or administration. Membership is by nomination only, requiring endorsement from an AUA member in good standing.
3D visualization of neurons with glowing orange cell bodies and blue branching axons and dendrites against a dark background

Dr. Siamak Salavatian Wins PUNCH Award for AI-Driven Neuromodulation Study

Siamak Salavatian, MEng, PhD, has been named a winner of a Phase 1 award in the University of Pittsburgh Un-Challenge (PUnCh) competition.
books on a shelf

February 2026 Publications

Twenty-six publications authored or co-authored by members of our team were published in February 2026.
Four CRNAs in surgical caps and scrubs stand around an operating table with blue drapes, surrounded by medical equipment and monitors.

Celebrating Community and Compassion: National CRNA Week 2026

Our department's more than 400 CRNAs observed the week through meaningful community outreach and collaborative events that demonstrated their commitment to care both inside and outside the operating room.
Ashley Donatucci standing in front of a UPMC Life Changing Medicine branded step-and-repeat backdrop.

Ashley Donatucci Named 2026 UPMC Dignity and Respect Champion

UPMC's Dignity and Respect Champions are selected for modeling behaviors that support belonging, creating positive environments for colleagues and patients alike, and setting the standard for workplace culture across the health system.
Bill Thomson with his daughters

Administrative Staff Spotlight: Bill Thomson

Bill Thomson, Executive Administrator for Faculty Affairs and Research Operations, has been with our department since 2005.
UPMC Washington

UPMC Washington CRNAs Join Department

On Monday, January 26, 2026, the Pitt/UPMC Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine will welcome a new clinical site as the certified registered nurse anesthetists from UPMC Washington officially join University of Pittsburgh Physicians.
Phipps Conservatory

Anesthesiology Residents Host 6th Annual Opioid Awareness Fundraiser

Our department will host the 6th annual fundraiser to benefit Light of Life Rescue Mission on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Phipps Conservatory.