Residents Team Up With Surgicorps International 

Over the last two years, residents from the Department of Anesthesiology have participated in mission trips throughout the world. 

The first rotation of its kind approved by the ACGME, our department has teamed with Surgicorps International to allow residents to volunteer for missions in several developing countries.  Dr. Karen Boretsky, Assistant Professor at UPMC Shadyside, serves as the rotation director for these missions and, to date, has traveled with each of the residents to their foreign locations. Read More...

Dr. Xu to Join Prestigious NIH Review Board

The NIH Center for Scientific Review (CSR) has invited Dr. Yan Xu, Professor and Vice Chair of Basic Research, to become a member of its new College of CSR Reviewers. The College seeks high quality, experienced reviewers to help review NIH applications in a process similar to journal reviews. Membership is restricted to senior respected members of the scientific community with a strong commitment to peer review. Dr. Xu will serve as a member of the College for two years. For more information about this program, please visit:

Regional Anesthesia and Ultrasound Techniques Conference

The Department of Anesthesiology presents the Fifth Update in Regional Anesthesia and Ultrasound Techniques April 10-11, 2010 at the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Farmington, PA.  This two day certified continuing medical education conference will review the latest trends and techniques in regional anesthesia and related research.  It is intended for practicing anesthesiologists, chronic pain physicians, emergency medicine physicians, residents, fellows, CRNA’s and RN’s.  We have gathered experts in the field who will discuss the use of ultrasound in chronic pain as well as share innovations in the management of difficult airways. The symposium will also provide a hands-on ultrasound workshop for guided peripheral nerve blocks and peripheral nerve block techniques for perioperative surgical procedures. 

The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians. This program has been designated a maximum of 12 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits TM.  Application has been made to the AANA (American Association of Nurse Anesthetists) for CE credits.

Full conference brochure and online registration available at https://ccehs.upmc.edu/formalCourses.jsp#2404

The conference will take place at the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and Spa. For more information regarding the resort please visit www.nemacolin.com.  A block of rooms has been reserved in the Lodge at the special rate of $139 per night plus applicable taxes and is subject to availability at the time of reservation. In order to secure the reduced lodging rate please contact the  Nemacolin reservation office 1.800.422.2736 or 724.329.8555 by March 5, 2010 and mention that you are attending the UPMC Update in Regional Anesthesia Symposium.

Please join us for what is sure to be a rewarding and informative conference!

Fifth Annual Pennsylvania Anesthesiology Resident Research Conference (PARRC)

Please mark your calendars for the Fifth Annual Pennsylvania Anesthesiology Resident Research Conference (PARRC), which will be held Saturday, May 8, 2010 at Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia, PA. Residents may submit abstracts to the resident research competition. Abstracts may be original research (clinical, basic, or education/simulation) or case reports. Submission guidelines and hotel information can be found on the Anesthesiology SharePoint site. All submissions should be forwarded to Dr. Scott Schartel (scott.schartel@tuhs.temple.edu) no later than 5:00 PM on Friday, April 2, 2010 for consideration. Please place “PARRC” in the subject line, and please copy the submission to Ms. Minette Manalo (minette.manalo@tuhs.temple.edu).  If you have any questions or need additional information, please email Ms. Manalo or contact her at 215-707-3325.

Dr. Sullivan Named ABA Associate Examiner

Congratulations to Erin A. Sullivan MD, Associate Professor and Director of Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology,
for her recent appointment to the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) as an Associate Examiner.   The ABA examines and certifies physicians who complete an accredited program of anesthesiology training in the United States and voluntarily apply to the Board for certification or maintenance of certification.

Dr. Planinsic to Serve Second Term on Liver Transplantation Editorial Board

Raymond M. Planinsic MD, Associate Professor and Director of Hepatic Transplantation Anesthesiology, was recently invited to serve a second five-year term on the editorial board of the prestigious journal Liver Transplantation. Congratulations, Dr. Planinsic!

Dr. Xu to Join Review Board of NIH Director’s New Innovator Award Program

Congratulations to Yan Xu PhD, Professor and Vice Chair of Basic Research, who will serve as a reviewer for the 2010 NIH Director's New Innovator Award Program. The New Innovator Award Program was created in 2007 to identify and fund new investigators who propose highly innovative research projects that could have an exceptionally great impact on biomedical or behavioral science. The program enlists reviewers who are outstanding, broad-thinking, and innovative scientists who can evaluate the novelty, creativity, and potential impact of the proposed projects within the broader context of biomedical and behavior research.