Profiles in Diversity

The Department of Anesthesiology is among the largest academic anesthesiology departments in the world. We often profile the academic accomplishments of individuals in this group, and are pleased to present a new series of articles, titled “Profiles in Diversity,” which will allow you to get to know colleagues that have used their skills in unique ways or showed extreme determination to be among us. This month, we feature Karen Boretsky, MD, whohas turned a simple act of caring into a passion and a life changing experience for some of our residents. - William Simmons MD,  Chair, Advisory Committee on Diversity
Read More…

Dr. Motoyama Shares His International Mission Experiences

Community Service by Etsuro Motoyama, MD

Since 2005, I have been active in two volunteer surgical mission groups:
Children of the Americas, Inc. (www.childrenoftheamericas.org)
I am deeply involved in this Lexington, KY-based medical mission organization, which primarily serves the general healthcare of native children in the rural areas of Guatemala in Central America. When I first volunteered in this group in 2005, I found that the anesthesia service was dangerously inadequate with only two CRNAs and myself taking care of over 60 surgical cases in a week.
(CLICK HERE TO READ MORE)

Dr. Kaul to Present Top 20 Abstract at IARS Meeting

Congratulations  and good luck to Dr. Bupesh Kaul, Magee Womens Hospital, whose abstract was selected as one of the top 20 abstracts at the upcoming International Anesthesia Research Society (IARS) 2010 Annual Meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii. The abstract is titled “Randomized, prospective, placebo-controlled, double blind trial to evaluate the efficacy of preoperative aprepitant in patients at moderate-to-high risk for postoperative nausea (PONV) undergoing ambulatory plastic surgery” and is co-authored by medical student Patrick Milord and Drs. Manuel Vallejo, Ryan Romeo, and Jonathan Waters. The top 20 abstracts will be presented and judged in the Kosaka Abstract Forum on Monday, March 22, 2010, from 9:00 – 10:30 am. The top winner will receive the Kosaka Award and a cash prize.

Dr. Krugh Receives Clerkship Preceptor of the Year Award

Dr. James W. Krugh, Clinical Associate Professor at UPMC Presbyterian, was recently honored with a Clerkship Preceptor of the Year Award. The award recognizes faculty preceptors who consistently provide outstanding clinical instruction in the clerkship setting for medical students of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Congratulations Dr. Krugh!

Dr. Borland Joins Patient Safety Advisory

Congratulations to Larry Borland MD, who was invited and accepted an invitation to join the Editorial Staff of The Pennsylvania Patient Safety Advisory,  which operates under the auspices of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority. Dr. Borland joins 26 other physicians, nurses, and members of the public health community representing many of the specialties of medicine.

MHAUS Conference at UPMC

Please mark your calendars for the upcoming Malignant Hyperthermia Association of the United Stated (MHAUS) Scientific Conference: “Malignant Hyperthermia (MH): New Insights and Connections with Other Myopathies.” The purpose of this conference is to allow clinicians and scientists to share data in an effort to advance the diagnosis, treatment, and management of MH-susceptible patients. The conference will be held April 23-24, 2010 (a full 2-day conference) at UPMC Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA. Read more...

Dr. Parness Selected as one of the Best Doctors in America

Congratulations to Dr. Jerome Parness, who will be listed in the 2009-2010 Best Doctors in America database. Dr. Parness was nominated by his peers and was selected by the Best Doctors group as one of the most respected physicians in his specialty. To read more about the Best Doctors database, visit http://www.bestdoctors.com/corp/index.html.

Dr. Cope Named Top Doctor

Dr. Doris Cope, Professor and Vice Chair of Pain Medicine, was recently selected by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. as one of America's Top Doctors.  Castle Connolly, a healthcare research and information company, utilizes a peer nomination system and careful review and screening process for its Top Doctors program. Dr. Cope’s inclusion in the database signifies that the quality of her work is highly regarded by her fellow physicians. http://www.castleconnolly.com/

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.