BOSTON MEDICAL CENTER DEPARTMENT OF ANESTHESIOLOGY ANNUAL REPORT 2024 EDITION
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Table of Contents
Table of CONTENTS 1
WELCOME TO OUR ANNUAL REPORT
A Message From the Chair
A word about our recent history and our commitment to patient care, education and scholarly endeavors.
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Mission, Vision, and History
A collection of statements defining the Department’s objectives and aspirations, as well as our approach to reaching our goals.
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Meet the Team
An introduction to our team, including Department organization, administrative team, and clinical staff.
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Residency Program
An overview of our Residency Program that showcases our internship, the clinical anesthesia years, and our current residents.
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Education and Training
A look at our teaching activities and education regarding medical students, anesthesia residents, and CRNAs.
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Diversity and Inclusion
A collection of images emphasizing our commitment to fostering a heterogeneous and inclusive environment.
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Clinical Affairs
An illustrated review of our clinical activities, including initiatives and types of procedures.
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Scholarly Activities
A look at our efforts to increase research, publications, and other academic endeavors.
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Awards and Honors
A showcase of the esteemed awards and honors that have been bestowed upon our department members.
10 News and Events
An exploration of recent notable acknowledgements and events that have taken place in our department and the greater BMC and BUCASM communities.
This illustrated report details our accomplishments over the past year and outlines the future directions of our Department. It provides insight into our organizational structure and the vision of both our administrative and clinical leaders in delivering optimal care. The report also emphasizes our exceptional Residency Program and our commitment to fostering education and scholarly pursuits. Produced in the Department of Anesthesiology Multimedia Laboratory, renowned for its innovative use of computer-assisted medical instruction, this publication reflects the collaborative effort of our entire department. We extend our sincere gratitude to all of those who aided in the creation of this report.
11 Out of Office
A collection of colorful images exemplifying the camaraderie, vitality, and wellbeing that is fostered through our department’s extramural gatherings and activities.
12 Looking Ahead
A glimpse into the future of our Department and greater organization as we strive to be at the forefront of medical innovation and education.
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A Message From the Chair
A Message From the Chair
Our program’s exceptional qualities include:
A Message From THE CHAIR
Diverse Clinical Experiences: Boston Medical Center’s diverse patient population offers unparalleled clinical training. State-of-the-Art Learning Environment: The ever-expanding Integrated Procedural Platform provides cutting-edge facilities for learning. Specialized Programs: Our programs in regional anesthesia, pain management, pediatric anesthesia, and more, continue to grow, enriching the residency experience. Faculty Development: We invest in our faculty’s professional growth through mentorship and development programs. Active Engagement: Our faculty play significant roles across the hospital, medical school, university, and professional organizations, enhancing our leadership presence. Impactful Research: We are involved in meaningful research, publications, and lectures at national and international levels.
Simulation Training: BMC’s Simulation Center offers realistic training for crisis management and ultrasound techniques. Oral Board Preparation: Our Oral Board Reviews, guided by experienced examiners, prepare residents for success. Vibrant Learning Environment: We foster a dynamic learning atmosphere with interactive activities, journal clubs, book clubs, international lectures, joint conferences, and the nation’s busiest anesthesiology multimedia laboratory. Diversity and Inclusion: We embrace diversity and inclusion through active initiatives, ensuring equal opportunities for all. Resident Well-Being: We prioritize resident wellness with activities and discussions on sleep deprivation, burnout, financial planning, and other crucial topics.
Dear Colleagues,
Welcome to our illustrated annual report, a reflection of our Department’s journey and achievements. As I enter my fifth year as Chair of the Department of Anesthesiology at this time-honored institution, I am reminded of our proud academic lineage. A recent article in Anesthesia & Analgesia by our medical students highlighted the “Aqualumni Tree,” tracing the genealogy of chairs in academic anesthesiology back to the very first residency program. Dr. Ralph Waters, the pioneer of anesthesiology residency programs, mentored Dr. Emery Rovenstine, who mentored Dr. Papper, who mentored Dr. Marcelle Willock, who in turn trained me. This legacy of excellence is a cornerstone of our department, which has grown to achieve an impressive level of distinction and competitiveness thanks to the contributions of our exceptional faculty and leaders. The past five years have tested our specialty, first with the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the crucial role anesthesiologists play in medicine, and now with a national shortage of anesthesia providers challenging operating theaters across the United States. Despite these obstacles, our department has thrived through the collaborative efforts of our faculty, residents, and staff. Together, we excel in patient care, training the next generation of anesthesiologists, and advancing our specialty through research and innovation.
These accomplishments are a testament to our department’s dedication and hard work. During the 2024 graduation ceremony, I reminded our graduates that they are entering a field undergoing transformative change. While this can be daunting, it is also an opportunity for growth and resilience. Our graduates are now part of a rich legacy that has shaped modern medicine.
This illustrated annual report showcases our achievements and highlights the opportunities ahead.
We sincerely hope you enjoy exploring it as much as we enjoyed creating it.
“Together, we excel in patient care, training the next generation of anesthesiologists, and advancing our specialty through research and innovation.”
Rafael Ortega, MD PROFESSOR & CHAIR
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Mission, Vision, and History Mission, Vision, and History VISION Our MISSION MISSION Our
• TO STRENGTHEN OUR COMMITMENT TO PATIENT SAFETY AND EFFICIENCY, AND DEDICATE OURSELVES TO CREATING THE BEST LEARNING ENVIRONMENT FOR OUR STUDENTS AND RESIDENTS, WHILE DEVELOPING OUR FACULTY TO THEIR FULLEST POTENTIAL. • TO BE RECOGNIZED AS A TRANSFORMATIVE FORCE WITHIN BOSTON MEDICAL CENTER AND BEYOND, IN THE PURSUIT OF PROFESSIONALISM AND INTER-DISCIPLINARY COLLABORATION. • TO CREATE A DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT THAT ATTRACTS, DEVELOPS, AND RETAINS FORWARD-THINKING AND COMPASSIONATE INDIVIDUALS DEDICATED TO CLINICAL AND ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE.
THE DEPARTMENT OF ANESTHESIOLOGY, AS AN ESSENTIAL COMPONENT OF BOSTON MEDICAL CENTER AND THE BU CHOBANIAN AND AVEDISIAN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE, IS DEDICATED TO PROVIDING EXCEPTIONAL CARE FOR ITS PATIENTS AND THE BEST MEDICAL EDUCATION IN A FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE AND ACADEMICALLY STIMULATING ENVIRONMENT.
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Mission, Vision, and History
Mission, Vision, and History
HISTORY Our HISTORY In the early 1900s, Boston City Hospital served as a public hospital with over 1,000 beds dispersed across numerous buildings in one square block of the South End. The clinical services were run by faculty from each of the Boston medical schools: Harvard, Tufts, and Boston University. In the 1960s, the City of Boston granted the health services contract to Boston University alone. During this period, the BU School of Medicine lay across the street from BCH and adjacent to Massachusetts Memorial Hospital. Massachusetts Memorial Hospital was a private medical institution that shared close affiliation with Boston University, so much so that it eventually changed its name to University Hospital in the 1970s. Both Boston City Hospital and University Hospital facilitated medical residencies. Some residencies were independent, some were duplicated, and some were integrated, with residents working and receiving training at both hospitals. While our records demonstrate that Boston City Hospital had an anesthesiology training program dating back to the late 1930s, the early history of our specialty at this institution is not well documented prior to the arrival of Dr. Benjamin Kripke . Receiving his MD from Tufts University and having trained in anesthesiology on our medical campus, Dr. Kripke became Director of our Department in 1971.
In 1975, Frederick W. Hehre, MD became the first Professor and Chair of Anesthesiology at Boston University School of Medicine. He is noted for his positions as Chief of Anesthesia at both BCH and University Hospital until his death in 1980, and he was responsible for conceptualizing and integrating the aforementioned system of residents rotating at both hospitals. Dr. Hehre received his MD from Columbia University in 1947 and trained in anesthesiology at Presbyterian Hospital in New York City from 1948-1950, where he worked with esteemed anesthesiologist Virginia Apgar, MD. In 1958, Dr. Hehre became Director of Obstetric Anesthesia at Yale under Dr. Nicholas Greene. Dr. Hehre was a distinguished anesthesiologist who published a broad range of clinical research articles over the course of his career; the Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology (SOAP) honors him for his contributions to the field with the Frederick W. Hehre Jr. Memorial Lecture. In 1980, Commissioner of Health for the City of Boston Lewis Pollack began funding for an independent BCH anesthesia department. He hired a separate Chief of Anesthesia in Dean
Crocker, MD, who had been practicing at Boston Children’s Hospital. Pollack also initiated an unaccredited anesthesiology training program for dentists and had a clinical staff composed of non-Board-certified anesthesiologists and dentist anesthetists. At the time, no other organizations had supported training dentists to administer anesthesia for non-dental procedures. In 1982, Dr. Marcelle Willock was recruited to be the Professor and Chair of Anesthesiology at Boston University School of Medicine and Chief of Anesthesiology at University Hospital. She broke barriers and made history by becoming the first woman chairman at the school, as well as the third woman to chair an academic anesthesiology department in the country. Dr. Willock graduated from Howard University College of Medicine in 1962, did her residency at Presbyterian Hospital in New York City under Emanuel Pepper, MD, and had been a member of faculty for both New York University and Columbia University. In addition to this, she had also obtained a master’s in Higher Education from Teacher’s College, Columbia University, making her one of the earliest anesthesiologists to obtain formal training in education.
DR. HEHRE BECOMES FIRST PROFESSOR AND CHAIR OF ANESTHESIA AT BU MED SCHOOL
BOSTON CITY HOSPITAL IS FOUNDED
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1975
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1982 DR. WILLOCK BECOMES FIRST WOMAN OF COLOR TO CHAIR AN ANESTHESIOLOGY DEPARTMENT
DR. KRIPKE BECOMES DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR
Mission, Vision, and History
Mission, Vision, and History
Dr. Willock was a pioneer in simulation education, having initiated CPR and ACLS training at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, and at the PGA Assembly in New York. At BU, she continued her simulation work and fostered the anesthesia faculty teaching in basic sciences. An active participant in hospital affairs, Dr. Willock co- chaired the OR Design subcommittee for the new University Hospital that opened in 1987. She was also an active participant in the Massachusetts Society of Anesthesiologists and the American Society of Anesthesiologists, becoming President of the MSA and a Director and Assistant Secretary of the ASA. Under Dr. Willock, the Department of Anesthesiology began its long tradition of presenting high-quality exhibits at national meetings including the ASA, PGA, and IARS national meetings. These exhibits have earned the Department numerous awards, including the 1st prize for best scientific exhibit three years consecutively at the ASA Annual Meeting. The ACGME anesthesiology residency was based at the University Hospital with an affiliation at BCH for obstetric anesthesia and trauma, and at Rhode Island Hospital for pediatric rotations, and at Framingham Union Hospital.
The City of Boston was reluctant to give up its unaccredited dental program despite the serious problems it posed for the ACGME accredited program. Finally in 1992, new Commissioner of Health Judith Kurkand agreed to the reunification of the two anesthesia departments, dissolution of the dental program and an integrated residency under Dr. Willock’s leadership. Dr. Willock served as Chair until 1998 when she was appointed Assistant Provost for Community Affairs at Boston University School of Medicine. She was succeeded by Keith Lewis, RPh, MD , a graduate of University of Connecticut School of Medicine and University of Rhode Island School of Pharmacy who did his residency at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. It was during Dr. Lewis’ tenure that the Department was administered by Anesthesia Associates of Massachusetts, which was the largest anesthesia provider in New England at the time. This academic/ private practice group had been founded by Ellison Pierce, MD, the notable anesthesiologist and President of the ASA who spearheaded the creation of the Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation. Under the visionary two decades of leadership from Dr. Lewis, an efficient operating room management approach was cultivated which resulted in a
greatly improved and streamlined perioperative process. Boston Medical Center’s achievements in innovative OR management were praised by the Wall Street Journal in August 2005, lending credence to Dr. Lewis’ accomplishments as Chair of our Department. In July 2019, Boston Medical Center opted to transform the Department of Anesthesiology into more academically focused branch and totally integrated into its faculty practice plan. Rafael Ortega, MD , a graduate of the UNPHU in Santo Domingo who did his residency and fellowship at this institution from 1982-1985, was appointed Chair. With antiquated buildings no longer able to support the current sophistication of care, a new Boston City Hospital was built in 1994 concentrating all in patients in one building. The other buildings were primarily used for outpatients and support services. All vestiges of the earlier Boston City Hospital Department of Anesthesiology were completely eradicated with the creation of Boston Medical Center which resulted from the fusion of the University Hospital and Boston City Hospital in 1996.
This merger, one of the most successful integrations of any two hospitals in the United States, resulted in a sprawling medical center occupying several city blocks in Boston’s historic South End. Boston Medical Center retains the traditions of the originating hospitals, including commitment to education, dedication to outstanding research, and relentless devotion to quality health care regardless of the patient’s ability to pay. Further modernization and consolidation occurred with more new installations and the closure of what had been University Hospital. Boston Medical Center is the main teaching hospital for Boston University, and it is contiguous with the School of Medicine, School of Dental Medicine, School of Public Health, and numerous research buildings. Collectively, this expansive urban health care complex is known as Boston University Medical Campus. Today, Boston Medical Center is an approximately 500-bed academic medical center and is the largest safety-net hospital in New England. It is a nationally recognized Level 1 trauma center.
DR. LEWIS BEGINS TWO DECADES OF LEADERSHIP AS CHAIR OF THE DEPARTMENT
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2019
DR. ORTEGA IS APPOINTED CHAIR OF THE DEPARTMENT
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Meet the Team
MEET THE TEAM
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ADMIN STAFF
ATTENDING PHYSICIANS
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CRNAs
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RESIDENTS
ANESTHESIA TECHNICIANS
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Pictured left is the majority of Department Leadership at the 2023 Leadership Retreat, held at the BU Castle. The Department fosters a culture of strong leadership through periodic retreats that bring Department leaders together in a focused and collaborative environment. Here, leaders report on progress within their respective areas, facilitating open communication and knowledge sharing. Additionally, the retreats provide a suitable platform for mutual support, encouraging alliance and collective problem solving. Ultimately, these leadership retreats serve to strengthen the Department by aligning individual efforts and creating a unified vision for its success.
The Department of Anesthesiology is dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and nurturing environment that cultivates trust among our medical students, residents, faculty, and staff. Our commitment extends to upholding a respectful atmosphere that prioritizes effective teaching, learning, and professional growth. Each member of our department is entrusted with advancing our clinical and educational objectives, ensuring the highest quality of care for our diverse patient population.
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Meet the Team
Meet the Team
The Department of Anesthesiology’s Chair reports to the Dean of the School of Medicine, the President of the Hospital, and the President of Boston University Medical Group. Three Vice Chairs oversee research, clinical affairs, and academic affairs respectively, reporting directly to the Chair. The Director of Diversity also reports directly to the Chair. The Vice Chair of Clinical Affairs manages all clinical activities, including the operating rooms, endoscopy center, pain service, and other anesthesia service areas. The CRNA group, the Director of Quality and Safety, report to the Vice Chair of Clinical Affairs. The Residency Program Director, the Director of Simulation, the Director of Medical Student Clerkships, and the Education and Media Specialist report to the Vice Chair of Academic Affairs. The Residency Program is overseen by a Director, an Associate Director, and two Assistant Directors collaborate with the Vice Chair of Academic Affairs. The Administrative Director and their team support administrative processes for clinical and academic activities, aiming to monitor and improve financial performance. The Operations Manager oversees Pain Center, anesthesia technicians, and Residency Program support, while a financial coordinator supervises revenue cycle functions and fiscal performance.
Department ORGANIZATION
Boston University Medical Center Anesthesiologists, Inc.
Operations Supervisor
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Meet the Team
Meet the Team
Meet the ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM
Pictured left are Research Team members Marissa Tuler and Anita He, PhD. Ms. Tuler graduated from Connecticut College and is completing a master’s degree at the Boston University School of Public Health. Dr. He obtained her PhD at Boston University. Together, under the leadership of Dr. Ala Nozari, PhD, Vice Chair of Research for the Department of Anesthesiology, they form a formidable team dedicated to advancing research in our specialty.
Pictured right are Admin Team members with Senior Director of Support Services David Maffeo (far right) as they tour the farm atop the Power Plant building. Boasting 2,658 square feet of farming space and more than 30 diverse crops, the Power Plant Farm is one of two extremely productive rooftop farm installments on BMC’s campus that assist in reducing the hospital’s carbon footprint and provide fresh, nutritious, and culturally informed foods for patients and community members alike.
Pictured above are the Administrative Team members (left to right), Alicia Sorrell, Elizabeth Colston, Brittany Messina, Neil Ray, Natalia Ibañez, Marissa Tuler, Anita He, Elise Ouellette and Natalie Camacho.
The Department of Anesthesiology’s Administrative Team is instrumental in establishing and refining efficient business operations that directly support our clinical and academic objectives. Our commitment to integrating cutting-edge administrative practices into ongoing improvement initiatives ensures that we remain adaptable and responsive to the dynamic landscape of healthcare. Central to our mission is a steadfast dedication to our patients and the healthcare providers who serve them – this commitment informs every decision we make. The Administrative Team specifically oversees two critical areas: financial management and operational oversight. Sound financial stewardship is a fundamental aspect of our administrative role. We are responsible for the strategic allocation of resources, ensuring fiscal accountability, and maximizing revenue generation for the Department. Through meticulous budgetary management and the pursuit of innovative funding avenues, we cultivate a sustainable financial foundation that empowers the Department to fulfill its mission.
In addition to financial management, the Administrative Team is dedicated to the optimization of departmental operations, drawing from our collective
skillset of administrative knowledge to enhance overall efficiency. We collaborate closely with clinical and academic leaders to identify opportunities for process improvement, implement advanced technologies, and streamline workflows. By fostering a culture of operational excellence, we contribute to an enhanced patient experience and a more productive environment for our healthcare providers. The Administrative Team plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth functioning of the Department by providing essential administrative support. We are committed to aligning our efforts with the Department’s strategic goals and contributing to its continued success.
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Meet the Team
Meet the Team
Meet the ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM
Natalie Camacho
Elizabeth Colston, GCBA
Anita He, Ph.D
Elise Ouellette
Neil Ray, MAPL
Alicia Sorrell
Pain Clinic Coordinator
Residency Program Coordinator
Research Projects Manager
Executive Assistant to Chair
Education and Multimedia Specialist
Pain Clinic Coordinator
Natalia Ibañez, MBA
Brittany Messina, MBA
Marissa Tuler
Daniel Warren III, MHA
Administrative Manager
Senior Financial Coordinator
Research Assistant
Senior Administrative Director
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Meet the Team
Meet the Team
Department LEADERS
Wendy Bernstein, MD Vice Chair of Academic Affairs Director of Faculty Development
Rachel Achu-Lopes, MD Director of Diversity & Inclusion Director of OB Anesthesia
Rachel Achu-Lopes, MD was named Director of Diversity and Inclusion for the Department during it’s reformation in 2019. Her goal and focus in this role is to foster an environment which enhances racial and gender equity in recruitment, retention and advancement as well as professional vitality.
Wendy Bernstein, MD, FASA joined our faculty in 2022, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a distinguished career in medicine and academia. Serving as the Vice Chair of Academic Affairs and Director of Faculty Development, Dr. Bernstein plays a pivotal role in shaping the academic and professional growth of our faculty.
Dr. Wendy Bernstein is a highly accomplished anesthesiologist with a distinguished career in education, leadership, and simulation training. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and the Medical College of Pennsylvania, she furthered her expertise with fellowships in Critical Care Medicine Research and Cardiac Anesthesiology. Dr. Bernstein is board-certified in Anesthesiology and Echocardiography, and also holds an MBA in International Business. Throughout her career, she has held prominent leadership positions, including serving as Cardiac Division Chief at two institutions, directing a Cardiothoracic Anesthesia Fellowship, and chairing an Anesthesia Department. She has been recognized with numerous teaching awards, reflecting her commitment to education and mentorship. Dr. Bernstein is an internationally renowned expert in multidisciplinary simulation and team training. She has consulted for prestigious organizations like the FBI and the Ministry of Health in Rio de Janeiro, and has been instrumental in developing medical simulation programs across the globe. Her extensive contributions to the field are evident in her prolific publications, including over 60 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. She is a sought-after speaker and has lectured at prestigious institutions nationwide. Dr. Bernstein’s unwavering dedication to patient care, education, and scholarly activity positions her as a true leader and invaluable asset to the field of Anesthesiology. At the end of 2024, Dr. Bernstein will be leaving our department to assume the position of Chair of the Department of Anesthesiology at LSU in Shreveport, Louisiana. We are deeply grateful for her invaluable contributions to our department.
Dr. Rachel Achu-Lopes is an anesthesiologist with a young, but extensive history with both Boston Medical Center and the Department of Anesthesiology. Dr. Achu completed her Anesthesia residency and Boston University Medical Center, where she was appointed Chief Resident during her final year. She then continued as a general staff anesthesiologist with a special interest in Obstetrical anesthesia and completed a Fellowship in Obstetric Anesthesia at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in 2023. Dr. Achu-Lopes was also named Director of the Gynecological Procedure Unit for the Department in 2019. In this role, she ensures the continuous availability of anesthetic services for the management of miscarriages and pregnancy loss, abnormal pregnancy, insertion and removal of contraceptive devices and other minor gynecological procedures. In addition to the above roles, she is also actively involved in residency recruitment for the Anesthesiology Residency Program as well as mentoring of current residents of the Department.
In her capacity as Director of Diversity & Inclusion, Dr. Achu-Lopes reports to the Chair of the Department.
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Meet the Team
Meet the Team
Karolina Brook, MD
Boris Burmistrovich, MD
Director of Quality and Safety
Director of Post-Anesthesia Care Unit
Karolina Brook, MD first joined our faculty in 2018 before leaving to complete her pediatric anesthesiology fellowship. Returning in 2020, she assumed the roles of Director of Quality and Safety for the Department of Anesthesiology and Medical Director, Quality and Safety, Hospital-Based Care. As such, she is an invaluable part of the Department and Hospital leadership teams.
Boris Burmistrovich, MD joined our team in July of 2019, coming on board as the Director of our Post- Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). Dr. Burmistrovich also serves as the Director of Perioperative Medicine within the Department.
Dr. Brook, a summa cum laude Princeton graduate in Chemistry, received her MD from Harvard and completed her Anesthesiology residency and Pediatric Anesthesiology Fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital. As Director of Quality and Safety, she has led various initiatives, including creating an anesthesia-specific incident reporting system and a mandatory quality assurance form, significantly improving adverse event tracking and risk identification. She also developed a safety dashboard for better communication with clinicians and teaches the resident’s quality improvement curriculum. Dr. Brook has published extensively on patient safety and quality improvement and is particularly passionate about safety culture and psychological safety. In her hospital leadership role, she focuses on improving hospital-wide compliance with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid sepsis bundle and serves on the Patient Safety Steering Committee. In addition to her clinical work, she is passionate about teaching residents and physician finances. Outside of work, she serves as Secretary for the Massachusetts Society of Anesthesiologists and is a member of the ASA Committee on Patient Safety and Education.
Born in Tallinn, Estonia, which, at the time, was part of the USSR, Dr. Burmistrovich spent his formative years with his family before eventually moving to Tartu to attend University of Tartu’s School of Medicine. In 1992, one year after Estonia’s independence was restored, Dr. Burmistrovich earned his MD and began pursuit of post-grad surgical training, also at University of Tartu. Following his training, he immigrated to the US, passed the ECFMG exam, and immersed himself in the anesthesia residency program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. He graduated from residency in 2000, and from there, pursued a fellowship in surgical critical care at Massachusetts General Hospital. He graduated from MGH in 2001. At the conclusion of his fellowship, Dr. Burmistrovich began his career as an attending physician with Anesthesia Associates of Massachusetts. While at the AAM, he worked as a SICU and Cardiac anesthesiologist, earning appointment as the Director of Cardiac Anesthesia at Mount Auburn Hospital. Dr. Burmistrovich remained with AAM until his arrival at BMC. As our Director of both the PACU and Perioperative Medicine, Dr. Burmistrovich has been integral to the advancement of clinical practice in these spaces. Most notably, strides have been made in regards to optimization of regional anesthesia plans for the perioperative period, as well as optimization of transferring patients to and from the ICU and PACU.
Outside of his clinical practice, Dr. Burmistrovich enjoys playing tennis and reading, as well as spending time with his children.
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Meet the Team
Meet the Team
Robert Canelli, MD Director of Anesthesia Critical Care
Mauricio Gonzalez, MD Vice Chair of Clinical Affairs
Robert Canelli, MD is a Clinical Associate Professor of Anesthesiology and Surgery at the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, and Director of Anesthesia Critical Care at Boston Medical Center. He is also the Associate Director of the Surgical and Neurosciences Intensive Care Unit and the Associate Program Director of the Surgical Critical Care Fellowship program.
Mauricio Gonzalez, MD has served with distinction in our department since 2004 and has been our Vice Chair of Clinical Affairs for over a decade. During his career, he has continued to develop new skills and has embraced new technologies and procedures with enthusiasm.
Dr. Gonzalez attended medical school at the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogotá, Colombia. He then trained in anesthesiology and completed a fellowship in cardiac and vascular anesthesia at Boston Medical Center in 2000. Since then, he has excelled in patient care, education, and administration. His interests in operating room management and patient safety led him to complete additional courses at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement and the Institute for Medical Simulation, as well as courses at the Wharton School of Business. Dr. Gonzalez’s expertise in airway management, TEE, and thoracic and cardiac anesthesia makes him a sought-after clinician. He has been instrumental in numerous initiatives, including the launch of the Emergency Airway Response Team and the TAVR Program. He has also held leadership positions on the Hospital Transfusion Committee, the Sedation Council, and the Code Committee. Currently, he leads the peer review process and chairs the Clinical Review Committee. As Vice Chair of Clinical Affairs, he oversees clinical operations and anesthesia providers across various locations within Boston Medical Center. Dr. Gonzalez is also passionate about environmental sustainability. In 2019, he was featured in a story by WBUR discussing Boston Medical Center’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. He is currently leading a project to eliminate the central supply of nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas.
Dr. Canelli received his medical degree from St. George’s University in 2009 and completed his anesthesiology residency at UMass Memorial Medical Center in 2013, earning chief resident honors in his final year. He went on to complete his critical care fellowship at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center with a focus in echocardiography, before joining Boston Medical Center as a full-time member of our faculty. Dr. Canelli’s career has been highlighted by active education in point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) through the Society of Critical Care Medicine, World Interactive Network Focused on Critical Ultrasound, and the Harvard Medical School Department of Continuing Education. He is the lead educator for POCUS at BMC for the Department of Anesthesiology and the Department of General Surgery, Division of Trauma Acute Care Surgery. His genuine interest in education has been highlighted by multiple resident teaching awards, departmental patient safety awards, and most recently, the Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award. Dr. Canelli has published in peer-reviewed journals on topics ranging from POCUS to preoperative carbohydrate load to awareness during trauma anesthesia. He has written chapters in leading anesthesia and critical care text books and has co-authored a multimedia patient safety book entitled “OK to Proceed? What Every Health Care Provider Should Know About Patient Safety. Dr. Canelli is board certified in anesthesiology and critical care medicine. He holds an active testamur status from the National Board of Echocardiography for Special Competence in Advanced Perioperative Transesophageal Echocardiography.
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Meet the Team
Meet the Team
Ala Nozari, MD, PhD
Alexis Ramirez, MD Director of Medical Student Clerkship
Vice Chair of Research
Ala Nozari, MD, PhD joined our faculty in January 2020. As our new Vice Chair of Research, he brings a wealth of clinical skills, academic accomplishments, and personal attributes that are integral to the ongoing success of the Department of Anesthesiology.
Alexis Ramirez, MD joined Boston Medical Center in 2018, and has since been an integral part of the Department in his role as a pediatric anesthesiologist.
Dr. Nozari obtained his MD and PhD degrees from Uppsala University School of Medicine, Sweden. After completing a residency in anesthesiology and intensive care, he came to the United States to pursue research and further training in Anesthesia and Neuro- Critical Care. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Anesthesiology and holds a European Diploma in Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, and a subspecialty certificate in Neuro-Critical Care from the United Council of Neurologic Subspecialties of the American Academy of Neurology. Dr. Nozari has been a reviewer for a variety of high-impact journals including Anesthesiology, Anesthesia and Analgesia, Critical Care Medicine, and British Journal of Anesthesia. He is an editor for the Journal of Clinical Medicine and Journal of Oral Maxillofacial Anesthesia, and Associate Editor for Anesthesia and Analgesia. An expert in neuro-anesthesia, he has delivered many presentations at regional, national, and international meetings, and has been a guest lecturer and visiting professor in the Netherlands, India, and China, on multiple occasions. His research contributions concentrate on studying neurological effects of global and focal ischemia, including cardiac arrest and stroke. Working with the legendary investigator and the father of modern cardiopulmonary resuscitation, Dr. Peter Safar, Dr. Nozari pioneered groundbreaking studies of organ preservation during exsanguination cardiac arrest through rapid induction of profound hypothermia for delayed resuscitation, an approach known as “Suspended Animation” or Emergency Preservation for Delayed Resuscitation (EPR). Their research group showed that intact survival is possible for up to 120 min of no-flow cardiac arrest if EPR is induced within minutes after exsanguination cardiac arrest. Dr. Nozari also demonstrated that intra-arrest cooling during normovolemic cardiac arrest can aid organ preservation and significantly improve survival and neurological outcome. These findings have significant clinical relevance and provide an alternative approach to the resuscitation of severely compromised patients. In collaboration with senior investigators at University of Florida and Boston University, Dr. Nozari is currently spearheading the development of a surgical database within the Framingham Heart Study to investigate the epidemiological impacts and long-term neurocognitive outcomes of surgical procedures. Additionally, he is actively collaborating with fellow researchers both within his institution and externally, focusing on exploring the pathophysiology of traumatic brain injuries as well as optimizing airway management strategies for critically ill patients with neurological impairments.
Dr. Ramirez earned his B.S. in Human Physiology in 2008 from Boston University, and he graduated from the University of Massachussets School of Medicine in 2013. His clinical training includes an internship year at MetroWest Medical Center, an anesthesiology residency at Rush Medical Center and a pediatric anesthesiology fellowship at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. He is board certified in general and pediatric anesthesiology. Dr. Ramirez works closely with the residency program and has a particular interest in medical student and resident education. He began his role as Director of Medical Student Anesthesiology Clerkships in 2022 and he oversees all student involvement within the department. Dr. Ramirez manages the anesthesia simulation in the Solomont Simulation Center for all third-year surgical clerkship students. He is particularly committed to providing medical students with meaningful experiences in anesthesia, to teach them life- saving clinical skills and give them early exposure to the specialty. Each year, third year medical students declare their commitment to a medical specialty. As the Lead Field Specific Advisor for anesthesiology career guidance, Dr. Ramirez mentors students, counseling them in fourth year schedule selection and residency program applications. He guides them through the residency interview planning and the match process. We are very proud that each year an enthusiastic and competitive group of students choose to pursue a career in anesthesiology based on their experiences rotating through our Department. In the fall of 2021, Dr. Ramirez began his role as director of the pediatric anesthesia rotation for residents. He facilitates orientation and education within the pediatric operating rooms, as residents learn the complex process of providing anesthesia care for our growing pediatric population. Dr. Ramirez also serves on the Student Evaluation and Petition Committee (SEPC) and as an assistant Dean of Diversity and Inclusion in the school of medicine. When he is not providing patient care, Dr. Ramirez enjoys exercise of all varieties, cooking and going on adventures with his wife and two rambunctious children. Dr. Ramirez is also a lover of all things automotive, attending live musical events and practicing percussion as a way to relieve stress. He truly believes that having healthy and creative activities outside of medicine is essential to personal well-being, and ultimately translates to improved patient care.
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Meet the Team
Meet the Team
Seroos Salavati, MD Nicole Spence, MD
Director of Regional Anesthesia
Director of Acute Pain Service
Nicole Spence, MD joined our Department in 2019, and her contributions thus far speak to her substantial energy and capability as a physician. Dr. Spence enjoys educating patients and colleagues alike; through her work, she hopes to foster an environment of inquiry and growth.
Seroos Salavati, MD joined our Department during the summer of 2019, and regional anesthesia has since had a resounding resurgence across every canal of our institution.
Dr. Salavati finished his residency training at New York Medical Center (Westchester) and a Fellowship in Acute and Regional Anesthesia at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford, CT. Before joining our Department, Dr. Salavati was an attending anesthesiologist at Massachusetts General Hospital. A devout academic, Dr. Salavati’s rigorous enthusiasm for education and patient care is palpable in all of his actions. For his work in this facet of our profession, he was recently appointed Director of Regional Anesthesia in the Department of Anesthesiology. Dr. Salavati spearheads and oversees our regional anesthesia activities, including providing the best learning experiences for our students and residents. Working closely and in synergy with Dr. Nicole Spence, Dr. Salavati is an integral member of the Acute Pain Service. Over the last year, Dr. Salavati has influenced clinical care and has persuaded surgeons and nurses about the benefits of regional anesthesia. With great enthusiasm, he has submitted IRB applications and has laid the foundation for embarking on exciting regional anesthesia-related research activities. Most recently, he was appointed as a Member-at-Large on the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine (ASRA) Industry Relations Committee. It is through Dr. Salavati’s unwavering commitment to networking, participation and contribution in our field that we encourage all members of our team to pursue similar avenues of professional development and growth.
Dr. Nicole Spence obtained a BS in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology from Emory University and a MD from Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. She completed her residency in anesthesiology at Columbia University, followed by a fellowship in Regional Anesthesiology & Acute Pain Management at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School. Before joining our Department, much of her clinical practice as an attending anesthesiologist focused on orthopedic anesthesia, obstetric anesthesia, regional anesthesia and acute perioperative pain management. Dr. Spence developed materials to aid patient education and championed innovative hospital protocols and has always been actively involved in residency recruitment and education. In addition to daily teaching, she has published various book chapters and taught at the Harvard Medical School Ultrasound Review Course. Dr. Spence is the Director of BMC’s Acute Pain Service. The Acute Pain Service seeks to increase the availability of targeted, interventional analgesic therapies, decrease overall opioid use, and establish an interdisciplinary, collaborative communication platform to optimize patient care. One multidisciplinary protocol, aimed at patients admitted to the ICU with rib fractures, proved reduced rates of pneumonia after implementation of an ICU admission checklist. As Director of Acute Pain Service, Dr. Spence works in close union with Dr. Seroos Salavati, our Director of Regional Anesthesia. Outside of her clinical work, she also enjoys exercising and traveling whenever she gets the opportunity.
At the time of publishing this annual report, Dr Salavati is relocating to California.
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Meet the Team
Meet the Team
Eduard Vaynberg, MD
Director of Chronic Pain Service
Eduard Vaynberg, MD joined Boston Medical Center as an attending physician in pain management and anesthesiology in 2005, adding a wealth of knowledge in pain management experience to our Department.
In 2010, Dr. Vaynberg was appointed Director of Pain Management through his development of a busy clinical practice focusing on interventional pain management and spinal cord stimulation. Dr. Vaynberg also serves as a Director of resident’s rotation in pain management, working to mentor anesthesiology residents and medical students interested in pursuing a career in pain management. Our department offers a unique hands on exposure to procedural aspects of pain management during the rotation combined with participation in a research project if desired. All department’s residents interested in the pain management as a career have been able to secure a fellowship in pain management at top-level programs throughout the US. Dr. Vaynberg’s tenure at Boston Medical Center started in 1996; after graduating with honors and distinction from University of Illinois at Chicago with a major in biochemistry, he began studying at Boston University School of Medicine. After graduating from BUSM, Dr. Vaynberg completed his anesthesia training at Boston Medical Center. Following his residency, he finished a pain management fellowship at Harvard University/Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital. Before joining our Department full time, Dr. Vaynberg combined academic practice at BMC with busy private practices at New England Baptist Hospital and Boston Outpatient Surgical Suites. Dr. Vaynberg’s research interests center on spinal cord stimulation, injured workers care, and complex regional pain syndrome. He has published several book chapters, multiple case reports, multiple peer reviewed papers, and has given numerous lectures on these topics. As a result of his extensive commitment to pain management as Director of BMC’s Pain Clinic, Dr. Vaynberg has repeatedly been recognized by Boston Magazine as one of Boston’s top physicians each year since 2016.
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Meet the Team
Meet the Team
Attending PHYSICIANS
Rachel Achu-Lopes, MD
Cynthia Española, MD
Cory Faragon, MD
Christian Garcia, MD
Haviva Garrett, MD
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Instructor
Assistant Professor
Instructor
Director of Diversity & Inclusion Director of OB Anesthesia
Site Officer (Endoscopy)
Matthew Berman, MD
Wendy Bernstein, MD
Simon Body, MD
Karolina Brook, MD
Mauricio Gonzalez, MD
Daniel Gross, MD
Amy Haber, MD
Patricia Haddad, MD
Instructor
Clinical Professor Vice Chair of Academic Affairs, Director of Faculty Development
Professor
Assistant Professor
Clinical Associate Professor
Instructor
Assistant Professor
Instructor
Director of Quality and Safety
Vice Chair of Clinical Affairs
Boris Burmistrovich, MD
Robert Canelli, MD
Christopher Conley, MD
Melinda Edwards, MD
Christopher Hansen, DO
Albert Kalustian, DO
Alexey Kotov, MD
Jessica Kwan, MD
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Clinical Associate Professor
Clinical Associate Professor
Instructor
Clinical Associate Professor
Assistant Professor
Instructor
Director of Airway
Director of Post-Anesthesia Care Unit
Director of Anesthesia Critical Care
Assoc. Residency Program Director Dir. of Pediatric Anesthesia
Director of Cardiac Anesthesia
Assistant Residency Program Director
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Meet the Team
Meet the Team
Attending PHYSICIANS
Donald Lambert, MD, PhD
Rafael Ortega, MD
Jamel Ortoleva, MD
Dominic Pisano, MD
Alexis Ramirez, MD
Professor
Professor
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Chair of Anesthesiology
Director of Resident Rotation
Director of Medical Student Clerkship
Adam Levine, MD
Joseph Louca, MD
Nikhil Mikkilineni, MD
Richard Miller, MD
Sundara Rengasamy, MD
Jose Rios, MD
Cynthia Rupp, MD
Seroos Salavati, MD
Instructor
Assistant Professor
Instructor
Instructor
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Site Officer (Menino)
Director of Orthopedics
Director of Regional Anesthesia
Wissam Mustafa, MD
Melissa Nadler, MD
Mark Norris, MD
Ala Nozari, MD, PhD
Nicole Spence, MD
Ronald Stein, MD
Theodora Valovska, MD
Eduard Vaynberg, MD
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Professor
Clinical Professor
Assistant Professor
Instructor
Instructor
Clinical Associate Professor
Director of Trauma Anesthesia
Assistant Residency Program Director, Director of Simulation
Vice Chair of Research
Residency Program Director
Director of Acute Pain Management
Site Officer (Moakley)
Director of Chronic Pain Service
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Meet the Team
Meet the Team
Certified Registered Nurse ANESTHETISTS
Pictured above are Lead CRNAs Keegan McDonnell (left) and Jaime Beer (right).
Pictured right is Monica Stokes, CRNA, discussing her position and responsibilities within the Department. The interview is included in a CRNA recruitment video produced by the Multimedia Lab in the Department of Anesthesiology.
Pictured above is our dedicated and hard working CRNA team during CRNA Week.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) play a crucial role in preserving and enhancing the standard of care that the Department diligently strives to maintain. The team of 19 CRNAs at Boston Medical Center is comprised of a dynamic group of clinicians dedicated to delivering exceptional perioperative anesthesia care for adult and pediatric patients. Our CRNAs practice in the anesthesia care team model, with an anesthesiologist-to-CRNA ratio no greater than 1:3. CRNAs in our institution are involved in the administration of anesthetics in a wide range of areas including orthopedics, gynecology, urology, plastic surgery, ophthalmology, oral-maxillofacial surgery, otolaryngology, general surgery, pediatrics, vascular surgery, neurosurgery, thoracic surgery, interventional radiology, MRI, electro-physiology laboratory and endoscopy. Our CRNAs are employed by Boston University Medical Group (BUMG) and are valued contributors to BMC’s educational mission. Like other advanced practice providers in our institution, they hold an initial faculty appointment as instructors at the Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine (BUCASM). Our CNRAs’ primary duty as instructors is to actively assist with the training of medical students and trainees from a variety of specialties who come to enrich their knowledge in the perioperative care areas. Additionally, they act as clinical site preceptors for nurse anesthesia students from Boston College and offer shadowing opportunities to critical care nurses aspiring to pursue a career in anesthesia nursing.
Frequently engaging in quality improvement initiatives, collaborating on high-performance teams, and serving on various committees including the Advanced Practice Provider Council, CRNAs hold a respected and esteemed position within the Department of Anesthesiology and throughout the rest of our institution. CRNAs are active participants in our grand rounds and mortality-morbidity conferences, where they receive continuing education credits.
The Department of Anesthesiology has made a deliberate effort to ensure gender equality and quality of life for the CRNAs by recruiting a significant number of male CRNAs and providing a variety of scheduling options for work scheduling flexibility. Jaime Beer, CRNA and Keegan McDonnell, CRNA lead our CRNAs and are committed to the well-being and professional development of this outstanding group of clinicians.
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