Anesthesiology Faculty
Anesthesiology
ANE Contact Info
Chair (301) 295-3140

ANE - Local/NCA Faculty
Chester C. Buckenmaier III, MS, MD

Name: Chester C. Buckenmaier III, MS, MD
Research Interests:
Pain
Pain management in military evacuation
Education
Durham, NC
Degree: Fellow Regional Anesthesiology
1998-01 Walter Reed Army Medical Center
Washington, D.C.
Degree: Anesthesiology Residency
Diplomat, American Board of Anesthesiology 26 Apr. 2002
1992-93 William Beaumont Army Medical Center
El Paso, TX
Degree: General Surgery Internship
1988-92 Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS)
Bethesda, MD
Degree: M.D. May, 1992
1986-88 East Carolina University
Greenville, NC
Degree: M.S. Biology
1982-86 Catawba College
Salisbury, NC
Degree: B.A. Biology and Chemistry, Cum Laude
Biography
He attended Catawba College, on a Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) scholarship, graduating with a degree in Biology in 1986. He then attended East Carolina University in Greenville, N.C., receiving a Master in Science in Biology in 1988. In 1992, he graduated from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland, completing his Anesthesia Residency at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. In addition, he completed a one year Fellowship in Regional Anesthesia at Duke University in 2002, resulting in the creation of the only Acute Pain Medicine Fellowship in the Department of Defense, based at Walter Reed.
In September 2003, he deployed with the 21st Combat Support Hospital to Balad, Iraq, and demonstrated that the use of advanced regional anesthesia can be accomplished in a forward deployed environment. He performed the first successful continuous peripheral nerve block for pain management in a combat support hospital. In April 2009, he deployed to Camp Bastion, Afghanistan with the British military and organized the first acute pain service in a theatre of war. Author and Co-Editor of the Acute and Perioperative Pain section in Pain Medicine, he is extensively published in pain medicine, particularly as it relates to combat wounded. He also serves as the Editor-in-Chief of US Medicine with a monthly column on topics of federal medicine interest.
Bibliography
- Kent ML, Tighe PJ, Belfer I, Brennan TJ, Bruehl S, Brummett CM, Buckenmaier CC, Buvanendran A, Cohen RI, Desjardins P, Edwards D. The ACTTION–APS–AAPM Pain Taxonomy (AAAPT) Multidimensional Approach to Classifying Acute Pain Conditions. Pain Medicine. 2017 May 1;18(5):947-58.
- Buckenmaier III CC, Galloway KT, Polomano RC, McDuffie M, Kwon N, Gallagher RM. Preliminary validation of the Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale (DVPRS) in a military population. Pain Medicine. 2013 Jan 1;14(1):110-23.
- Buckenmaier III CC, Galloway KT, Polomano RC, McDuffie M, Kwon N, Gallagher RM. Preliminary validation of the Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale (DVPRS) in a military population. Pain Medicine. 2013 Jan 1;14(1):110-23.
- Polomano RC, Galloway KT, Kent ML, Brandon-Edwards H, Kwon KN, Morales C, Buckenmaier III CT. Psychometric testing of the defense and veterans pain rating scale (DVPRS): a new pain scale for military population. Pain Medicine. 2016 Jun 6;17(8):1505-19.
- Highland KB, Schoomaker A, Rojas W, Suen J, Ahmed A, Zhang Z, Carlin SF, Calilung C, Kent M, Buckenmaier III C. Benefits of the Restorative Exercise and Strength Training for Operational Resilience and Excellence Yoga Program for Chronic Lower Back Pain in Service Members: A Pilot Randomized Control Trial. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2017 Sep 14.
- Tighe P, Buckenmaier CC, Boezaart AP, Carr DB, Clark LL, Herring AA, Kent M, Mackey S, Mariano ER, Polomano RC, Reisfield GM. Acute pain medicine in the United States: a status report. Pain Medicine. 2015 Sep 1;16(9):1806-26.
- Cook KF, Buckenmaier 3rd C, Gershon RC. PASTOR/PROMIS® pain outcomes system: What does it mean to pain specialists?. Pain. 2014 Jul;4(4):277-83.
- Buckenmaier CC, McKnight GM, Winkley JV, Bleckner LL, Shannon C, Klein SM, Lyons RC, Chiles JH. Continuous peripheral nerve block for battlefield anesthesia and evacuation. Regional anesthesia and pain medicine. 2005 Apr 30;30(2):202-5.
- Buckenmaier III CC, Klein SM, Nielsen KC, Steele SM. Continuous paravertebral catheter and outpatient infusion for breast surgery. Anesthesia & Analgesia. 2003 Sep 1;97(3):715-7.
- Buckenmaier C. Military advanced regional anesthesia and analgesia handbook. Government Printing Office; 2009.
Eric Holt, Colonel, Air Force
Name: Eric Holt, Colonel, Air Force
Education
WRNMMCB
Bethesda MD
(2012 -- 2013)
Master of Strategic Studies
Air War College
Montgomery AL
(2009-2013)
Anesthesiology Residency
Harvard University BIDMC
Boston MA
(2002 -- 2005)
Transitional Internship
Midwestern University -SJOFMC
Olympia Fields IL
(2001 -- 2002)
Osteopathic Doctorate
Midwestern University
Downers Grove IL
(1997 -- 2001)
Masters of Business Administration
Western New England College
Springfield MA
(1995 -- 1997)
Bachelor of Science
United States Military Academy
West Point NY
(1987 -- 1991)
Bibliography
- Vice-Chairman USUHS Department of Anesthesiology
- Clerkship Director USUHS Department of Anesthesiology
- Multiple deployments
- Awards and Decorations available upon request
Luke Michaelson, PhD, RN

Name: Luke Michaelson, PhD, RN
Research Interests:
Malignant Hyperthermia
Calcium kinetics, muscle physiology, embedded heavy metals
Education
2007 Master of Science, Nursing: Clinical Research Management University of Maryland School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD
2003 Bachelor of Science, Nursing University of Maryland School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD
1996 Bachelor of Science, Chemical Engineering Florida Institute of Technology Melbourne, FL
Biography
Dr. Michaelson continued his education and completed his Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (2011) focusing on the altered calcium homeostasis in dystrophic skeletal muscle at the University of Maryland. The Department of Veterans Affairs then awarded Dr. Michaelson a Postdoctoral Nursing Fellowship (2012-2015) in Dr. Christine E. Kasper’s Lab at the Uniformed Services University. His postdoctoral research investigated how implanted heavy metals altered the fatigability and susceptibility of eccentric injury in skeletal muscle. Dr. Michaelson accepted a Research Assistant Professor position within the Department of Anesthesiology in 2016. He currently performs the diagnostic caffeine halothane contracture test (CHCT) for the Malignant Hyperthermia Diagnostic Laboratory for military and civilian subjects. His research now investigates calcium homeostasis differences between malignant hyperthermia susceptible (MHS) and malignant hyperthermia non-susceptible (MHN) subjects using a B-lymphocyte model.
Extramural/ Intramural Funding
2015 - 2020 $2.5 million
“An Interdisciplinary Approach to Investigating Exertional Related Injuries in the Service Member.”
Program Project Grant, ANE-80-3397, Project 3, Biomarkers for ERI
CAPT Dale Szpisjak (PI) Luke Michaelson (Co-PI).
2014 – 2017 $71,178
“CNG Channel Expression and cAMP Levels in Human B-Cells: A Pilot Study,”
Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Nursing Services Pilot Study Award
Luke Michaelson (PI), Sheila Muldoon (Co-PI), Colonel Susan Perry (Co-PI), Christine Kasper (Co-PI)
2013 – 2014 $75,000
“Pilot Study of Fatigability, and Eccentric Injury Comparison Between Skeletal Muscle of Heavy Metal (Tungsten, Nickel/Cobalt) Imbedded F344 Rats and Non-Heavy Metal Imbedded Rats,”
Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Nursing Services Pilot Study
Luke Michaelson (PI), Christine Kasper (Co-PI)
2009 - 2011 $83,375
Stress Induced Ca 2+ Dysregulation in MDX Mouse Skeletal Muscle Fibers
Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) for Individual Predoctoral Fellows (F31) in Nursing Research
1F31NR011245-01
Luke Michaelson (PI), Christopher Ward (PhD Advisor)
2010 - 2011 $3,500/yr
Foundation of the National Student Nurses’ Association, Inc.
Promise of Nursing Regional Faculty Fellowship Program
Luke Michaelson (PI), Christopher Ward (PhD Advisor)
2007 – 2009 $30,000/yr
Department of Health and Human Services Public Health Services Interdisciplinary Training Program in Muscle Biology
(T32) AR007592
Luke Michaelson (Research Assistant)
2006 – 2009 $35,000/yr
Department of Education: Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need (GAANN) Fellowship
Luke Michaelson (Fellow)
Recent Presentations
September, 2017
Malignant Hyperthermia Association of the United States
RyR1 Pathogenic Variant in an Unpublished Malignant Hyperthermia Case From 1984
Michaelson, L.P., Sambuughin, N.,Voelkel, M., Muldoon, S.M., Szpisjak, D.F.
September, 2017
Malignant Hyperthermia Association of the United States
Comparing Malignant Hyperthermia and Exertional Rhabdomyolysis/Heat Illness: A CHCT and RYR1 Analysis
O. Mungunsukh, O., Michaelson, L.P., Sambuughin, N., Muldoon, S.M., Deuster, P., Voelkel, M., Szpisjak, D.F., O’Connor, F.G., Capacchione, J.F.
April, 2017
Experimental Biology 2017
Recovery from Fatigue and Injury in Rat Muscle Embedded with Heavy Metals
Michaelson, L. P., Lovering, R.M., Tossini, N., Kasper, C.E.
May, 2015
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences Research Day
Comparison of Skeletal Muscle Eccentric Injury in F344 Rats Embedded With and Without Tungsten Alloy (Tungsten, Nickel, Cobalt)
Michaelson, L., Pratt, S., Lovering, R., Ward, C.W., Kasper, C.E.,
October, 2014
Greater District of Columbia American Physiological Society Meeting
Evaluation of the Cyclic Nucleotide Gated Channel in Human B-lymphocytes From Malignant Hyperthermia Susceptible and Malignant Hyperthermia Non-Susceptible Persons
Michaelson, L., Muldoon, S., Perry, S., Sambuughin N., Kasper, C.E.
Teaching
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
Graduate Courses
2016 Malignant Hyperthermia section in RNA 602 Applied Biochemistry for Nurse Anesthetists
2014 Immunology section in GSN 603 Advanced Physiology
2013 Muscle Physiology section in GSN 603 Advanced Physiology
2013 Quantitative Data section in PHD 813 Theoretical Models
University of Maryland School of Nursing
Undergraduate Courses:
2011 - 2013 Renal Physiology and Pathophysiology; Alterations in Fluid and Electrolyte Balance sections in NUR 315 Pathopharmacology
Graduate Courses
2012 - 2013 Membrane Signaling and Special Lipids sections in NUR 616 Biochemistry for Nurse Anesthesia
Representative publications, projects, and/or deployments
- American Association for the Advancement of Science - Member
- The American Physiological Society - Member
- Biophysical Society - Member
- Maryland Nurses Association - Legislative Committee Member
- Maryland Nurses Association - Environmental Health Committee (Chairperson)
- Adjunct Faculty - University of Maryland School of Nursing
- Adjunct Member - Department of Veterans Affairs
Bibliography
- Perry, S., Michaelson, L., Bunger, R., Muldoon, S., Kasper, C.E. (accepted for publication) The Effect of Norepinephrine on Intracellular Ca2+ levels in MHS B Cells: Pilot Study in the Search for a New Diagnostic Test for MH. American Association of Nurse Anesthetists Journal.
- Michaelson, L., Ward, C., Iler, Colleen. (2013) ROS and RNS signaling in skeletal muscle: critical signals and therapeutic targets. Annual Review of Nursing Research 31(1), 367-387.
- Michaelson, L., & Russ, K. (2013). Nurses' Voice and Fracking in Maryland. The Maryland Nurse News and Journal, 14(2), 3-4.
- Michaelson, L.P., Shi, G., Ward, C.W., Rodney G.G., (2010). Mitochondrial redox potential during contraction in single intact muscle fibers. Muscle & Nerve. 42(4), 522-529.
- Lovering, R.M., Michaelson, L., Ward, C.W., (2009). Malformed mdx myofibers have normal cytoskeletal architecture yet altered EC Coupling and stress-induced Ca2+. American Journal of Physiology – Cell Physiology. 297, 571-580.
- Cherednichenko, G., Ward, C., Feng, W., Cabrales, E., Michaelson, L., Samso, M., Lopez, J., Allen, P.D., Pessah, I.N., (2008) Enhanced Excitation-Coupled Calcium Entry (ECCE) in Myotubes Expressing Malignant Hyperthermia Mutation R163C is Attenuated by Dantrolene. Molecular Pharmacology. 73(4), 1203-1212.
Pushpa Sharma, Ph.D.
Name: Pushpa Sharma, Ph.D.
Research Interests:
TBI, PTSD, Hemorrhagic Shock, Mitochondria
Biomarkers and treatments
Education
Biography
Representative publications, projects, and/or deployments
- Recent awards includes 1. Deans Impact Award and 2. Dean's fellowship
Bibliography
- Sumit Sinha, Amol Raheja, Neha Samson, Sanjeev Bhoib, Arul Selvi, Pushpa Sharma. Blood mitochondrial enzymatic assay as predictor of long-term outcome in severe traumatic brain injury. J. Clinical Neuroscience, 2016.30:31-8
- Raheja A, Sinha S, Samson N, Bhoi S, Subramanian A, Sharma P, Sharma BS. Serum biomarkers as predictors of long-term outcome in severe traumatic brain injury: analysis from a randomized placebo-controlled Phase II clinical trial. J Neurosurg. 2016. 1:1-11.
- Guoqiang Xing1, Erin S. Barry2, Brandi Benford1, Neil E. Grunberg2, He Li3, William D. Watson4 and Pushpa Sharma1* (Senior and corresponding author). Impact of Repeated Stress on Traumatic Brain Injury-Induced Mitochondrial Electron Transport Chain Expression and Behavioral Responses in Rats. Front Neurol. 2013; 4: 196-10.
- Sharma P and Mongan P.D. Sodium pyruvate is better than ethyl pyruvate in preventing liver damage after hemorrhagic shock. J. Shock. 2010; 33: 532-8.
- Sharma P, Benford B and Ling GS. Pyruvate prevents traumatic brain injury through the activation of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex- measurement of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex by dipstick test. Journal of Emergencies, Trauma and Shock, 2009; 21: 67-5.
Ryan J Keneally, MD, Lieutenant Colonel, Army

Name: Ryan J Keneally, MD, Lieutenant Colonel, Army
Research Interests:
Trauma
Medical Education
Education
2000-2001 Transitional Year Internship, William Beaumont Army Medical Center
2001-2004 Anesthesiology Residency, National Capital Consortium
Bibliography
Arlene J Hudson, M.D., M.A., Commander, Navy

Name: Arlene J Hudson, M.D., M.A., Commander, Navy
Research Interests:
Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Anesthesia
Anesthesia Device Development
Education
Boston University, MA 1991-1993
USUHS, MD 1998-2002
NCC Internship OB/GYN 2002-2003
NCC Resident in Anesthesiology 2003-2006
NCC Chief Resident, Anesthesiology 2005-2006
Washington Hospital Center, Cardiac Anesthesia/Transesophageal Echocardiography 2006
Biography
In 1999, CDR Hudson reentered the navy as a USU medical student. At USU, she was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Honor Medical Society and won numerous academic awards. She completed her residency in Anesthesiology in 2006 at the National Capital Consortium. In her final year of residency, she was selected to be Chief Resident. She completed subspecialty training in cardiothoracic anesthesia at the Washington Hospital Center, Washington, D.C. and earned board certification in Advanced Perioperative Transesophageal Echocardiography in 2007.
In her first year following residency, she deployed in support of the Global War on Terror to Djibouti, Africa 2007-2008. Following this deployment, she returned to NNMC Bethesda/Walter Reed National Military Medical Center’s, where in addition to her clinical work and teaching, she chaired the MEDCEN’s Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee for six years, served on the Executive Committee of the Medical Staff and was core faculty for the NCC residency in Anesthesiology.
In 2012, CDR Hudson was posted to USU Department of Anesthesiology, where she served as a principal investigator and associate investigator for multiple clinical research projects, presented research at several national conferences and authored multiple publications. She also led the Department’s Maintenance of Certification in Anesthesia (MOCA) program, which provides required training for military anesthesiologists around the globe. In 2017, she was awarded an USUHS Impact Award for her work advancing simulation education. In addition to her support of medical student education at USU and graduate medical education at WRNMMC, she has served on USU’s Medical School Admissions Committee and has been active in recruiting prospective students and reaching out to college prehealth advisers to assure that USU consistently attracts America’s best and brightest into military medicine.
Representative publications, projects, and/or deployments
- Chair, Department of Anesthesiology, USUHS, Bethesda, MD 2019-Present
- Cardiothoracic Anesthesiologist WRNNMC 2006-Present
- Medical Director, MOCA Simulation Program, USUHS, Bethesda, MD 2015-2018
- Ambulatory Surgical Center Clinical Support, Naval Health Clinic, Cherry Point, NC 2017-2018
- Chief Anesthesia and Ancillary Services, EMF, Djibouti Africa 2007-2008
- Chair, Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD 2007-2012
- Director, Anesthesiology Clinical Research WRNMMC, Bethesda, MD 2006-2012
- Chief Resident, NCC Anesthesiology Residency, Bethesda, MD 2005-2006
- Researcher/Analyst, RAND Corporation, Washington, DC 1997-1998
- Epidemiologist, Gulf War Illnesses, Office of Secretary of Defense, DC 1995-1997
Bibliography
- 1. Hudson A, Benjamin J, Jardeleza T, Bergstrom C, Cronin W, Mendoza M, Schultheis L. “Safe Use of Over the Counter Peripheral Pulse Oximeters for Patients and Primary Care Physicians.” Annals of Family Medicine, 2018; 16(6): 552-554.
- 2. Hudson AJ, Walters R, Flynn J, Szpisjak D, Oslen C, Rogers M, Capaldi V, McDuffie B, Littieri C. “Ambulatory Surgery Has Minimal Impact on Sleep Parameters: A Prospective Observational Trial.” Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 2018; 14(4): 593-602.
- 3. Yeh B, Hudson AJ, Reoma J, Popa C, Andersen J, Lichtenberger J. “Intracardiac Heterotopic Liver Presenting as a Right Atrial Myxoma: A Case Report.” Military Medicine, 2018; 183: 2175-178.
- 4. Hudson AJ, Whittaker D, Szpisjak D, Lenart M, et al. “Reply to Letter to Editor.” Journal of Vascular Surgery, 2015; 3:48-53.
- 5. Hudson AJ, Whittaker D, Szpisjak D, Lenart M, et al. “Tumescent Technique without Epinephrine for Endovenous Laser Therapy and Serum Lidocaine Concentration.” Journal of Vascular Surgery, 2015; 3:48-53.
- 6. Hudson AJ, Guthmiller K, Hyatt, M. “Myoclonus Following a Peripheral Nerve Block.” Case Reports Anesthesiology, 2013; 213472.
- 7. Capacchione JF, Bodily K, Hudson AJ. “Post-Extubation Laryngospasm in a Patient with Spasmodic Dysphonia,” Anesthesiology, 2005:102(4)859-860.
- 8. Millard PS, Gensheimer KF, Addiss DG, Sosin DM, Beckett GA, Houck-Jankoski A, Hudson AJ, “An Outbreak of Cryptosporidiosis From Fresh-Pressed Apple Cider,” Journal of the American Medical Association, 1994: (272) 1592-1596.
- 9. Harley N, Foulkes E, Hilborne L, Hudson A, Anthony CR. “A Review of the Scientific Literature As It Pertains to Gulf War Illnesses: Volume 7: Depleted Uranium." Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 1999. https://www.rand.org/pubs/monograph_reports/MR1018z7.html. Also available in print form.
- 10. Geschwind S, Eiseman E, Spektor D, Hudson A. “The Impact of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals on Wildlife A Review of the Literature 1985-1998.” Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 1999. https://www.rand.org/pubs/monograph_reports/MR1050z0.html. Also available in print form.
John R Benjamin, M.D., M.Sc., F.A.S.A., Commander, Navy

Name: John R Benjamin, M.D., M.Sc., F.A.S.A., Commander, Navy
Research Interests:
Trauma and Expeditionary Medicine
Malignant Hyperthermia
Education
NCC Chief Resident, Anesthesiology, 2008-2009
NCC Resident in Anesthesiology, 2006-2008
Naval Medical Center San Diego, Surgery Internship 2002-2003
The Ohio State University College of Medicine, M.D. 1998-2002
Miami University, M.Sc. 1995-1998
Virginia Tech, B.S. 1985-1989
Bibliography
- Thevathasan T, Copeland CC, Long D, Patrocinio MD, Friedrich S, Grabitz SD, Kasotakis G, Benjamin J, Ladha K, Sarge T, Eikermann M. The impact of postoperative intensive care unit admission on postoperative hospital length of stay: a prespecified propensity-matched cohort study. Anesth Analg 2018 Nov 21: [Epub ahead of print]
- Schaller SJ, Anstey M, Blobner M, Edrich T, Grabitz S, Gradwohl-Matis I, Heim M, Kurth T, Latronico N, Lee J, Peponis T, Talmor D, Velmahos GC, Waak K, Walz JM, Zofonet R, Eikermann M. Early goal-directed mobilization in the surgical intensive care unit. A randomized control trial. Lancet 2016; 388: 1377-1388 (Member of the International Early SOMS-guided Mobilization Research Initiative)
- Hudson, AJ, Benjamin J, Jardeleza T, Bergstrom C, Cronin W, Mendoza, Schultheis L. Clinical interpretation of peripheral pulse oximeters labled “not for medical use”. Ann Fam Med 2018; 16: 552-54
- Kasotakis G, Schmidt U, Perry D, Grosse-Sundrup M, Benjamin J, Ryan C, Tully S, Hirschberg R, Waak K, Velmahos G, Bittner E, Zafonte R, Cobb P, Eikermann M. The surgical intensive care unit optimal mobility score predicts mortality and length of stay. Crit Care Med 2012; 40: 1122-1128
- Serrano JG, Ryan C, Waak K, Hirschberg R, Tully S, Bittner EA, Chipman DW, Schmidt U, Benjamin J, Kasotakis G, Zafonte R, Eikermann M. Early mobilization in critically ill patients: patients’ mobilization level depends on health care provider’s profession. PM&R 2011; 3: 307-313
William A Cronin, MD, MBA, Lieutenant Commander, Navy

Name: William A Cronin, MD, MBA, Lieutenant Commander, Navy
Research Interests:
Pulmonary Oxygen Toxicity
Decompression Sickness
Education
Graduate Education: Dartmouth Medical School, Hanover, NH, M.D., 8/2004-6/2009
Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, M.B.A., 8/2007-6/2009
Residency Education: Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, CA, Transitional Year Internship, 6/2009-6/2010
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD Anesthesiology Residency, 7/2014-6/2017 (Chief Resident, 7/2016 – 6/2018)
Other: Undersea Medical Officer Course, Naval Undersea Medical Institute, Groton, CT 1/2011-6/2011
Biography
His educational background includes a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry in 2004 from the United States Naval Academy, a Doctor of Medicine degree in 2009 from Dartmouth Medical School and a Masters in Business Administration in 2009 from Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth. Transitional year internship training was completed at Naval Medical Center San Diego in 2010. Undersea Medical Officer training was completed at Naval Undersea Medical Institute in 2011.
His first assignment was as Deputy Department Head, Undersea Medicine Department at Naval Medical Research Center in Silver Spring, MD conducting research to enhance warfighter performance in extreme environments as well as developing non-recompression therapies to treat decompression sickness for disabled submarine escape and rescue.
At the completion of his Undersea Medical Officer tour, he entered anesthesia residency training in 2014 at National Capital Consortium residency program. He graduated from the program in 2017 serving as Chief Resdient his last year. After residency he completed a one year Research Fellowship Grant awarded by the Foundation of Anesthesia Education and Research. At the completion of his research fellowship he served as Assistant Officer in Charge of Expeditionary Resusitative Surgical System 21, a role 2 light manuever team for Naval Amphibious Task Force 51 / 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade operating in CENTCOM and AFRICOM. His current assignment is to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center where he serves as a Associate Program Director of the anesthesia residency program and staff anesthesiologist.
Lieutenant Commander Cronin is authorized to wear the Undersea Medical Officer Device, the Fleet Marine Force Warfare Device, Navy Commendation Medal (1 gold star), Joint Achievement Medal, and various unit and service awards. He is an Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology at Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences. His academic awards include General Mologne Award for Top Resident at Walter Reed 2017, Paul Mongan Award for Outstanding Military Researcher 2016, Payson-Hampers MD/MBA Award 2009, Merck Manual Award 2009, and Gold Humanism in Medicine 2008.
Representative publications, projects, and/or deployments
- Research Fellowship Grant 2017-2018, Foundation of Anesthesia Education and Research
- Assistant Program Director, National Capital Consortium Anesthesia Residency Program 7/2019 - Present
- Major General Lewis A. Mologne Award, National Capital Consortium Graduation - 2017
- Assistant Officer in Charge, Expeditionary Resuscitative Surgical System 21, Naval Amphibious Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (CENTCOM/AFRICOM) 10/2018-7/2019
- Paul D. Mongan Military Anesthesiology Research Award 2016 / Young Investigator Award: Basic Science, American Society of Anesthesiology 2018
- Quality and Safety Officer, Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center 7/2019 - Present
- Deputy Department Head, Undersea Medicine Department, Naval Medical Research Center, Silver Spring, MD 6/2011 – 6/2014
- Grand Rounds Coordinator, Dept of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, 6/2017- Present
- Payson-Hamper’s MD/MBA Scholars Award – Dartmouth Medical School/Tuck School of Business 2009 / Merck Manual Award – Dartmouth Medical School 2009
- Thomas P Almy Chapter of the Gold Humanism Honor Society – Dartmouth Medical School 2008 / Albert Schweitzer Fellow – NH/VT Class of 2005
Bibliography
- Cronin WA, Senese AL, Arnaud FG, Regis DP, Auker CR, Mahon RT. The effect of the perfluorocarbon emulsion Oxycyte on platelet count and function in the treatment of decompression sickness in a swine model. Blood Coagul Fibrinolysis. 2016 Sep;27(6):702-10. doi: 10.1097/MBC.0000000000000481. PubMed PMID:26650458.
- Cronin WA, Hall AA, Auker CR, Mahon RT. Perfluorocarbon in Delayed Recompression with a Mixed Gender Swine Model of Decompression Sickness. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2018 Jan 1;89(1):14-18. doi: 10.3357/AMHP.4925.2018. PubMed PMID:29233239.
- Forbes AS, Regis DP, Hall AA, Mahon RT, Cronin WA. Propranolol Effects on Decompression Sickness in a Simulated DISSUB Rescue in Swine. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2017 Apr 1;88(4):385-391. doi: 10.3357/AMHP.4718.2017. PubMed PMID:28518001.
- Mahon RT, Cronin WA, Bodo M, Tirumala S, Regis DP, Auker CR. Cardiovascular parameters in a mixed-sex swine study of severe decompression sickness treated with the emulsified perfluorocarbon Oxycyte. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2015 Jan 1;118(1):71-9. doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00727.2014. Epub 2014 Oct 23. PubMed PMID:25342702.
- Hudson AJ, Benjamin J, Jardeleza T, Bergstrom C, Cronin W, Mendoza M, Schultheis L. Clinical Interpretation of Peripheral Pulse Oximeters Labeled "Not for Medical Use". Ann Fam Med. 2018 Nov;16(6):552-554. doi: 10.1370/afm.2317. PubMed PMID:30420372; PubMed Central PMCID:PMC6231944.
- Bai Y, Selvaraj N, Petersen K, Mahon R, Cronin WA, White J, Brink PR, Chon KH. The autonomic effects of cardiopulmonary decompression sickness in swine using principal dynamic mode analysis. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2013 Oct 1;305(7):R748-58. doi: 10.1152/ajpregu.00150.2012. Epub 2013 Jul 24. PubMed PMID:23883677.
- Cronin WA, Morgan JA, Weeks WB. The cost of pursuing a medical career in the military: a tale of five specialties. Acad Med. 2010 Aug;85(8):1316-20. doi: 10.1097/ACM.0b013e3181e5d6b8. PubMed PMID:20671458.
- Urban JJ, Tillman BG, Cronin WA. Fluoroolefins as peptide mimetics: a computational study of structure, charge distribution, hydration, and hydrogen bonding. J Phys Chem A. 2006 Sep 28;110(38):11120-9. doi: 10.1021/jp062881n. PubMed PMID:16986846.
Benjamin M Kristobak, MD, Major, Army

Name: Benjamin M Kristobak, MD, Major, Army
Research Interests:
Coagulation and blood product utilization in Cardiac Surgery
Airway management
Education
MD - Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
Transitional Internship - Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, HI
Anesthesiology Residency - Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD
Representative publications, projects, and/or deployments
- Associate Program Director, Anesthesiology Residency, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD
- Quality Assurance Leader, Anesthesia Service, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD
- Army Achievement Medal
- Joint Service Achievement Medal
Bibliography
- Kristobak MB, Crane KA. Retrieval of an Esophageal pH Monitoring Probe Dislodged into the Larygopharynx: A Case Report. A&A Practice. 2019; 13(1): 1-3
- 2019 National Capital Region Quality Symposium Poster, “Understanding Thromboelastography in Patients Who Received Acute Normovolemic Hemodilution."
Cynthia H Shields, MD

Name: Cynthia H Shields, MD
Research Interests:
Regional Anesthesia, Acute Pain Management
Pediatrics
Education
Bachelor of Arts Psychology- Pomona College Claremont, CA
Post Graduate Education
Regional Anesthesia Fellowship - Walter Reed Army Medical Center Washington, DC 20307-0003
Anesthesiology Residency - Madigan Army Medical Center Tacoma, WA 09431
Transitional Internship - Tripler Army Medical Center Honolulu Hawaii 96859-5000
Bibliography
- Shields CH,. Pediatric Surgery and Medicine for Hostile Environments Second Edition/ Kevin M. Creamer, Michael M. Fuenfer, Published by the Office of The Surgeon General, Borden Institute 2017, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC 20307-5001 Chapters 2, 3, 5 and10.
- Shields CH, Ch 17 Polytrauma, 53 Continuous Peripheral Nerve Catheters and 56 Basic Pediatric Regional Anesthesia Acute Pain Medicine. Buckenmaier C, Kent M, Brookman JC, Tighe PJ, Mariano ER, Edwards D. Oxford University Press 2019. ISBN: 9780190856649 Shields CH,. Pediatric Surgery and Medicine for Hostile Environments Second Edition/ Kevin M. Creamer, Michael M. Fuenfer, Published by the Office of The Surgeon General, Borden Institute 2017, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC
- Pediatric Thoracic Trauma in Iraq and Afghanistan. Keneally RJ, Shields CH, Hsu A, Prior HI, Creamer KM. Mil Med. 2018 Apr 6. doi: 10.1093/milmed/usy044. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 29659947
- The Effect of Lipid Emulsion Infusion on Postmortem Ropivacaine Concentrations in Swine: Endeavoring to Comprehend a Soldier’s Death. Buckenmaier CC, Capacchione J, Mielke AR, Bina S, Shields C, Kwon KH, McKnight G, Fish DA, Bedocs P. Anesth Analg. 2012 Apr;114(4):894-900.
- Pediatric wartime admissions to US military combat support hospitals in Afghanistan and Iraq: learning from the first 2,000 admissions.Creamer KM, Edwards MJ, Shields CH, Thompson MW, Yu CE, Adelman W.J Trauma. 2009 Oct;67(4):762-8.
- Advanced regional anesthesia morbidity and mortality grading system: regional anesthesia outcomes reporting (ROAR).Buckenmaier CC 3rd, Croll SM, Shields CH, Shockey SM, Bleckner LL, Malone G, Plunkett A, McKnight GM, Kwon KH, Joltes R, Stojadinovic A.Pain Med. 2009 Sep;10(6):1115-22.
- Multicenter, randomized, comparative cost-effectiveness study comparing 0, 1, and 2 diagnostic medial branch (facet joint nerve) block treatment paradigms before lumbar facet radiofrequency denervation.Cohen SP, Williams KA, Kurihara C, Nguyen C, Shields C, Kim P, Griffith SR, Larkin TM, Crooks M, Williams N, Morlando B, Strassels SA. Anesthesiology. 2010 Aug;113(2):395-405
- Back pain during war: an analysis of factors affecting outcome.Cohen SP, Nguyen C, Kapoor SG, Anderson-Barnes VC, Foster L, Shields C, McLean B, Wichman T, Plunkett A.Arch Intern Med. 2009 Nov 9;169(20):1916-23.
- The clinical utility of Bispectral Index Score when compared to the University of Michigan Sedation Scale in assessing the depth of pediatric outpatient sedation. Shields C, Stayadi-Park G, McCown M, Creamer K. Clinical Pediatrics, 2005; 44: 229-236.
- Sleep Deprivation for Pediatric Sedated Procedure: Not Worth the Effort. Shields CH, Johnson S, Knoll J, Chess C, Goldberg D, Creamer KM. Pediatrics, 2004; 113: 1204-1208.
David Jamison, MD

Name: David Jamison, MD
Research Interests:
Pain Medicine
Anesthesiology
Education
MD - University of Texas Medical School at Houston
Mark J Lenart, MD, MPH, FASA, Captain, Navy

Name: Mark J Lenart, MD, MPH, FASA, Captain, Navy
Research Interests:
Obstetric Anesthesia, Regional Anesthesia, Acute Pain
Education
2010 - 2011 Fellowship, Regional Anesthesiology/Acute Pain and Obstetric Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
2007 - 2010 Residency in Anesthesiology, National Capital Consortium
2004 - 2007 Master Degree of Public Health, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
2004 Naval Undersea Medicine Program, Naval Undersea Medical Institute
2002 – 2003 Transitional Internship, National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, MD
1998 - 2002 Doctor of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD
1987 - 1991 Bachelor of Science , United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD, Major: Control Systems Engineering
Representative publications, projects, and/or deployments
- Branch Head, Surface Medicine, BUMED (M35), Falls Church, VA, - Aug 2019 - present
- Officer-in-Charge, Fleet Surgical Team FOUR, Norfolk, VA, - Aug 2017 - Aug 2019
- TYCOM Surgeon, Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic, Norfolk, VA, - Feb 2018 - Aug 2018
- Chairman, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Portsmouth, VA, - Feb 2014 - Aug 2017
- Chief of Acute Pain Service, Kandahar Role 3 MMU, Kandahar, Afghanistan, - June 2012 - Jan 2013
- Chief, Obstetric Anesthesiology, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, VA, - Sept 2011 - Aug 2017
- Fellow, Regional Anesthesiology/Acute Pain and Obstetric Anesthesiology - Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, - August 2010 - August 2011
- Member, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), Committee on Uniformed Services and Veterans' Affairs - 2017 - present
- Diving Medical Officer, Mine Countermeasures Squadron, Ingleside, TX, - July 2004 - July 2007
- Assistant Professor of Naval Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, - August 1996 - July 1998
Bibliography
- 1. Carness J, Lenart M. “Current Local Anesthetic Applications in Neuraxial Anesthesia”. In Local Anesthetics. 2019, Aug 7, IntechOpen.
- 2. Carness J, Lenart M. "Spinal Anaesthesia for Cesarean Section in a Patient with Vascular Type Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome". Case Reports in Anesthesiology. Vol. 2018, Article ID 1924725, 4 pages, 2018.
- 3. Carness J, Wilson M, Lenart M, Smith D, and Dukes S. “Experiences with Regional Anesthesia for Analgesia during Prolonged Aeromedical Evacuation”. Aerospace Medicine and Human Performance. August 2017; 88(8):768-772.
- 4. Lenart M, Carness J. “Cerebrospinal Fluid Cutaneous Fistula after Continuous Spinal Catheter in an Obstetric Patient”. Anesthesia and Analgesia Case Reports. 1 Sept 2016; 7(5):103-7.
- 5. Hudson A, Whittaker D, Szpisjak DF, Lenart MJ and Bailey MM. “Tumescent Technique for Endovenous Laser Therapy and Serum Lidocaine Concentration”. Journal of Vascular Surgery: Venous and Lymphatic Disorders, 2015-01-01, Volume 3, Issue 1, Pages 48-53.
- 6. Plunkett A, Kuehn D, Lenart M, Wilkerson I. “Opioid maintenance, weaning and detoxification techniques: where we have been, where we are now and what the future holds”. Pain Management. 2013; 3(4):1-8.
- 7. Lenart M, Wong K, Gupta R, Malchow R. “The Impact of Peripheral Nerve Techniques on Hospital Stay Following Major Orthopedic Surgery”. Pain Medicine 2012; 13:828-834.
- 8. Lenart M, Buckenmaier CC, Kim MJ, Plunkett AR. “Development of a Complicated Pain Syndrome Following Cyanide Poisoning in a U.S. Soldier”. Military Medicine, April 2010; 175(4): 292-294(3).
- 9. Watson WD, Verma A, Lenart M, Quast TM, Gauerke SJ, McKenna GJ. “MRI in acute Wernicke’s encephalopathy”. Neurology. 2003;61(4):527.
- 10. Thomas RJ, Lenart MJ. “Moving Toward Eradication of Syphilis”. Military Medicine, June 2002.
Jong Lee, MD
Name: Jong Lee, MD
Research Interests:
Trauma Anesthesia and Critical Care. Major Fluid Shift and Blood transfusion Protocols.
Anatomy/Physiology and Acute Pain
Education
University of Miami - Jackson Memorial Hospital
Critical Care Fellowship
University of Miami - Jackson Memorial Hospital/Ryder Trauma Center
Robert Vietor, MD, Major, Army

Name: Robert Vietor, MD, Major, Army
Education
BS from The United States Military Academy at West Point - Class of 2006
Angela Curell, Doctorate of Medicine, Captain, Air Force
Name: Angela Curell, Doctorate of Medicine, Captain, Air Force
Research Interests:
General anesthesiology
Operational and austere medicine
Education
Doctorate of Medicine from USU
Residency in Anesthesiology from San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium
Biography
Representative publications, projects, and/or deployments
- Chief Resident Anesthesiology - San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium, AY2019/2020
- Anesthesiology Associate Clerkship Director - USU SOM Jul2020 to current
Bibliography
- Curell A, Nye N, Webber B, et al. (2019) Treatment and prognosis of high and low-risk Kaeding grade II bone stress injuries. Transl J Am Coll Sports Med.
- Curell A. (2018) Rash, dyspnea, and hypotension after femoral nerve block for femur fixation. Poster session presented at the American Society of Anesthesiologists Conference, Medically Challenging Cases Section. San Francisco, CA.
- Clemons L, Curell A, Hauser J. (2019) Undifferentiated airway edema necessitating emergent fiberoptic intubation. Poster session presented at the American Society of Anesthesiologists Conference, Medically Challenging Cases Section. Orlando, FL.
- Curell A. (2019) Competing priorities: possible airway injury, a very recent meal, and extreme anxiety. Poster session presented at the American Society of Anesthesiologists Conference, Medically Challenging Cases Section. Orlando, FL.
- Hauser J, Curell A, Salmon D, et al. (2016, Oct). Mediastinal masses: tips and icebergs. Poster session presented at the American Society of Anesthesiologists Conference, Medically Challenging Cases Section. Chicago, IL.
Krista Highland, PhD (they/them)
Name: Krista Highland, PhD (they/them)
Research Interests:
Pain Management, Health Equity, Statistics
Healthcare Optimization
Education
M.A. Psychology, University of Nebraska - 2009
B.S. in Biology and Psychology, Black Hills State University - 2007
Biography
ANE - National Faculty
Dale F Szpisjak, MD, MPH, Captain, Navy

Name: Dale F Szpisjak, MD, MPH, Captain, Navy
Research Interests:
Field Anesthesia Machines
Malignant Hyperthermia
Education
1991 MD Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL
1992 Medicine Intern Naval Hospital, Oakland, CA
1995 Anesthesiology Resident University of California, San Francisco, CA
1998 Pediatric Anesthesiology Fellowship Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
2007 MPH Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD
Representative publications, projects, and/or deployments
- 1. Szpisjak DF, Edgell DS, Bissonnette B. Potassium as a surrogate marker of debris in cell- salvaged blood. Anesth Analg 2000;91:40-3.
- 2. Szpisjak DF. Debris elimination from partially-filled cell salvage bowls. Anesth Analg 2001;92:1137-8.
- 3. Szpisjak DF, Potter PS, Capehart BP. Economic Analysis of an Intraoperative Cell-Salvage Service. Anesth Analg 2004:98:201-5.
- 4. Serianni RP, Shields CH, Szpisjak DF, Mongan PD. Intraoperative management: peripheral vascular surgery. Anesthesiol Clin North America 2004;22:307-18.
- 5. Szpisjak DF, Lamb CL, Klions KD. Oxygen Consumption with Mechanical Ventilation in a Field Anesthesia Machine. Anesth Analg 2005;100:1713-17.
- 6. Szpisjak DF, Javernick EN, Kyle RR, Austin PN. Drive gas volume of a pneumatically powered and controlled field anesthesia machine ventilator. Anesth Analg 2008;107: 1907-1911.
- 7. Keneally R, Szpisjak DF, et al. Thoracic trauma in Iraq and Afghanistan. J Trauma Acute Care Surg. 2013 May;74(5):1292-7.
- 8. Szpisjak DF, Starrett-Keller CM. Field anesthesia machine ventilator oxygen consumption in models of high and low pulmonary compliance. Mil Med 2014;179:1465-8.
- 9. Hudson AJ, Whittaker DR, Szpisjak DF, et al. Tumescent technique without epinephrine for endovenous laser therapy and serum lidocaine concentration. J Vasc Surg: Venous and Lym Dis 2015;3:48-53.
- 10. Szpisjak DF, Giberman AA. Air compressor battery duration with mechanical ventilation in a field anesthesia machine. Mil Med 2015;180:499-502.
Bibliography
- 11. Hudson AJ, Whittaker DR, Szpisjak DF, et al. Reply. J Vasc Surg: Venous and Lym Dis 2015;3:345.
- 12. Szpisjak DF, Horn G, Shalov S, Abes AA, Van Decar L. Minute ventilation limitations of two field transport ventilators. Mil Med 2017;182:e1653-e1657.
- 13. Keneally RJ, Szpisjak DF, Hoffman P, Park E, Albergo M. Vital signs and physiologic derangement in patients with thoracic trauma in Iraq and Afghanistan. Mil Med 2017;182:e1881-e1884.
- 14. Hudson AJ, Walter RJ, Flynn J, Szpisjak DF, et al. Ambulatory Surgery has minimal impact on sleep parameters: a prospective observational trial. J Clin Sleep Med; In Press.
Sandeep Dhanjal, MD, Major, Army
Name: Sandeep Dhanjal, MD, Major, Army
Research Interests:
Trauma/Combat Anesthesia
Combat/Austere Pain Management
Education
B.S. - Purdue University
Bibliography
- Chief Anesthesiologist, 47th Combat Support Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq
- Regional Anesthesia Section Chief, Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC)
- Assistant Chief Anesthesiologist, Dept. of Anesthesia and Perioperative Services, BAMC
Patrick M Barnett, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Lieutenant, Navy

Name: Patrick M Barnett, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Lieutenant, Navy
Gregory J Stevens, MD, DABA, MPhil, Major, Army

Name: Gregory J Stevens, MD, DABA, MPhil, Major, Army
Research Interests:
Regional Anesthesia
Patient Safety
Education
The University of Cambridge Master of Philosophy in Public Health, 2007-2008
USUHS MD, 2008-2012
SAUSHEC Transitional Year Internship 2012-2013, San Antonio, TX
SAUSHEC Anesthesiology Residency 2013-2016, San Antonio, TX
SAUSHEC Chief Resident 2015-2016, San Antonio, TX
Bibliography
- Knuf K, Spaulding F, Stevens G. Scopolamine toxicity in an elderly patient. Military Medicine. 2019:(advance of print).
- Maracaja L, Stevens G. Transcatheter aortic valve replacement. In: Decision Making in Anesthesia. 5th ed. In press.
- Nielsen S, Stevens J, Stevens G, Patel J, Eller R. Mandated wrapping of airway cart instruments: limited access without the intended safety benefits. Laryngoscope. 2018;00:1-5.
- Patzkowski M, Stevens G. Multimodal analgesia in abdominal sepsis: A case report of liposome bupivicaine in ultrasound-guided rectus sheath blocks after unexpected open hemi-colectomy. Military Medicine. 2015;180(6):e728-31. PMID 26032393.
- Stevens G, Durning S, Stevens S, Lowery D. Regional anesthesia in the setting of arm replantation: a case report. A&A Practice. 2018;11:38-40. PMID 29634554.
- Stevens G, Lyratzopolous Y. Master of Philosophy in Public Health Thesis: The association between BMI and mortality in the EPIC-Norfolk cohort. Cambridge, UK: University of Cambridge. 2008.
- Stevens G, Warfel J, Aden J, Blackwell S. Intraoperative endotracheal cuff pressure study: how education and availability of manometers help guide safer pressures. Military Medicine. 2018;183(9/10):e416-419. PMID 29447402.
Alyssa R Zuehl, Captain, Air Force

Name: Alyssa R Zuehl, Captain, Air Force
Research Interests:
Trauma Anesthesiology
Obstetric Anesthesiology
Education
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences - Medical School
Saint Olaf College - Psychology and Neuroscience B. A.
Representative publications, projects, and/or deployments
- San Antonio Military Medical Center, Ft. Sam Houston,TX
- Anesthesiologist, Craig Joint Theatre Hospital, Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan
Bibliography
- Hawkley, T., Zuehl, A. (2018) “Myasthenic Crisis in the Surgical ICU” Poster presented at 2018 ASA Annual Meeting as Medically Challenging Case Presentation
- Knuf, K., Van Dam, M., Zuehl, A., Kraus, G. (2018) “Hoarse Because of a Horse, Of Course; Management of Blunt Tracheal Injury” Poster presented at 2018 ASA Annual Meeting as Medically Challenging Case Presentation
- Dickey, A., Benson, C., Ainsworth, C. (2017) “Continuous Intrathecal Morphine Infusion for Pain Management in a Patient with Burn Injury” Poster presented at 2017 ASA Annual Meeting as Medically Challenging Case Presentation.
- Dickey, A., Nagy, C. (2017) “Flexible Anesthetics for the Ehlers-Danlos Parturient” Poster to be presented at 2017 ASA Annual Meeting as Medically Challenging Case Presentation.
- Dickey, A., Lawinger, M. (2016) “Incidental Discovery of a Supraglottic Mass during Direct Laryngoscopy” Poster presented at 2016 ASA Annual Meeting as Medically Challenging Case Presentation.
- Moseley, D., Durning, S., Dickey, A., Reel, B. (2016) “The Perfect Obstetric Storm: Uterine Artery Aneurysm with Placenta Percreta and PPROM.” Poster presented at 2016 ASA Annual Meeting as Medically Challenging Case Presentation.
- Delahanty, L., Bevis, Z., Jones, E., Zuehl, A., Attipoe, S., Jones, D., Deuster, P.A., & Stephens, M.B. (2013) “Energy drink use in military populations: preliminary data.” Oral presentation at 2013 AMSUS annual meeting.
- Delahanty, L., Zuehl, A., Attipoe, S., Deuster, P.A., Jones, D., & Stephens, M.B. (2013) “Energy Drinks and Energy Shots: USAFP Snapshot” Poster presentation at 2013 USAFP annual meeting.
- Zuehl, A., Kasch, A., Khuong, E., Hedstrom, B., & Muir, G. (2009) “Ethanol and Anesthesia Disrupt Head Direction Cell Activity in Freely-Moving Rats” Poster presentation at Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL, October 2009.
- Zuehl, A., Kasch, A., Khuong, E., Hedstrom, B., Wann, E., & Muir, G. (2008)“Aging, Anesthesia, and Ethanol Disrupt Head Direction Cell Activity in Freely-Moving Rats” Poster presentation at Faculty for Undergraduate Neuroscience session at the Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting, Washington DC, November 2008.
Michael K Hoger, D.O., Captain, Army

Name: Michael K Hoger, D.O., Captain, Army
Education
Anesthesiology Residency
Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma Washington (07/2014-06/2015)
Transition Year Internship
Des Moines University, Des Moines, Iowa (08/2010-06/2014)
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL (01/2008-05/2010)
Post-baccalaureate Pre-Med
Birmingham-Southern College, Birmingham, AL (09/2002-05/2006)
Bachelor of Arts in English Literature
Representative publications, projects, and/or deployments
- Sedation of a Pediatric Patient with Leigh Syndrome using Diphenhydramine and Dexmedetomidine
- International Anesthesia Research Society, May 2017
- ERAS For Total Abdominal Hysterectomy
- ERAS USA 3rd Annual Congress Program, November 2019
- Army Service Ribbon (2010)
- Global War on Terror Ribbon (2010)
- National Defense Service Medal (2010)
- Army Superior Unit Award (2014)
- Joint Service Achievement Medal (2018)
- Army Achievement Medal (2018)
John M Dunford III, MD

Name: John M Dunford III, MD
Research Interests:
Evoked Potential Monitoring
Post Operative Visual Loss
Education
United States Center for Disease and Control and Prevention-QMHO Class of Feb, 2015
Quarantine Medical Health Officer training course: Ebola
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration-DMO Class of Oct, 2013
Physician Diving Medicine Course:
Residency Anesthesiology, Johns Hopkins, Baltimore MD Jul, 1996-Jun, 1999
Residency, Neurology, Walter Reed AMC, Washington DC Jul, 1991-Jun, 1994
Internship, Neurology, Letterman AMC, San Francisco CA, Jul, 1990-Jun, 1991
M.D. Creighton University, Omaha NE Aug 1986-May 1990
B.S. in Biology (Cum Laude), Creighton University, Omaha NE Aug 1981-May 1985
Derek L Foerschler, D.O., Commander, Navy
Name: Derek L Foerschler, D.O., Commander, Navy
Research Interests:
Acute Pain Medicine
Regional Anesthesia
Education
Bachelor of Science, Molecular Biology- University of Nevada 2002
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine- Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine 2007
Anesthesiology Residency- The Ohio State University Medical Center 2011
Regional Anesthesia and Acute Pain Medicine Fellowship- The Ohio State University Medical Center 2012
Faculty Development Certificate in Academic Leadership- USUHS 2017
Biography
Foerschler continued his medical training at The Ohio State University Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio with additional Navy support via the Financial Assistance Program where he completed Internship and residency in Anesthesiology as well as fellowship in Regional Anesthesia and Acute Pain Medicine. During his final year of residency, Foerschler was elected Chief Resident.
Arriving to his first duty station at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth following fellowship graduation in 2012, Foerschler served initially as the division officer of the Acute Pain Service and research coordinator of the Anesthesia department. Over the next four years at NMCP, he served as Chairman of the Blood Utilization Committee, Chairman of the Scientific Review Committee of the Command IRB, Community Member-At-Large for the Hampton Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center’s IRB, and Assistant Residency Program Director. Starting in 2016, Foerschler has served as Program Director for NMCP’s anesthesiology residency.
Operationally, he has been deployed on the USNS COMFORT as department head of anesthesia in 2015 during the six-month Continuing Promise deployment and again in 2017 on the Humanitarian Mission to Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria. In 2018, he served as Assistant Officer-In-Charge for the Expeditionary Resuscitation Surgical System (ERSS) Team-20 in USCENTCOM traveling to over six countries and aboard five different ships during the seven month deployment.
Foerschler is certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology and is a member of the American Society of Anesthesiology. His personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two awards) and is Fleet Marine Force Warfare Officer Qualified.
Representative publications, projects, and/or deployments
- Chief Resident, Anesthesiology- The Ohio State University Medical Center 2010-2011
- Director- Acute Pain Service- Naval Medical Center Portsmouth 2012-2018
- Member/Chairman- Research Review Committee for the command's IRB, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth 2012-2018
- Chairman- Blood Utilization Committee, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth 2014-2015
- Assistant Program Director- Anesthesiology Residency, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth 2014-2016
- Teacher of the Year- Anesthesiology Department, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth 2015
- Department Head-Anesthesia, USNS COMFORT six-month deployment ISO Operation Continuing Promise 2015
- Community Member, Institutional Review Board (IRB)- Hampton Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Hampton, VA 2016-2017
- Program Director- Anesthesiology Residency, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth 2016-Present
- Deputy Officer-In-Charge and Anesthesiologist, Expeditionary Resuscitation Surgical System (ERSS)- 20, CENTCOM 2018
Bibliography
- Patient-controlled analgesia in the pediatric population: morphine versus hydromorphone; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4140230/
- Humanitarian Assistance at Sea: The Medical Missions of the USNS Mercy and USNS Comfort; https://monitor.pubs.asahq.org/article.aspx?articleid=2475396
- The Need for Patient Teaching, Follow Up, and Physician Availability for the Prevention of Outpatient Perineural Catheter Complications; http://ispub.com/IJPSP/8/2/5579
Anthony Plunkett, MD, FASA

Name: Anthony Plunkett, MD, FASA
Research Interests:
Pain
Ambulatory surgery
Education
2000 - 2004 - Albany Medical College, Albany, NY - MD
2004 - 2005 - Transitional Internship, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC
2005 - 2008 - Anesthesiology Residency, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC
2008 - 2009 - Acute Pain Medicine Fellowship, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC
Representative publications, projects, and/or deployments
- Adjunct Associate Professor of Surgery, Cambell University School of Osteopathic Medicine
- American Board of Anesthesiology Oral Board Examiner, 2017
- Anesthesiology Consultant to the Surgeon General for US Army Reserves, 2018
- Anesthesiology Deputy Consultant to the Surgeon General for US Army, 2017
- Co-Principal Investigator, DVCIPM - Ft Bragg, 2012-2017
- Director, Acute Pain Service, Ft Bragg
- Order of Military Medical Merit (O2M3), 2019
- Bronze Star Medal, 2011
- Deployment to Afghanistan, 2010
Bibliography
- Opioid Maintenance, Weaning and Detoxification Techniques: Where we have been, where we are now, and what the future holds – An Update. Pain Management, 2019
- Percutaneous Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for Pain Reduction and Improvements in Functional Outcomes in Chronic Low Back Pain. Mil Med. 2019
- A randomized, single-blind, prospective trial of auricular “Battlefield” acupuncture for the reduction of postoperative tonsillectomy pain in adults. Pain Manag. 2018
- The feasibility of employing a home healthcare model for education and treatment of opioid overdose using a naloxone auto-injector in a private practice pain medicine clinic. Curr Med Res Opin. 2018
- Determinants of Patient Satisfaction in a Private Practice Pain Management Clinic. Pain Practice. 2017
- A preliminary Examination of the Comparative Efficacy of Intravenous vs Oral Acetaminophen in the Treatment of Perioperative Pain. Pain Medicine. 2016.
- An observational feasibility study to assess the safety and effectiveness of intranasal fentanyl for radiofrequency ablations of the lumbar facet joints. J of Pain Research. 2017
- Acupuncture for the treatment of chronic pain in the military population: factors associated with treatment outcomes. Clinical J of Pain. 2017
- Randomized, double-blind, comparative-effectiveness study comparing pulsed radiofrequency to steroid injections for occipital neuralgia or migraine with occipital nerve tenderness. Pain. 2015
- Epidural Lysis of Adhesions for Failed Back Surgery and Spinal Stenosis: Factors Associated with Treatment Outcome. Anesth Analg. 2014
Eric T Stedje-Larsen, Medical Doctor, Captain, Navy

Name: Eric T Stedje-Larsen, Medical Doctor, Captain, Navy
Research Interests:
Pain
PTSD
Biography
CAPT Stedje-Larsen’s career has taken him to both sides of the American continent as well as two overseas assignments and multiple deployments. He completed residency training in Anesthesiology at Portsmouth Naval Hospital in Anesthesiology where he served as Chief Resident. He transferred to Guantanamo Naval Hospital in August 2001 where he directed the creation of the Detainee Advanced Care Unit. He returned to Portsmouth Naval Hospital and completed the Pain Medicine Fellowship. From 2003-2010, he was assigned to the Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD). During his tenure he deployed to Al-Qa’im, Iraq during OIF II-2 and served as the assistant OIC for Forward Resuscitative Surgical System 4 in direct support of 1/7 Marines. After returning home he was Head of Pain Medicine at NMCSD. He lead the establishment of an ACGME accredited Pain Medicine Fellowship and dedicated Regional, Acute, and C5 (Comprehensive Combat and Complex Casualty Care) pain services. Under his direction, Pain Medicine at NMCSD was recognized as a DoD Center of Excellence. Additionally, he served as Program Director for the NMCSD Transitional Year Graduate Medical Education program from 2005-2009. Leading the Navy’s largest physician GME program, he was responsible for matriculating, mentoring and graduating over 100 physicians during his tenure. His following assignment was OIC of Fleet Surgical Team FIVE and he completed a SOUTHERN PARTNERSHIP STATION and ARG/MEU deployments. He served as CATF Surgeon in 3rd, 5th, and 7th Fleet AORs and directed care from 28 providers and 153 corpsman for 4000 Sailors and Marines deployed in the Amphibious Ready Group. In 2014 he served as the Medical Contingent Commander for Pacific Partnership 14, the military’s largest Global Health Exercise. He led a contingent of 260 medical providers from seven partner nations and multiple humanitarian community organizations to directly impact over 20,000 patients and 3700 host nation providers in five Asia-Pacific host nation countries. He then PCS’d to Okinawa, Japan and was the Competent Medical Authority and chair of the Medical Staff Quality Committee. He transferred to Naval Medical Center Portsmouth where he is currently the Program Director for the Pain Medicine Fellowship.
Captain Stedje-Larsen is a Board Certified in Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine. He has several publications and serves a peer review for the journal of Military Medicine. His personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for Heroism, Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards), Navy Commendation Medal (2 awards) and a Navy Achievement Medal (2 awards). He is married to Ms. Grace Donovan of Vienna, Virginia and they have four children.
Bibliography
- Steven Hanling MD, Robert N. McLay, MD, Ph.D , Eric Stedje-Larsen MD, et al, Submission of "Stellate Ganglion Block for Treatment of PTSD: A Randomized Double Blinded Controlled Trial", Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine. July/August 2016 – Volume 41 – Issue 4 -494-500.
- CAPT Anita H. Hickey, MC USN; Maryam Navaie, DrPH; CDR Eric T. Stedje-Larsen, MC USN; Eugene G. Lipov, MD; Robert N. McLay, MD, Ph.D. “Stellate Ganglion Block: Technique, Utility and Application to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder”, Psychiatric Annals, February 2013
- Eugene G. Lipov, MD; Maryam Navaie, DrPH; Peter R. Brown, PsyD, DAAPM; CAPT Anita H. Hickey, MD, MC, USN; CDR Eric T. Stedje-Larsen, MD, MC, USN; Robert N. McLay, MD, PhD, “Stellate Ganglion Block Improves Refractory Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Associated Memory Dysfunction: A Case Report and Systematic Literature Review”, MILITARY MEDICINE, February 2013
- Maryam Navaie, DrPH; Anita H. Hickey, MD; Eric T. Stedje-Larsen, MD; and Eugene G. Lipov, MD. ”New Research: A Promising Biologic Treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder”, American Public Health Association, Medical Care Section Newsletter, Fall 2012
- Eugene G. Lipov, MD; Maryam Navaie, DrPH; CDR Eric T. Stedje-Larsen, MC USN; Kevin Burkhardt, BS; Jessica C. Smith, BA; Leighla H. Sharghi, MPA; CAPT Anita H. Hickey, MC USN; “A Novel Application of Stellate Ganglion Block: Preliminary Observations for the Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder” MILITARY MEDICINE Vol. 177, February 2012, pp 125-127
Greg Booth, MD, Lieutenant, Navy
Name: Greg Booth, MD, Lieutenant, Navy
Research Interests:
Non-invasive hemodynamic monitoring
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery
Education
M.D., Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 2010 - 2014
B.S., Biomedical Engineering (magna cum laude), Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 2006 - 2010
Biography
LT Booth attended Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine through HPSP. After graduating medical school in 2014, he completed a categorical Anesthesiology residency at Northwestern University through NADDS. In his final year of residency, he was selected as a Chief Resident. During residency, he was awarded the Dr. A. Lawrence and Ellen S. Wilson Award for Advancing Clinical Education through Innovation for creating a microcontroller-driven arterial pump simulator, the rights to which were subsequently released to him through the Innovations and New Ventures Office at Northwestern University. He created numerous videos and recorded lectures, and created a database of high-impact papers in anesthesiology for trainees in his program.
LT Booth joined the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth Anesthesiology Department as staff in 2018. He serves as a voting member of the Institutional Review Board, Supervision Champion for the Clinical Learning Environment Review subcommittee, and the Academic and Research coordinator for the Department of Anesthesiology. He is actively engaged in numerous research projects. He co-developed a novel, non-invasive hemodynamic monitoring system which is currently undergoing evaluation in an animal model and is the Principle Investigator on a follow up study (pending IACUC approval) which has been funded by the Combat Trauma Research Group. He is investigating methods for applying artificial intelligence algorithms to hemodynamics and clinical risk prediction models.
Representative publications, projects, and/or deployments
- Associate Program Director, Anesthesiology Program, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth APR 2019 - present
- Institutional Review Board voting member, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth JUN 2019 - present
- Funding recipient for animal study evaluating novel hemodynamic monitoring system, Combat Trauma Research Group JAN 2020
- Co-developer of novel non-invasive hemodynamic monitoring system (undergoing animal trials) 2018 - present
- Enhanced Recovery After Surgery systematic program evaluation (project ongoing) 2019 - present
- Artificial Intelligence methods for developing improved cardiac risk prediction model (project ongoing) JAN 2020 - present
- Junior Medical Corps Officer of the Quarter Fall 2019
- Chief Resident, Anesthesiology Program, Northwestern University 2017-2018
- Dr. A. Lawrence and Ellen S. Wilson Award for Advancing Clinical Education through Innovation (development of a microcontroller-driven arterial pump simulator) 2017
Michael F D'Amore, MD, Major, Air Force
Name: Michael F D'Amore, MD, Major, Air Force
Research Interests:
Critical Care Air Transport Physician
Education
USUHS- 2010
SAMMC Anesthesiology- 2018
Michael S Patzkowski, MD, MHA, Lieutenant Colonel, Army

Name: Michael S Patzkowski, MD, MHA, Lieutenant Colonel, Army
Research Interests:
Anesthesiology
Pain Medicine
Education
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, MD, 2004-2008
San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium, Internship & Anesthesiology Residency, 2008-2012
National Capital Consortium, Acute Pain Medicine & Regional Anesthesia Fellowship, 2012-2013
University of the Incarnate Word, MHA, 2018-2020
Bibliography
- Multivitamin Use in Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocols: A Cost Analysis [doi.org/10.1093/MILMED/USAA505]
- Practice Variation in Regional Anesthesia Utilization by Current and Former U.S. Military Anesthesiology Residents [doi.org/10.1093/MILMED/USAA269]
- Perioperative Pain Management and Avoidance of Long-term Opioid Use [doi.org/10.1097/JSA.0000000000000244]
- Peripheral nerve blocks in patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, hypermobility type: a report of 2 cases [doi.org/10.1016/J.JCLINANE.2015.10.015]
- Multimodal Analgesia in Abdominal Sepsis: A Case Report of Liposome Bupivacaine in Ultrasound-Guided Rectus Sheath Blocks After Unexpected Open Hemi-Colectomy [doi.org/10.7205/MILMED-D-14-00512]
- Brachial plexus block in a parturient [doi.org/10.1016/J.IJOA.2013.12.005]
Kyle E Curtis, MD, Captain, Army
Name: Kyle E Curtis, MD, Captain, Army
Education
Post-baccalaureate pre-medical - University of Vermont - graduate certificate in pre-medical
Medical school - Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine - MD
Residency - Walter Reed National Military Medical Center / National Capital Consortium - Anesthesia
Representative publications, projects, and/or deployments
- Staff anesthesiologist - Womack Army Medical Center, Fort Bragg, NC