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Our Leadership

A Warm Welcome From Our President

Providence Anesthesiology Associates (PAA) is an independent group of physicians who specialize in providing exemplary anesthesia care to the communities we serve. The way in which we practice and all of our decisions are guided by our commitment to provide remarkable perioperative care that is safe, reliable, value-driven, evidence-based, and measurably of the highest quality.

In a rapidly changing and increasingly complex healthcare environment, it can be easy to lose sight of what is important. As physicians, it is our responsibility to always keep the patient at the center of our attention. We strive to better the health of our community, decrease healthcare costs, and improve the patient experience, one patient at a time. With our patients at the forefront of our minds, we always remain focused on our mission of extraordinary physician-led perioperative care.

PAA is committed to constant improvement by actively soliciting feedback and listening to our hospitals, our peers, our patients, and to one another. Through continued expansion of clinical initiatives and programs such as PAA’s Long Lives Pathways, ERAS protocols, 360 Degree Evaluations, and our PAAQS Quality System, we will remain dedicated to consistency, excellence, and innovation across all platforms. We realize the challenges of healthcare today cannot be solved by working in silos, so PAA is collaborating within our industry and health systems to tackle complex issues.

We work with our surgical colleagues and hospital administration to define and develop value-based models, combat the rising cost of healthcare, and address the opioid crisis facing our nation. Together we are making meaningful changes for the betterment of our patients and our communities.

Additionally, at PAA, we deeply value the independent practice model. Independence affords autonomy, placing the physician in the driver’s seat, steering clinical advances, quality improvements, safety standards, and the overall patient experience.

Private practices such as ours are willing and able to provide a better service by remaining nimble. We are able to quickly pivot, easily adapt and tailor our approach to the specific needs of our partners: hospitals, surgical colleagues, administrators, healthcare systems, community, and most importantly, our patients.

We embrace both organic and intentional growth as we continue developing an expanding regional presence, across the Carolinas, in the years to come. It is our belief that there will always be a place for the independent anesthesia practice that understands the importance of providing exceptional service through evidence-based medicine and the highest quality and safety standards.

I am often asked by colleagues and friends, both in Charlotte and throughout the country, “What is PAA’s secret to maintaining its independence?” And my answer is simple — quintessential service. Our service is guided by our core values of compassion, clinical excellence, high-reliability, physician leadership, autonomy, and strength through collaboration.

With this model, not only have we been able to maintain our independence, we continue to thrive.

It is an honor to serve our patients and our community, and we remain a committed partner to all those we are privileged to work alongside.

We are an UNWAVERING PRESENCE.

Kevin Crosby, MD

Kevin Crosby, MD
Providence Anesthesiology Associates, President

PAA is a physician-led practice. Our leadership roles are filled by practicing anesthesiologists, allowing us a unique first-hand approach to the healthcare landscape and enabling us to make informed decisions that benefit our practice and our patients.

Executive Committee

Kevin Crosby, MD

President

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Kevin Crosby, MD

President
. . . . . . . .

UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
Furman University

MEDICAL EDUCATION
University of North Carolina School of Medicine

POSTGRADUATE TRAINING
Mayo Clinic, Internship and Residency
—
Nemours Children’s Clinic, Pediatric Anesthesiology Fellowship

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS
Anesthesiology
—
Pediatric Anesthesiology

Matthew Dyer, MBA

Chief Executive Officer

John J. Sandoval. MD

Chairman of Anesthesiology, Novant Health Greater Charlotte Market

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John J. Sandoval, MD

Chairman of Anesthesiology, Novant Health Greater Charlotte Market
. . . . . . . .

UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
University of Denver

MEDICAL EDUCATION
University of Colorado Health Science Center

POSTGRADUATE TRAINING
University of Colorado Health Science Center, General Surgery Internship
—
University of Florida College of Medicine, Anesthesiology Residency
—
University of Florida College of Medicine, Chief Resident in Anesthesiology

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS
Anesthesiology

Cory Koenig, DO

Vice President of Operations

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Cory Koenig, DO

Vice President, Operations

UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
South Dakota State University

MEDICAL EDUCATION
Des Moines University

POSTGRADUATE TRAINING
Henry Ford Hospital, Internship and Residency
—
University of Michigan, CS Mott Children’s Hospital, Pediatric Anesthesiology, Fellowship

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS
Anesthesiology
—
Pediatric Anesthesiology

Francis Stranick, MD

Vice President of Business Development

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Francis Stranick, MD

Vice President, Business Development
. . . . . . . .

UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
Creighton University

MEDICAL EDUCATION
Creighton University

POSTGRADUATE TRAINING
Eastern Virginia Medical Center, Internship
—
Brown University, Residency, Pediatrics
—
Georgetown University, Residency, Anesthesia
—
George Washington University, Children’s National Medical Center, Fellowship, Pediatric Anesthesia and Critical Care Fellowships

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS
Anesthesiology
—
Pediatrics

Brian Kornrumpf, MD

Vice President of Finance

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Brian Kornrumpf, MD

Vice President, Finance
—

UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
Lipscomb University

MEDICAL EDUCATION
Wake Forest University School of Medicine

POSTGRADUATE TRAINING
Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Internship and Residency
—
Boston’s Children’s Hospital, Pediatric Anesthesiology, Fellowship

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS
Anesthesiology
—
Pediatric Anesthesiology
—
Transesophageal Echocardiography

Katie Yang, MD

Vice President of Scheduling

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Katie Yang, MD

Vice President, Scheduling
. . . . . . . .

UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
Duke University

MEDICAL EDUCATION
Duke University

POSTGRADUATE TRAINING
Washington University, Internship and Residency
—
Washington University, Fellowship

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS
Anesthesiology

Brett Shaffer, MD

Asst. Vice President of Scheduling

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Brett Shaffer, MD

Assistant Vice President, Scheduling
. . . . . . . .

UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
Shepherd University

MEDICAL EDUCATION
University of Virginia School of Medicine

POSTGRADUATE TRAINING
Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Residency

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS
Anesthesiology

Krishna Baddigam, MD

Charlotte

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Krishna Baddigam, MD

Recording Secretary
. . . . . . . .

MEDICAL EDUCATION
Mahadevappa Rampure Medical College of the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences

POSTGRADUATE TRAINING
University of Missouri, Internship
—
University of Missouri University Hospital, Residency
—
University of Washington School of Medicine, Fellowship

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS
Anesthesiology
—
Pain Management

Darryl Malak, MD

Section Chief, Novant Health Matthews Medical Center

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Darryl Malak, MD

Section Chief, Novant Health Matthews Medical Center
. . . . . . . .

UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
United States Air Force Academy

MEDICAL EDUCATION
Loyola University of Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine

POSTGRADUATE TRAINING
Resurrection Medical Center, Internship
—
Duke University Medical Center, Residency

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS
Anesthesiology

Kim Blumberg, MD

Section Chief, Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center

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Kim Blumberg, MD

Section Chief, Huntersville Ambulatory Surgery Center
—
Section Chief, Novant Health Huntersville Medical Center
. . . . . . . .

UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
Baylor University

MEDICAL EDUCATION
The University of Texas Medical Branch

POSTGRADUATE TRAINING
Brooke Army Medical Center, Internship
—
Brooke Army Medical Center, Anesthesiology

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS
Anesthesiology

Ilka Theruvath, MD
Chair, Continuous Quality Improvement Committee
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Ilka Theruvath, MD

Chair, Continuous Quality Improvement Committee

DOCTORATE / PH.D.
Medizinische Hochschule
POSTGRADUATE TRAINING
Humboldt University, Internship and Residency
—
Anesthesia Medical College of Georgia, Residency
—
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Fellowship
—
Medical College of Georgia, Fellowship

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS
Anesthesiology
—
Pediatric Anesthesiology
—
Echocardiography

Joseph L. Weidman, MD
Section Chief, Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center
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Joseph L. Weidman, MD

Section Chief, Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center
. . . . . . . .

UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
Brigham Young University

MEDICAL EDUCATION
Baylor College of Medicine

POSTGRADUATE TRAINING
George Washington University Hospital, Internship, Internal Medicine
—
Massachusetts General Hospital, Residency
—
Brigham and Woman’s Hospital, Fellowship

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS
Anesthesiology
—
Transesophageal Echocardiography

Richard Griggs, MD
Section Chief, Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center
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Richard Griggs, MD

Section Chief, Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center
. . . . . . . .

Chief of Surgery, Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center
. . . . . . . .

UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
Penn State University

MEDICAL EDUCATION
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

POSTGRADUATE TRAINING
Duke University Medical Center, Internship
—
Duke University Medical Center, Residency

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS
Anesthesiology

Vaughn P. Nelson, MD
Section Chief, Novant Health Rowan Medical Center
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Vaughn P. Nelson, MD

Section Chief, Novant Health Rowan Medical Center
. . . . . . . .

UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
Wake Forest University

MEDICAL EDUCATION
East Carolina University School of Medicine

POSTGRADUATE TRAINING
University of Florida College of Medicine, Internship and Residency

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS
Anesthesiology

Daniel Briggs, MD
Section Chief, Novant Health Charlotte Orthopedic Hospital
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Daniel Briggs, MD

Section Chief, Novant Health Charlotte Orthopedic Hospital
—
Section Chief, Novant Health Center City Outpatient Surgery Center
. . . . . . . .

UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

MEDICAL EDUCATION
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine

POSTGRADUATE TRAINING
Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Internship and Residency, Internal Medicine
—
Duke University Medical Center, Residency, Anesthesiology

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS
Anesthesiology

Kate Miller, MD
Chair, Clinical Practice Committee
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Kate Miller, MD

Section Chief, Novant Health Midtown Outpatient Surgery Center
Chair, Clinical Practice Committee

UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
Baylor University

MEDICAL EDUCATION
University of Texas Medical School

POSTGRADUATE TRAINING
Yale University School of Medicine, Internship and Residency
—
Yale University School of Medicine, Fellowship

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS
Anesthesiology
—
Pediatric Anesthesiology

Christopher J. Duggins, MD
Executive Committee, at Large
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Christopher J. Duggins, MD

Executive Committee at Large
. . . . . . . .

UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
Memphis State University

MEDICAL EDUCATION
University of Tennessee College of Medicine

POSTGRADUATE TRAINING
Brooke Army Medical Center, Internship
—
Brooke Army Medical Center, Residency

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS
Anesthesiology
—
Transesophageal Echocardiography

Sections Chiefs and PAA Committee Members

William Askins, MD
Charlotte
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William Askins, MD

Chief, OR Manager
. . . . . . . .

UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
University of Notre Dame

MEDICAL EDUCATION
St. Louis University

POSTGRADUATE TRAINING
St. John’s Mercy Medical Center, Internship

University of Florida, Anesthesiology Residency

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS
Anesthesiology

Craig Barnette, DO
Watauga
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Craig Barnette, DO

Section Chief, Watauga Medical Center
. . . . . . . .

MEDICAL EDUCATION
Lincoln Memorial University Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine

POSTGRADUATE TRAINING
University of Kansas, Residency

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS
Anesthesiology

James Benonis, MD
Charlotte
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James Benonis, MD

Section Chief, Matthews Ambulatory Surgery Center
Chairman of the Recruitment Committee
. . . . . . . .
UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
Case Western Reserve University

MEDICAL EDUCATION
Temple University School of Medicine

POSTGRADUATE TRAINING
The Reading Hospital and Medical Center, Internship
—
Duke University Medical Center, Residency
—
Duke University Medical Center, Fellowship

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS
Anesthesiology

Willem Bok, MD, MBA
Charlotte
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Willem Bok, MD, MBA

Section Chief, Kimel Park Surgery Center

UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
University of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

MEDICAL EDUCATION
Duke University School of Medicine

POSTGRADUATE TRAINING
University of North Carolina At Chapel Hill, MBA
—
Deaconess Hospital, Internship
—
Duke University Medical Center, Residency

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS
Anesthesiology

Courtney Castoro, MD
Charlotte
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Courtney Castoro, MD

Subspecialty Chief, Cardiac Anesthesia
Personnel Committee
. . . . . . . .

UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
University of Arizona

MEDICAL EDUCATION
University of Arizona

POSTGRADUATE TRAINING
Tuscon Hospitals Medical Education Program, Internship
—
University of Arizona, Residency
—
Mayo Clinic, Fellowship

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS
Anesthesiology

Stephanie Chismar, MD
Charlotte
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Stephanie Chismar, MD

Medical Director Pre-Surgical Services
. . . . . . . .

UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
Pennsylvania State University

MEDICAL EDUCATION
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

POSTGRADUATE TRAINING
Medical University of South Carolina, Internship
—
Medical University of South Carolina, Residency

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS
Anesthesiology

Laura Gardner, MD
Charlotte
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Laura Gardner, MD

Section Chief, OB Novant Health Charlotte
—
Recruitment Committee
. . . . . . . .

UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
College of Charleston

MEDICAL EDUCATION
Medical University of South Carolina

POSTGRADUATE TRAINING
Medical University of South Carolina of Charleston, Internship
—
University of Chicago Medical Center, Residency
—
Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, Fellowship

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS
Anesthesiology

Christopher G. Gunn, MD
Charlotte
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Christopher G. Gunn, MD

Section Chief, Mallard Creek Ambulatory Surgery Center
. . . . . . . .

UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
Furman University

MEDICAL EDUCATION
University of Alabama School of Medicine

POSTGRADUATE TRAINING
Duke University Medical Center, Internship and Residency
—
Emory University Hospital, Cardiothoracic Anesthesia, Fellowship

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS
Anesthesiology
—
Transesophageal Echocardiography

Freeman R. Jackson, MD
Charlotte
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Freeman R. Jackson, MD

Personnel Committee
. . . . . . . .

North Carolina Delegate to the American Society of Anesthesiologists; Chair of the Political Action Committee

UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

MEDICAL EDUCATION
University of North Carolina School of Medicine

POSTGRADUATE TRAINING
University of North Carolina Medical Center, Internship and Residency

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS
Anesthesiology

Lauren Kokajko, MD
Charlotte
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Lauren Kokajko, MD

Co-Chair, Marketing Committee
—
Member, Clinical Practice Committee
. . . . . . . .

UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
Rhodes College

MEDICAL EDUCATION
University of Kentucky College of Medicine

POSTGRADUATE TRAINING
University of Maryland, Internship and Residency
—
Children’s National Health System George Washington University, Fellowship

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS
Anesthesiology
—
Pediatric Anesthesiology

Matthew S. Kozlowski, MD
Charlotte
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Matthew S. Kozlowski, MD

Chairman Compliance Committee
. . . . . . . .

UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
University of Florida

MEDICAL EDUCATION
George Washington University School of Medicine

POSTGRADUATE TRAINING
University of Florida, Internship and Residency
—
Texas Heart Institute at St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital, Fellowship

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS
Anesthesiology
—
Transesophageal Echocardiography

Ashley A. McDonell, MD
Charlotte
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Ashley A. McDonell, MD

Section Chief, Ballantyne Surgery Center, Ballantyne Hospital
—
Subspecialty Chief, Pediatric Anesthesia
. . . . . . . .

UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
University of North Carolina

MEDICAL EDUCATION
University of North Carolina

POSTGRADUATE TRAINING
Maine Medical Center, Internship and Residency
—
Seattle Children’s Hospital, Fellowship

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS
Anesthesiology

Jonathan N. McMullen, MD
PAA Mobile
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Jonathan N. McMullen, MD

Section Chief, PAA Mobile
. . . . . . . .

UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
Tulane University

MEDICAL EDUCATION
Tulane Medical School

POSTGRADUATE TRAINING
Hospital of St. Raphael, Internship
—
Yale New Haven Hospital, Residency

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS
Anesthesiology

Brian Thwaites MD
Pinehurst
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Brian Thwaites, MD

Section Chief, First Health Moore Regional Hospital
. . . . . . . .

UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
University of Kansas

MEDICAL EDUCATION
Northwestern University Medical Center

POSTGRADUATE TRAINING
Tripler Army Medical Center, Transitional Internship
Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Residency, Cardiothoracic Anesthesia Subspecialty training

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS
Anesthesiology

John Meyer, MD
Charlotte
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John Meyer, MD

Section Chief, Novant Health Charlotte Outpatient Surgery Center
—
Co-Chair, Marketing Committee
. . . . . . . .

UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

MEDICAL EDUCATION
University of North Carolina School of Medicine

POSTGRADUATE TRAINING
Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Internship and Residency
—
Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Fellowship

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS
Anesthesiology
—
Pediatric Anesthesiology

Warren G. Mills, MD
Iredell
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Warren G. Mills, MD

Section Chief, Iredell Memorial Hospital
. . . . . . . .

UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
Emory University

MEDICAL EDUCATION
Medical College of Georgia

POSTGRADUATE TRAINING
Carolinas Medical Center, Anesthesiology, Internal Medicine
—
University of Florida, Residency, Anesthesiology

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS
Internal Medicine
—
Anesthesiology

Josef N. Mueksch, MD
Brunswick
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Josef N. Mueksch, MD

Division Chief, Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center
. . . . . . . .

UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
Villanova University

MEDICAL EDUCATION
MCP Hahnemann School of Medicine

POSTGRADUATE TRAINING
Cooper University Hospital, Internship
—
Drexel University College of Medicine, Residency

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS
Anesthesiology

Ilya Rubin, MD
Charlotte
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Ilya Rubin, MD

Section Chief at Ballantyne Surgery Center
. . . . . . . .
Personnel Committee, Alternate
. . . . . . . .

MEDICAL EDUCATION
Belarussian Medical University

POSTGRADUATE TRAINING
University of Minnesota Hospitals and Clinics, Internship and Residency
—
University of Minnesota Hospitals and Clinics, Fellowship

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS
Anesthesiology

Karen V. Slocum, MD, MPH
Charlotte
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Karen V. Slocum, MD, MPH

President of the North Carolina Society of Anesthesiologists

UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
Boston College

MEDICAL EDUCATION
University of North Carolina School of Medicine

POSTGRADUATE TRAINING
George Washington University, Internship and Residency
—
Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Fellowship
—
College

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS
Anesthesiology

Brendan Tribble, MD
Charlotte
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Brendan Tribble, MD

Section Chief, Edgewater Ambulatory Surgery Center
. . . . . . . .

UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
University of California, Santa Barbara

MEDICAL EDUCATION
Northwestern University

POSTGRADUATE TRAINING
Naval Medical Center, Internship and Residency

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS
Anesthesiology

Matthew Wang, MD
Charlotte
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Matthew Wang, MD

Section Chief, South Park Surgery Center
. . . . . . . .

UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
University of Illinois at Chicago

MEDICAL EDUCATION
University of Illinois

POSTGRADUATE TRAINING
University of Chicago, Weiss Hospital, Internship
—
New York University Medical Center, Residency
—
Harvard University, Boston Children’s Hospital, Fellowship

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS
Pediatric Anesthesiology

Farrukh Sair, MD
Charlotte
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Farrukh Sair, MD

Personnel Committee
. . . . . . . .

UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
Duke University

MEDICAL EDUCATION
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine

POSTGRADUATE TRAINING
Frankford Hospital, Transitional Internship
—
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Anesthesiology Residency
—
Duke University Medical Center, Pain Medicine Fellowship

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS
Anesthesiology
—
Pain Medicine

Scott V. McCulloch, MD
Triangle
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Scott V. McCulloch, MD

Section Chief, Triangle
. . . . . . . .

UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
University of North Carolina, Charlotte

MEDICAL EDUCATION
University of North Carolina School of Medicine

POSTGRADUATE TRAINING
University of North Carolina Hospitals, Internship and Residency

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS
Anesthesiology

Eric Barua, MD
Charlotte
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Eric Barua, MD

Co-Section Chief, PAA Mobile
. . . . . . . .

UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
University of Chicago, Columbia University

MEDICAL EDUCATION
Jefferson Medical College

POSTGRADUATE TRAINING
Mercy Hospital of Pittsburgh, Internship
The Ohio State University Medical Center, Residency

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS
Anesthesiology

Stephen V. Mendoza, MD
Charlotte
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Stephen V. Mendoza, MD

Chair, Personnel Committee
. . . . . . . .

UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
Texas A&M University

MEDICAL EDUCATION
University of Texas Health Science Center

POSTGRADUATE TRAINING
Brooke Army Medical Center, Internship
—
Brooke Army Medical Center, Residency

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS
Anesthesiology