Ep 45: The Anesthesiology Fellowship Experience (Churao Yang, Krissie Urmson, Monica San Vicente, Ashley Meister)

Recorded on October 28, 2024.

Join us this week where Drs. Churao Yang, Krissie Urmson, Monica San Vicente, and Ashley Meister, all fellowship-trained anesthesiologists working with the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, discuss their individual fellowship experiences.

Dr. Churao Yang grew up in Saskatoon and did all his medical and residency training at the UofS. Following residency he completed a regional anesthesia fellowship in London, Ontario. His practice profile is that of a generalist with an emphasis on regional anesthesia. When he's not at work, he's spending time with his wife and 2 boys, ages 2 and 4, who keep him very entertained.

Dr. Krissie Urmson is a U of S medical school graduate and completed residency at U of S as well. She completed her fellowship in pediatric anesthesia at the University of Calgary, specifically at the Alberta Children’s Hospital. She then returned to the University of Saskatchewan Department of Anesthesia to work, with a year at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto the year her husband did his ortho trauma fellowship. She was the Division Lead for Pediatric Anesthesia for 13 years until 2023. Currently she is solely working in Pediatric Anesthesia in Saskatoon and based out of the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital of Saskatchewan. She is also the proud mom of 4 kids and spends all her non-working waking hours shuttling them to hockey and other sports.

Dr. Monica San Vicente completed medical school and anesthesia residency at the University of Saskatchewan. She then completed a fellowship in Obstetrical Anesthesia through Harvard at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, MA. She returned to the Department of Anesthesia at the University of Saskatchewan where she works in both obstetrics and general anesthesia. She was the Director of Obstetrical Anesthesia for a few years but realized she's not destined to be an administrator! In her spare time she enjoys travelling with her husband and daughters.

Originally from the province, Dr. Ashley Meister graduated from Medical School at the University of Saskatchewan. She went on to complete family medicine residency in Victoria, British Columbia, and subsequently Anesthesia Residency as well as a fellowship in Regional Anesthesia at the University of Ottawa. She has been practicing a wide scope of clinical anesthesia at the University of Saskatchewan since 2011 and is happy to be working with many wonderful colleagues. Ashley enjoys the journey of lifelong learning and insightful reflection on the practice of anesthesia, as well as working and modelling this with learners. Outside of medicine, Dr Meister obtains joy from her family including 3 beautiful and busy children.

Please note that while this podcast is run by healthcare professionals, it is intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing beats care that is individualized to your own unique medical needs, so if you have any questions about content covered in this podcast that relates to your own health, please speak with your doctor today.

Additionally, the views expressed on this show are our own and do not necessarily represent those of the USask Department of Anesthesiology.