LSU Health Shreveport is pleased to announce Wendy K. Bernstein, MD, MBA, as the new Chair of the Department of Anesthesiology. Dr. Bernstein comes to Shreveport from the Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, where she was a Clinical Professor of Anesthesiology, Vice Chair of Academic Affairs, and Director of Faculty Development.

In addition to being a dedicated educator and seasoned clinician, Dr. Bernstein brings extensive leadership and team building experience. Highlights of her distinguished career in academic medicine include serving as a Professor and Vice Chair of Education at the University of Rochester, where she developed new training opportunities for residents and fellows, including the creation of a new Acute Pain Fellowship and a rural residency tract for the anesthesiology residency program. She also served as the Division Chief for Cardiac Anesthesia and Program Director for the Cardiac Anesthesia Fellowship Program at the University of Maryland for 18 years, where she played a pivotal role in expanding the cardiac service line and increased the fellowship program from 2 to 3 fellows. Dr. Bernstein demonstrated her expertise in multidisciplinary simulation and team training, for which she is nationally recognized, at the University of Maryland through the creation of simulation program. She is a Fellow of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (FASA) and a Fellow of the American Medical Women's Association (FAMWA).

She has made numerous contributions to anesthesiology, reflected by the publication of more than 60 peer-reviewed articles, 19 book chapters, and 54 invited presentations at national and international conferences. Dr. Bernstein has also served in leadership roles for national organizations, including two terms on the Board of Directors for American Medical Women’s Association, an American Board of Anesthesiology examiner for the APPLIED Exam, and several terms on the Editorial Board for the American Society of Anesthesiologists Computer Based Education Program. Dr. Bernstein has also been recognized throughout her career for her advocacy for equity, inclusion with a steadfast commitment to mentoring women and underrepresented minorities.