While nurse anesthesia alumni like Michael J. Kremer, Margaret Faut-Callahan, Judith Wiley and Joseph Iacopelli became leaders in Rush’s own nurse anesthesia program, many alumni have gone on to become expert practitioners, teachers and leaders of other top programs.
The following are just some of the Rush alumni who are leading the field of nursing anesthesia nationwide. If you don’t appear in this listing and are a nurse anesthesia graduate with an update to share, contact us at (312) 942-2569 or alumni@rush.edu.
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Michele E. Gold , CRNA, PhD
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"With fond memories, I remember many cases, clinical instructors, classes and a wonderful camaraderie of anesthesia professionals, who continue to practice and impact this profession today. The strength of my Rush education has been instrumental in my ability to educate, inspire and lead the future of anesthesia."
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Lou Heindel , CRNA, DNP Assistant Professor & Director, Nurse Anesthesia Program, University of Maryland School of Nursing Master of Science, 1994 Doctor of Nursing Practice, 1995 |
“Dr. Margaret Faut-Callahan led by example and motivated her students to give their all; to push themselves to the next level. Modeling her standards and academic leadership was the foundation of my preparation for success in my current role, where I am continuing the Rush legacy of educating quality nurse anesthesia providers whose contributions positively impact our health system.”
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Paul Henderson , CRNA, MSHSA |
"My experience at Rush prepared me for just about anything I would encounter in my 30 years of practice. I take pride when asked where I went to school and reply "Rush". I see the admiration in their eyes. It is a highly respected program, and I have never regretted my experience at Rush."
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Linda Hill , CRNA, DNSc |
"Soon after I began my practice, I realized how well prepared I was by my Rush education. When I had the opportunity to lead a Nurse Anesthesia Program, I modeled my program on the high standards and commitment to excellence that I remembered from Rush."
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Joseph Iacopeli, CRNA, MSN Clinical Course Director, Nurse Anesthesia Program, Rush University College of Nursing Master of Nursing Science, 2001 |
"I have always considered my educational experience at Rush to be exceptionally unique, and it has meant so much to me personally and professionally. I consider it to be my greatest challenge as well as my greatest accomplishment. My Rush education has been the vehicle to transform me into the professional anesthetist I wanted to become."
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Lynn L. Lebeck, CRNA, PhD Clinical Assistant Professor & Program Director, University of Michigan-Flint/ Hurley Medical Center Master of Science in Anesthesia Program Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing, 2003 |
"My Rush education prepared me to move into the educational arena of Nurse Anesthesia. It gave me the tools to shape a program with high expectations that prepares RNs to become CRNAs - able to deliver high quality, cost effective, anesthesia care to patients who span the continuums of age and condition."
Lenore Litwin , CRNA, MSN
Chair, Nursing Anesthesia Program,
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
Master of Nursing Science, 2003
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Nancy A. Moriber, CRNA, PhD, APRN Program Director, Nurse Anesthesia Program, Fairfield University & Bridgeport Hospital Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing, 2009 |
"Rush University gave me the opportunity to delve deep inside myself and discover my true potential. For many nurse anesthetists, the nursing component gets lost somewhere between entering the training program and entering clinical practice. I no longer possess the narrow focus I had before beginning my studies at Rush. I have expanded my horizons and now teach courses outside of the anesthesia program, am involved in research endeavors in other nursing specialties and have been involved with the curriculum development for the Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Fairfield University."
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Joseph E Pellegrini, CRNA, PhD Associate Professor, Assistant Director & Director of Research, Nurse Anesthesia Program, University of Maryland Master of Science, 1995 Doctor of Nursing Practice, 1996 Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing, 1998 |
"My experience was unique in that it gave me the opportunity to be taught and mentored by some of the best nurse practitioners in the country, foremost among these include Dr. Margaret Faut-Callahan and Dr Judy Paice. Their continued support throughout my extensive educational process gave me the motivations to not only complete the programs of study but to excel far beyond my own expectations."
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Michael Rieker, CRNA, DNP Director, Nurse Anesthesia Program, Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center Master of Science, 1994 Doctor of Nursing Practice, 2003 |
"My clinical doctorate from Rush has opened many doors for me; many more than I ever anticipated upon enrolling in the program. I have found success as a leader in education and in business settings, and I attribute those successes directly to my experience at Rush."
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Judith Wiley, CRNA, DNP Associate Director, Nurse Anesthesia Program, Rush University College of Nursing Master of Science, 1992 Doctor of Nursing Practice, 1999 |
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Kathleen Wren, CRNA, PhD Program Administrator, Nurse Anesthesia Program, Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences in Orlando Master of Science, 1984 |
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Stephen J. Yermal, CRNA, PhD Assistant Professor & Director, Nurse Anesthesia Program, Oregon Health & Science University School of Nursing Master of Science, 1988 |
