January 19 - 23, 2026
During CRNA Week, January 19 to 23, 2026, the UPMC Hamot School of Anesthesia brought education, advocacy, and community engagement together for an unforgettable celebration. What began as an annual tradition for faculty, students, and staff became something even more impactful this year, as Director Dr. Rachel Wolfe invited state and local leaders into the simulation lab for a firsthand look at the vital role Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists play in patient care.
Pennsylvania State Representative Patrick Harkins, Mary Wassell, Media and Public Relations Coordinator for the City of Erie, and Chris Groner, Director of Administration for Erie County, took an active role inside the School’s simulation lab, going far beyond observation. Under the guidance of Dr. Wolfe and current RRNAs, they stepped into the role of students, attempting IV placement, arterial line placement, and fiberoptic intubations. From pediatric intubation simulations to the challenge of securing an airway, the experience offered a firsthand look at the precision, expertise, and composure required of CRNAs every day.
Students from the Classes of 2026, 2027, and 2028 led the demonstrations with professionalism and enthusiasm. Jake Martinez, Andrew Skuta, Vanessa Stenulis, Samantha Douglas, Josh Miller, Stephanie Wong, Cathryne Chao, Eric Clark, Alyssa Hahn, Cohen Wildeson, and Calvin Gilbert provided instruction while showcasing the depth of training and clinical readiness developed within the program. Their leadership highlighted not only technical skill, but also teamwork, critical thinking, and the ability to educate others about anesthesia practice.
By welcoming elected officials and community leaders into this environment, Dr. Wolfe advanced two important goals: educating the public about the essential role CRNAs play in hospital and surgical settings, and elevating the visibility of the UPMC Hamot School of Anesthesia across the region. The result was more than a celebration. It was a meaningful step toward stronger community awareness, advocacy, and support for the future of nurse anesthesia.
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