Caring for children, training anesthesiologists and preparing practitioners of pediatric anesthesiology has been the role of this Division for over 50 years.
Our pediatric anesthesiologists care for children of all ages who have a wide range of medical conditions – from fragile newborns and babies with surgical emergencies to children with birth defects and life-threatening diseases.
Family members have the opportunity to meet with their child’s anesthesiologist before surgery, when he or she will explain the process of anesthesia and answer questions. Parents or guardians also can be present when anesthesia is given and when the child wakes after surgery.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
Our Anesthesiologists practice in 15 new, state-of-the-art operating rooms in the Main O.R. and 4 new operating rooms in our Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC). Each room is outfitted with the most advanced anesthesia equipment available.
Patient documentation is performed through a fully automated, online computerized system. The preoperative and intraoperative records are integrated. The practice is further supported by annual Division retreats for leadership training, planning and problem resolution.
Under the early leadership of Dr. Digby Leigh, the Division established itself as a prominent training center for many of the pediatric anesthesiologists in the Western United States and Pacific Rim. This mission has been successfully fostered by the successive Directors of Anesthesiology and remains its focus today. Learn More
DEPARTMENT RESEARCH
The Department has contributed significantly to anesthesia literature over the past several decades, furthering the understanding and growth of this specialty. Learn More
The Division of Anesthesiology at Children's Hospital Los Angeles trains approximately 120 Residents annually from throughout Southern California, as well as Student Registered Nurse Anesthetist (SRNA) trainees. The Fellowship Program attracts applicants from across the United States and internationally. A comprehensive educational curriculum compliments the various clinical rotations.
ANESTHESIOLOGY EDUCATION
In addition to providing leadership in training pediatric anesthesiologists, the Division has also taken a leading role in providing education to anesthesia practitioners across the United States.