Cathleen Peterson-Layne, MD, PhD, the Department of Anesthesiology’s first official division chief of obstetric anesthesiology, will leave UNMC in June 2019 after accepting a new role at Emory University in Atlanta as their first-ever vice chair of education.
"It’s been incredible for me to learn from and work with extraordinary people who are engaged and eager to improve systems," Dr. Peterson-Layne said. "The education I gained and leadership I experienced at UNMC are the reasons I have this opportunity to go to another level. It would not have happened without Nebraska."
Dr. Peterson-Layne joined the department in December 2016. Since then, she helped to establish interdepartmental relationships, processes and procedures that enhance maternal care at UNMC by utilizing skillsets of anesthesiologists. Additionally, proud division achievements in her time here include:
- Engaging and encouraging faculty and learners to practice teamwork and think critically about each patient and procedure
- Implementation of multimodal analgesia regimen for cesarean deliveries
- Development of educational manuals and practice tip sheets
- Establishing a team workroom equipped with clinical and educational tools
- Leadership at Bellevue Medical Center and the Fetal Care Center at Children’s Hospital and Medical Center
"Dr. Peterson-Layne has been instrumental in the implementation and creation of protocols as well as stressing the importance of systematic risk stratification of OB patients," said CA2 Resident Nathan Schneider, MD. "Her focus on a team culture helped unite our department with the OB teams and ICU."
While Dr. Peterson-Layne will miss the great people of UNMC and Nebraska, she looks forward to another opportunity to envision the future of a program that includes collaborative relationships and faculty development to advance education, patient care and academic achievements.
"Dr. Peterson-Layne made many major contributions to our department in a short period of time, which included establishing the foundation of our obstetric anesthesiology division and fellowship," said Steven J. Lisco, M.D., department chair. "She will be missed, and we wish her success as she transitions into her new role."