Academic Background

M.D., University of Medicine & Pharmacy, Carol Davila, 2000

Postdoctoral Training

University of Pittsburgh, Residency in Anesthesiology, 2006-2009

The driving force behind my decision to pursue a career in anesthesiology is the discipline's perfect integration of my basic science and clinical knowledge.  Further, I like the hands-on nature of the work and I enjoy the daily challenge of dealing with complex and life-threatening situations.

My interest in anesthesiology emerged in the first years of medical school in Romania.  At that time I avidly tried to understand the complex nature of anesthetic actions on the central nervous system and how various factors influence the onset and termination of anesthesia.  Later on, while exposed to the intensive care and operating room environments, anesthesiologists’ vast knowledge, in-depth understanding of complex medical condition, impressive skills, and the ability to respond promptly to emergent situations fascinated me.  By the end of my medical school training I had no doubts that I wanted to become an anesthesiologist.

It was my interest in pharmacology research that brought me to the United States.  I have very much enjoyed being exposed to the process of scientific investigation while doing a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Maryland.  Soon after, I started my anesthesiology residency training at the University of Pittsburgh and step-by-step I did my best to become an anesthesiologist like the ones I once admired.

I enjoy teaching and sharing my experience with others, and after the completion of my residency I decided to pursue an academic career.  I joined the anesthesiology department at UMass because of my desire to work in a setting where outstanding patient care and excellent medical education are combined.