Dr. Natalia Ivascu Girardi has been named the inaugural recipient of the Stephen J. (Butch) Thomas, M.D. Professorship of Anesthesiology. Dr. Girardi, a professor of clinical anesthesiology and professor of medical ethics in clinical medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine, is the executive vice chair for clinical affairs in the Department of Anesthesiology and medical director for the cardiothoracic intensive care unit (CTICU).
The appointment by the Board of Fellows recognizes Dr. Girardi’s leadership across the institution. In addition to her major contribution to critical care at the departmental, institutional and national levels, Dr. Girardi has overseen a significant expansion in the scope and size of clinical services provided by the Department of Anesthesiology across its many sites.
“Recognition of Dr. Girardi with the inaugural Thomas professorship is especially significant in honoring two of the department’s outstanding clinical leaders," said Dr. Hugh Hemmings, the senior associate dean for research at Weill Cornell Medicine and Joseph F. Artusio, Jr. Professor and Chair of the Department of Anesthesiology. "Dr. Girardi and Dr. Thomas have worked together closely from the time Dr. Girardi joined our division of cardiothoracic anesthesiology, directed by Dr. Thomas, to her appointment to fill his former role as vice chair of clinical affairs in the department. This new professorship, supported by so many donors, recognizes both Dr. Thomas’ immense contributions to the department and institution, and Dr. Girardi’s ongoing leadership in the same role.”
As medical director for the CTICU, Dr. Girardi has overseen a major expansion of the Department of Anesthesiology’s clinical mission, more than doubling the CTICU team and increasing coverage hours and its presence across the Weill Cornell Medicine sphere. In 2020, she was instrumental in developing an institutional response to the surge of critical care needs that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. Beyond critical care, Dr. Girardi has initiated, launched and served in leadership roles for numerous clinical programs including ECMO, liver transplant anesthesiology, the pre-anesthesia evaluation center and the PACU. A dedicated mentor, she continues to champion the career development of many junior faculty in these areas.
Dr. Girardi earned her medical degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, Michigan. She completed her residency training in anesthesiology and fellowship in cardiovascular anesthesiology at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center followed by a year at the Columbia University campus of NewYork-Presbyterian as a fellow in critical care medicine. She served as associate editor for two books and is the author of numerous chapters and peer-reviewed manuscripts. Dr. Girardi serves the American Board of Anesthesiology as a question editor for the written exam and senior examiner for the oral exam. She is board certified in anesthesiology and critical care medicine and a diplomate of the American Board of Echocardiography.
The Stephen J. (Butch) Thomas, M.D. Professorship of Anesthesiology
The Stephen J. (Butch) Thomas, M.D. Professorship of Anesthesiology was established in 2024 to honor Dr. Stephen J. Thomas for his professional achievements, his service to the greater anesthesiology community and for his lasting influence on the department in setting the highest standards for clinical excellence and education.
Known to many as Butch, Dr. Thomas retired in 2020 following a distinguished career as a cardiac anesthesiologist. His journey included more than three decades at Weill Cornell Medicine where he last served as executive vice chair of anesthesiology in the Department of Anesthesiology, as an active member of the Physician Organization Operating Board and as associate dean of compliance for Weill Cornell Medical College. Now a professor emeritus, Dr. Thomas was also the inaugural recipient of the Marjorie J. Topkins, M.D.—Alan Van Poznak, M.D. Endowed Chair in the Department of Anesthesiology.
Read more about Dr. Butch Thomas
Support for the professorship bearing Dr. Thomas' name includes generous contributions from more than 50 donors.
“Dr. Thomas and the Department of Anesthesiology have supported me through every stage of my career from residency to executive leadership,” said Dr. Girardi. “It is an honor to hold a title with the name of one of my most important mentors.”
Related information
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