Anna Richards

Responsible undergraduate student at the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities, pursuing admission to a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant program. Recognized for dependability, a strong work ethic, eagerness to learn, effective teamwork, a friendly demeanor, adaptability, and excellent communication skills.

• Pending journal article submission to the Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation: 'Difficult Mask Ventilation and Airway Obstruction Due to ARC Medical CircuitGuard Filter – A Case Report,' co-authored with Dr. Jason Johnson, MD.
• Dean's List at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities: Fall semester 2022, 2023, and 2024; Spring semester 2023 and 2024.
• 40+ Hours of Volunteering at Ronald McDonald House – Oak Street
• Honor Roll/4.0 student throughout high school
• National Honors Society, 2021-22
• Phi Theta Kappa-Lake Superior College 2021-22

• CNA - Certified Nurse Assistant
• CPR - Basic Life Support

Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA- 06/11/2024- 8 hours

Shadowed Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant Anna Meeks, observing her daily responsibilities including setting up the operating room, reviewing patient charts, developing anesthesia plans, greeting and preparing patients, and administering anesthetics. Observed vital sign monitoring during multiple surgeries, including a metacarpal repair and three neurospinal procedures. Also followed Anna as she transferred patients to the PACU and checked on their recovery post-operation.

Anesthesiologist- 12/27/2024- 01/05/2025- 24 hours

Shadowed Anesthesiologist Andrea Benson, MD, observing her responsibilities across the operating room (OR), post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), Day Surgery Center, and Endoscopy unit. Observed patient induction under general anesthesia and sedation, monitored CRNAs during procedures, and participated in post-operative follow-ups in the PACU. Additionally, observed an EEG procedure.

CAA Student- 01/09/25- 8 hours

Shadowed CAA student Carolyn Mathews, observing her role in a cadaver organ donor surgery. Watched her set up the OR in the morning, discuss cases with her preceptor, and answer questions about the program. Also observed one of her colleagues in the program setting up for a spinal fusion, both before and after the patient arrived.

Anesthesiologist- 01/20/2025- 4 hours

Shadowed anesthesiologist Andrew Hollatz, MD, observing his role in monitoring the ambulatory surgery center and interacting with patients before and after surgeries. Also observed a colonoscopy and cataract surgery. Additionally, I watched a CRNA perform a nasal intubation on a child for a dental case.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)- 1/20/2025- 4 hours

Shadowed CRNA Timothy Trachsel, observing his role in multiple surgeries, including a bowel resection and a hernia repair. He provided detailed explanations of each procedure and the anesthesia medications administered.

Cardiothoracic Surgeon- 06/10/2024- 8 hours

Shadowed Cardiothoracic Surgeon Howard Marks Jr., MD, observing an emergency coronary artery bypass graft in the operating room and two valve replacement procedures in the cardiac catheterization lab.

OB/GYN- 06/12/2024- 8 hours

Shadowed OB/GYN Ash Patel, MD, observing morning patient reviews alongside another attending physician. Observed a cesarean section performed by Dr. Patel and a resident. Participated in patient rounds, listening to case discussions, updates, and concerns presented by Dr. Patel and his resident.

OB/GYN- 06/13/2024- 8 hours

Shadowed OB/GYN Kaitlin Warta, MD, observing two complete hysterectomies performed via robotic laparoscopic surgery. Attended pre- and post-operative patient visits and had the opportunity to scrub in, observing the procedures both up close and through the laparoscopic video feed.