David W. Barbara, M.D.
Department of Anesthesiology
Mayo Clinic
Rochester, MN

Abstract: Nuclear engineering and anesthesiology have many similarities, with the largest being their commitment to advancing safety and human wellbeing with innovative science, research, and technology.  Anesthesiology involves both managing the perioperative care of patients undergoing a variety of procedures and providing complex care to non-surgical patients in areas such as pain medicine and the intensive care unit.  Modern medicine has many recent advances from engineering innovation, with one example being mechanical circulatory support devices to treat severe heart failure.  Anesthesiologists have the privilege of being involved with many of these innovations and caring for the patients benefiting from them.  Their unique understanding of human physiology, disease, pharmacology, and the ability to function as both members and leaders of healthcare teams make them invaluable in modern medicine.

This seminar will convey an overview of anesthesiologists’ commitment to patient safety and scope of practice.  Specific examples of how an engineering background fits seamlessly with a career in medicine and, in particular, providing bedside patient care as an anesthesiologist will be highlighted.  Unique patient challenges will be presented illustrating the benefit of a solid engineering foundation of knowledge in conjunction with applying the science and art of medicine to help serve patients.  The transition from engineering to medicine and anesthesiology will be discussed.  Finally, the lifelong value of a Purdue Nuclear Engineering background will be emphasized.

Biography: Dr. David Barbara graduated with highest distinction from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering and Minor in Spanish.  He earned a Doctor of Medicine degree from Mayo Medical School.  He then completed a Transitional internship at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation in LaCrosse, WI followed by Anesthesiology residency, Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology fellowship, and Critical Care Medicine fellowship at Mayo Clinic.  Dr. Barbara’s board certifications include Anesthesiology, Critical Care Medicine, and Advanced Perioperative Transesophageal Echocardiography.  He is an Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology, a cardiac anesthesiologist, and an intensivist at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.  His clinical practice is divided between the cardiac surgery operating rooms and cardiac surgery intensive care units.  With over 40 peer-reviewed publications, nearly 100 didactic lectures, and several book chapters, his research and teaching interests include left ventricular assist devices, echocardiography, and perioperative outcomes.  Both nationally and internationally he has spoken on a variety of topics in perioperative medicine.  Dr. Barbara serves on the editorial board of the Mayo Clinic Proceedings and is actively involved with several national organizations including the American Society of Anesthesiologists and the American Board of Anesthesiology.  When not working, he enjoys spending time with his wife, daughter, and birddogs.