Making a Greater Impact
in the World
At Great Lakes Anesthesiology, our contributions extend far beyond the operating room. From supporting local causes to forming strong academic partnerships, our company and anesthesiologists are devoted to advancing the science of anesthesia and enhancing the communities where we live, work, and play.
Community engagement and outreach.
Great Lakes proudly supports numerous charitable organizations, initiatives, and events in our local communities.
Ronald McDonald House Charities of WNY
Since opening its doors in 1983, the Buffalo Ronald McDonald House has welcomed more than 21,400 families from New York, surrounding states, and outside the USA providing them with safe, comfortable lodging while their child has been hospitalized in Buffalo.
Alex Rice Peace Park Foundation
The Alix Rice Skate Park honors the legacy of Alexandria “Alix” Rice, who lost her life due to a drunk driver on July 8, 2011, by providing a safe, centrally located skate park in Amherst, NY.
AutismUp
A non-profit organization based in Rochester, NY, that supports individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder through a variety of programs, workshops, services, events, and services. Learn more
Bryce Buchholz Memorial Skate Park
A BMX bike and skate park in Lancaster, NY, to honor the memory of Bryce Buchholz, whose life was tragically cut short by a drunk driver on May 3, 2012.
Festival of Trees
An annual holiday tradition in Buffalo, NY, to support the patients and caregivers at Oishei Children’s Hospital.
IN THE NEWS
Dr. Jad Dughayli receives Kenmore Mercy Hospital’s 2024 Doctor of Distinction Award
GLA’s Dr. Jad Dughayli was honored as Kenmore Mercy Hospital’s 2024 Doctor of Distinction at their Associate Summer Picnic on Tuesday, July 16th. Dr. Dughayli received several nominations for his outstanding clinical skills and commitment to the hospital’s mission, vision, and values. Nominations for this award come from within the entire hospital community (doctors, nurses, technologists, aides, volunteers, patients, and families of patients). We congratulate Dr. Dughayli on this well-deserved recognition of his commitment to providing outstanding anesthesia care in our community.
GLA CRNA Volunteers with Guatemala’s Underserved
In 1994 the former National Hospital in Antigua, Guatemala was made operational through the partnership of Faith in Practice (FIP). The goal was to provide medical and surgical services to the underserved population. Since then, FIP has expanded its services to many areas throughout Guatemala with nearly 42 mission trips yearly. These trips provide ENT, Gynecology, General Surgery, Orthopedics, Plastic Surgery, and Urology services to these deserving communities.
Dedicated volunteers are recruited from across the United States with multiple healthcare focus areas. Additionally, FIP partners with local Guatemalans to work with patients and staff. All of these hardworking individuals, volunteers, and local people alike take time away from family, home, and or work to donate their time and talents to serve the Guatemalan people.
Lori Baker, CRNA of GLA, initially worked with FIP as a recovery room nurse in 1995. This work was the inspiration for her pursuit of anesthesia. As a 2004 graduate of the University at Buffalo nurse anesthesia program, she has reconnected with FIP and has participated in multiple trips since 2022. Lori states, “The many experiences have deepened my commitment to providing much-needed anesthesia care to those with limited access to healthcare services.”
You can participate in a trip and not only have a positive impact on others but on your life as well. Faith in Practice https://www.faithinpractice.org/
“We make a living by what we get but we make a life by what we give”
–Winston Churchill
Dr. Nav Virk receives Buffalo Business First’s Excellence in Healthcare award
Congratulations to GLA President and CEO, Dr. Nav Virk on receiving Buffalo Business First’s Excellence in Healthcare award! Dr. Virk’s dedication and expertise continue to drive Great Lakes Anesthesiology towards new heights of success, making significant impacts in patient care and organizational excellence.
GLA CRNA Volunteers in UN Refugee Camp
GLA’s Sandy Huang volunteered this spring through The Holistic Integrated Services (HIS) Foundation’s Orthopaedic Surgery Medical Mission based in Kurdistan and Northern Iraq to provide medical services to indigenous patients at UN refugee camps, primarily Yazidis.
Huang joined the HIS Foundation medical mission after graduating from the nurse anesthesia program in 2003. She feels “it’s rewarding to serve the people in need.”
GLA Holiday Party at The Mansion on Delaware Ave.
Festival of Trees
At the December 2 Festival of Trees, we immersed ourselves in the warmth of holidays past as we looked back at what the season of giving truly means. The celebration raised $1,900,000 in support of young cancer and blood disorder patients in our region who receive revolutionary care on the 12th floor at Oishei Children’s Hospital.
Ronald McDonald House Charities of WNY
The Great Lakes Anesthesiology administrative team volunteered at Ronald McDonald House Charities of WNY on November 1 and 7 preparing meals at The Buffalo House as part of their Meal Makers program. Each year, more than 500 individuals stay at The Buffalo House located at 780 West Ferry Street in downtown Buffalo just minutes away from Oishei Children’s Hospital, Sisters Hospital and Roswell Park Cancer Institute.
The Buffalo House is built on the simple idea that nothing else should matter when a family is focused on the health of their child – not where they can afford to stay, where they will get their next meal or where they will lay their head at night to rest. They believe that when a child is hospitalized the love and support of family is as powerful as the strongest medicine prescribed.
On December 8, 2023, Ronald McDonald House Charities of WNY will celebrate its 40th Anniversary. Since opening its doors in 1983, the Buffalo Ronald McDonald House has welcomed more than 21,400 families from New York, surrounding states, and outside the USA providing them with safe, comfortable lodging while their child has been hospitalized in Buffalo.
Buffalo Business First C-Level Awards & Hall of Fame Ceremony at The Powerhouse
Congratulations to our own Andréa Cavagnero Watkins on her 2023 Buffalo Business First C-Level Executive Award!
SRNA/CRNA Summer Social 2023, VUE Rooftop at Curtiss Hotel
Platinum Sponsorship of OGH Foundation Golf Tournament
Showcase Exhibitor at Amherst Chamber of Commerce Small Business Awards Celebration
GLA Showcase Table. From left: Dragana Draca, HR Manager and Dayle Cotter, Chief of Staff
A.J. Baynes, President & CEO, ACC and Dayle Cotter, Chief of Staff, GLA
Success stories
Great Lakes has implemented exclusive anesthesia partnerships for a wide range of healthcare facilities, including urban hospitals, rural hospitals, and ambulatory surgery centers. We approach each new partnership with an open mindset to overcome unique hurdles, ensure a smooth transition, and set the engagement up for long-term success.
Have a question?
To learn more about what Great Lakes has to offer, fill out the short form below or call our administrative office at 716.323.6570. We look forward to talking with you.