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

SRNA/CRNA Summer Social

The 3rd Annual SRNA/CRNA Summer Social held September 5, 2024 at Big Ditch Brewing Company.

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.

Dr. Jad Dughayli receives Kenmore Mercy Hospital’s 2024 Doctor of Distinction Award

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

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.

Stephen Turkovich, VP & Chief Medical Officer, Oishei Children’s Hospital

“Oishei Children’s Hospital is proud to partner with the specially trained pediatric and OB anesthesiologists at Great Lakes Anesthesia to ensure the absolute highest quality and safest care for all our patients.”

Stephen Turkovich, President, Oishei Children’s Hospital

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.

Jerrold Lerman, BASc, MD, FRCPC, FANZCA

Jerrold Lerman, BASc, MD, FRCPC, FANZCA

Vice President|Site Director, Buffalo Ambulatory Surgery Center (BASC)|Co-Site Director, Warren General Hospital

Dr. Jerrold Lerman is Vice President of the board of directors at Great Lakes Anesthesiology. He is also the Site Director, Buffalo Ambulatory Surgery Center (BASC) and Co-Site Director, Warren General Hospital.

Dr. Lerman has over 40 years of clinical experience and is board certified in the United States and Canada. He earned a B.S. in chemical engineering from the University of Waterloo before attending medical school at the University at Toronto in Ontario, Canada. He completed his internship at Toronto General Hospital and residency at the University at Toronto.

His areas of interest include pediatric Anesthesia and research. He serves as the Clinical Professor of Anesthesiology at Jacob's School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in Buffalo, NY. Dr. Lerman is affiliated with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and is a Fellow of the Australia and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA). He is also a member of the American Society of Anesthesiologists; Society of Pediatric Anesthesia; AUA; New York State Society of Anesthesiologists; APA; FEAPA;

Dr. Lerman has been a member of Great Lakes Anesthesiology since 2002 and views the company as "a wonderful family that supports each other both at work and outside of work."

Navyugjit S. Virk, MD

Navyugjit S. Virk, MD

President, Operating Room Coordinator, Oishei Children’s Hospital, Buffalo NY & Co-Site Director, Warren General Hospital

Dr. Virk is the President and CEO of Great Lakes Anesthesiology, as well as the OR Coordinator at Oishei Children’s Hospital, and Co-Site Director at Warren General Hospital in Warren, PA. He is certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology and specializes in obstetric anesthesia and pediatric anesthesia, in which he is Fellowship trained.

After completing his undergraduate studies at SUNY University at Buffalo, Dr. Virk graduated from medical school at the University of Silesia in Poland. He returned to Western New York for his residency in anesthesia at SUNY University at Buffalo. Dr. Virk joined Great Lakes in 2014.

Dr. Virk maintains an academic affiliation with SUNY University at Buffalo. He is a member of the American Society of Anesthesiologists, Society of Pediatric Anesthesia, and the New York State Society of Anesthesiologists. He is passionate about community advocacy and advancing the patient-centric care model.

M. Karim Kechli, MD

M. Karim Kechli, MD

Clinical Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology, SUNY at Buffalo

Dr. Kechli is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology at SUNY at Buffalo and is a shareholder of Great Lakes Anesthesiology.

Prior to joining Great Lakes Anesthesiology in 2018, Dr. Kechli attended medical school and completed his residency at the American University of Beirut in Lebanon. After his studies, he began an academic affiliation with the SUNY University at Buffalo where he remains involved today. In addition, he is an active member of the American Society of Anesthesiologists.

Dr. Kechli is not only an expert physician and teacher but also a master in his niche, where he focuses on pediatric and obstetrical anesthesia. Having completed fellowships in this field and teaching students today to be the exceptional doctors of tomorrow makes Dr. Kechli an excellent addition to Great Lakes Anesthesiology.

Douglas Kahn, MD

Douglas Kahn, MD

Clinical Assistant Professor Anesthesiology, SUNY at Buffalo

Dr. Kahn is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology at SUNY at Buffalo. He was certified in 1992 by the American Board of Anesthesiology.

Dr. Kahn received his education at the Sackler School of Medicine, University of Tel Aviv in Israel in 1981. He held his anesthesia residency in Cleveland, Ohio in 1990 at the Metro Health Center.

Dr. Kahn’s professional focuses include regional, adult and pediatric anesthesia.

Justin Eckler, MD PhD

Justin Eckler, MD PhD

Clinical Instructor of Anesthesiology, SUNY at Buffalo

Dr. Eckler is a Clinical Instructor of Anesthesiology at SUNY at Buffalo. He has been certified since 2019 from the American Board of Anesthesiology.

Dr. Eckler attended medical school at SUNY at Buffalo and earned his Ph.D in pharmacology and toxicology in 2002. This is where he also held his anesthesia residency in 2012 and his pediatric anesthesia fellowship in 2013.

Dr. Eckler’s research interests include opioid receptors, obstructive sleep apnea, pain management, pharmacodynamics, and dental sedation.

Michael Weinberg, BS MD

Michael Weinberg, BS MD

Clinical Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology, SUNY at Buffalo

Dr. Weinberg is part of the UJF New Leadership Committee in the Physicians’ Division and serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology at SUNY at Buffalo. He is certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology since 1995.

Dr. Weinberg received his education from SUNY at Buffalo in 1987 and had both his anesthesia residency and pain medicine fellowship there in 1994 and 1995.

Michelle Raczka, MD

Michelle Raczka, MD

Clinical Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology, SUNY at Buffalo

Dr. Raczka is the Department Compliance Officer at Kaleida Health and serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology at SUNY at Buffalo. Dr. Raczka is certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology as of 2008 and received a subspecialty board certification in 2013 from Pediatric Anesthesiology.

She received her education at SUNY at Buffalo in 2003 where she also worked her anesthesia residency in 2007 and completed her fellowship in 2009.

Stephan Nebbia, BSc MD

Stephan Nebbia, BSc MD

Clinical Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology, SUNY at Buffalo

Dr. Nebbia serves as a clinical assistant professor of Anesthesiology at SUNY at Buffalo. He was certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology in 1995 and subsequently earned a subspecialty certification in Pediatric Anesthesiology in 2017.

Dr. Nebbia attended Rutgers Medical School in Newark, NJ. He did an internship in Pediatrics at Emory before starting Anesthesia residency at Vanderbilt. He then moved to Canada completing his residency in 1992 and completed a fellowship in Pediatric Anesthesia in 1993. He is also board certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

Ramiro Mireles, MD

Ramiro Mireles, MD

Clinical Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology, SUNY at Buffalo

Dr. Mireles received his certification from the American Board of Anesthesiology in 1994 and serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology at SUNY at Buffalo.

He received his education from Mount Sinai School of Medicine of NYU in 1989 and conducted his residency at Bellevue Hospital Medical Center in 1993 in New York. Following his time in NY, Dr. Mireles took on a fellowship in Washington DC at the Children’s National Medical Center in 1994 and continues to specialize in pediatric anesthesia.

Max Chudy, BS MD

Max Chudy, BS MD

Clinical Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology, SUNY at Buffalo

Dr. Chudy serves as the Clinical Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology at SUNY at Buffalo. This position holds significant honor being an alum of the University, as he completed both his pediatric anesthesia fellowship and anesthesia residency there in 1984-1985 leading into his career.

Dr. Chudy received his education at U Autonoma de Guadalajara and earned his BS degree and MD in 1979. During his studies, Dr. Chudy took great interest in pediatric anesthesia and continues his practices in this field today.

Barbara Williams

Sr. Medical Biller/Certified Medical Coder

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Donec odio. Quisque volutpat mattis eros. Nullam malesuada erat ut turpis. Suspendisse urna nibh, viverra non, semper suscipit, posuere a, pede.

In vim omnium offendit. Vix dico putant dicunt cu, ea eos partem praesent. Elit nostrud vim ea. No eum persius iudicabit, an consequat interpretaris est. Hinc case reque id mei.

Et sea error dolore. An nusquam mentitum disputando cum. Probatus consequat pri at, ex eos tantas interpretaris. Dicant noster persequeris et vel, graece offendit quo ut. Mei latine detraxit eu, ut vim quas principes, oblique accommodare est et.

Donna Kibler

Sr. Medical Biller

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Donec odio. Quisque volutpat mattis eros. Nullam malesuada erat ut turpis. Suspendisse urna nibh, viverra non, semper suscipit, posuere a, pede.

In vim omnium offendit. Vix dico putant dicunt cu, ea eos partem praesent. Elit nostrud vim ea. No eum persius iudicabit, an consequat interpretaris est. Hinc case reque id mei.

Et sea error dolore. An nusquam mentitum disputando cum. Probatus consequat pri at, ex eos tantas interpretaris. Dicant noster persequeris et vel, graece offendit quo ut. Mei latine detraxit eu, ut vim quas principes, oblique accommodare est et.

Melissa A. Klopfer

Credentialing Specialist

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Donec odio. Quisque volutpat mattis eros. Nullam malesuada erat ut turpis. Suspendisse urna nibh, viverra non, semper suscipit, posuere a, pede.

In vim omnium offendit. Vix dico putant dicunt cu, ea eos partem praesent. Elit nostrud vim ea. No eum persius iudicabit, an consequat interpretaris est. Hinc case reque id mei.

Et sea error dolore. An nusquam mentitum disputando cum. Probatus consequat pri at, ex eos tantas interpretaris. Dicant noster persequeris et vel, graece offendit quo ut. Mei latine detraxit eu, ut vim quas principes, oblique accommodare est et.

Danielle Washington

Medical Charge Entry Specialist

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Donec odio. Quisque volutpat mattis eros. Nullam malesuada erat ut turpis. Suspendisse urna nibh, viverra non, semper suscipit, posuere a, pede.

In vim omnium offendit. Vix dico putant dicunt cu, ea eos partem praesent. Elit nostrud vim ea. No eum persius iudicabit, an consequat interpretaris est. Hinc case reque id mei.

Et sea error dolore. An nusquam mentitum disputando cum. Probatus consequat pri at, ex eos tantas interpretaris. Dicant noster persequeris et vel, graece offendit quo ut. Mei latine detraxit eu, ut vim quas principes, oblique accommodare est et.

Jennifer Polizzi

Sr. Medical Biller/Certified Medical Coder

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Donec odio. Quisque volutpat mattis eros. Nullam malesuada erat ut turpis. Suspendisse urna nibh, viverra non, semper suscipit, posuere a, pede.

In vim omnium offendit. Vix dico putant dicunt cu, ea eos partem praesent. Elit nostrud vim ea. No eum persius iudicabit, an consequat interpretaris est. Hinc case reque id mei.

Et sea error dolore. An nusquam mentitum disputando cum. Probatus consequat pri at, ex eos tantas interpretaris. Dicant noster persequeris et vel, graece offendit quo ut. Mei latine detraxit eu, ut vim quas principes, oblique accommodare est et.

Dawn Henderson

Credentialing Specialist

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Donec odio. Quisque volutpat mattis eros. Nullam malesuada erat ut turpis. Suspendisse urna nibh, viverra non, semper suscipit, posuere a, pede.

In vim omnium offendit. Vix dico putant dicunt cu, ea eos partem praesent. Elit nostrud vim ea. No eum persius iudicabit, an consequat interpretaris est. Hinc case reque id mei.

Et sea error dolore. An nusquam mentitum disputando cum. Probatus consequat pri at, ex eos tantas interpretaris. Dicant noster persequeris et vel, graece offendit quo ut. Mei latine detraxit eu, ut vim quas principes, oblique accommodare est et.

Jenna Weiss

Sr. Medical Biller/Certified Medical Coder

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Donec odio. Quisque volutpat mattis eros. Nullam malesuada erat ut turpis. Suspendisse urna nibh, viverra non, semper suscipit, posuere a, pede.

In vim omnium offendit. Vix dico putant dicunt cu, ea eos partem praesent. Elit nostrud vim ea. No eum persius iudicabit, an consequat interpretaris est. Hinc case reque id mei.

Et sea error dolore. An nusquam mentitum disputando cum. Probatus consequat pri at, ex eos tantas interpretaris. Dicant noster persequeris et vel, graece offendit quo ut. Mei latine detraxit eu, ut vim quas principes, oblique accommodare est et.

Dianne Adams, MAOL

Dianne Adams, MAOL

Executive Assistant to the CFO/COO

Dianne Adams is Executive Assistant to Andrea Watkins, our CFO/COO. She joined the GLA team in late 2021, but boasts over 35 years of experience. She cites the diversity of ideas and the clear, open communication between the team as her favorite thing about working here.

Dianne earned an Associate’s Degree in Secretarial Science/Office Management from ECC, and two degrees from Medaille College: a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, and a Master’s of Arts Degree in Organizational Leadership (MAOL).

Additionally, Dianne is a Certified Clerk typist and specializes in Medical Transcription.

Dragana Draca, MBA

Dragana Draca, MBA

Human Resource Manager

Dragana Draca is Great Lakes Anesthesiology’s HR Manager, joining the team in 2021. Company culture is her favorite part of working at GLA. “We are Empowered to Grow,” she says.

Dragana holds undergraduate degrees in Paralegal Studies and Business Administration, and a Master of Business Administration Degree, with a concentration in Leadership and Change from Canisius College.

She is active in the Society for Human Resource Management and when she is not working, Dragana can be found baking in the kitchen, spending time with her Pomsky Lola, traveling or cheering on her favorite football team. Go Bills!

Megan A. Roemer

Megan A. Roemer

Office Manager & Scheduling Specialist

A GLA team member for over 20 years, Megan Roemer is Great Lakes Anesthesiology’s Office Manager and Scheduling Specialist.

Megan is a certified Surgical Tech, and has an Associate’s Degree in Surgical Technology from Niagara County Community College.

A team member since 2002, Megan knows a great deal about the teamwork culture at GLA.

“When all clinical and nonclinical staff collaborate effectively, healthcare teams can improve patient outcomes and increase patient satisfaction.”

Stacey Watt, MD, MBA, MHPE, FASA

Stacey Watt, MD, MBA, MHPE, FASA

Site Director - Oishei Children's Hospital, Chief of Anesthesia - Kaleida Health

Dr. Watt wears many hats, serving as the Chief of Anesthesia for Kaleida Health, Site Director for Oishei Children’s Hospital, and the Program Director of the Anesthesia Residency & Pediatric Anesthesia Fellowship at University at Buffalo’s Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. She was board certified by the American Board of Education in 2007, earning a subspecialty certification in Pediatric Anesthesiology in 2014.

Dr.Watt followed her medical degree from SUNY Upstate Medical University in 2001 with a residency at University at Buffalo in 2005, where she was also fellowship-trained in Pediatric Anesthesia in 2007.

Like many of her GLA colleagues, Dr. Watt serves as a Clinical Professor of Anesthesiology at University at Buffalo’s Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. Her other specialities include malignant hyperthermia, heat related illness and injury, and trauma and emergency preparedness.

Michael Marino, MD

Michael Marino, MD

Board of Directors At Large Member

Dr. Marino earned his board certification from the American Board of Anesthesiologists (ABA) in 1997, and a subspecialty certification in Pediatric Anesthesiology from the ABA in 2016. He serves as an At Large Member of the Board of Directors at Great Lakes Anesthesiology.

Dr. Marino earned a medical degree from the University at Buffalo in 1990, and completed a residency at the school in 1995. He is fellowship-trained in Adult Critical Care Medicine from the University at Buffalo.

Dr. Marino serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology at University at Buffalo. His other specialties are in Regional and Pediatric Anesthesia.

Marybeth Sgroi, CPC

Marybeth Sgroi, CPC

Billing Manager

Marybeth Sgroi has more than 30 years of professional experience. She joined the GLA team in 2007, and is currently our Billing Manager.

“Being part of the GLA team for the past 15 years has given me the opportunity to watch the corporation grow and work with an exceptional team of providers and administrative staff.”

Her education is in business, in which she holds an associate’s degree from SUNY Canton. Marybeth is also an AAPC Certified Medical Coder.

Outside of GLA, Marybeth is an active volunteer with Churches in Action, and a Black Belt in Karate.

Name

Position

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Donec odio. Quisque volutpat mattis eros. Nullam malesuada erat ut turpis. Suspendisse urna nibh, viverra non, semper suscipit, posuere a, pede.

In vim omnium offendit. Vix dico putant dicunt cu, ea eos partem praesent. Elit nostrud vim ea. No eum persius iudicabit, an consequat interpretaris est. Hinc case reque id mei.

Et sea error dolore. An nusquam mentitum disputando cum. Probatus consequat pri at, ex eos tantas interpretaris. Dicant noster persequeris et vel, graece offendit quo ut. Mei latine detraxit eu, ut vim quas principes, oblique accommodare est et.