Success Stories

Olean General Hospital

New Partnership

Our team worked with Olean General Hospital (OGH) to improve the productivity and efficiency of its anesthesia department and the operating rooms. We collaborated with administration at multiple levels – both in and out of the operating room – and introduced a team model to provide care that facilitated regional analgesia for joint surgery, timely obstetric analgesia, and sedation services. Great Lakes Anesthesiology is also proud to be a part of and invest in the local community.

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Improving care and investing in the local community.

Situation:

OGH is a regional hospital serving southwestern New York and northwestern Pennsylvania. In 2018, the hospital administration approached Great Lakes for a new approach to their anesthesia care and staffing.

We worked with the organization to understand their needs, standardize their procedures, and orchestrate a smooth integration. Great Lakes Anesthesiology now has a dedicated team, including an on-site director, at OGH for comprehensive anesthesia management.

Partnership outcomes:

Our partnership with OGH has been successful on multiple levels. We have contributed to the hospital’s sustainability and growth by maximizing OR utilization, reducing team turnover, and increasing case capacity.

To show our appreciation of and commitment to this partnership, Great Lakes Anesthesiology has invested in the Olean community by employing local staff, donating to the hospital’s foundation, and participating in local events. Our company also purchased a home that is available for our providers and families during their time in Olean.

UBNS Ambulatory Center

New Partnership

When UBNS was designing their new outpatient neurosurgery facility, the owners searched for an anesthesiology department to partner with to help plan and design the center to operate as an efficient ambulatory surgicenter, as well as to manage anesthesia services once the facility opened.

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Building a first-class anesthesia department from the ground up.

Situation:

UBNS Ambulatory Center is a state-of-the-art outpatient neurosurgery center in Williamsville, NY, a suburb of Buffalo. It is the first of its kind in New York State.

Although this facility is new, Great Lakes Anesthesiology has had long-standing relationships with several UBNS surgeons. During the build-out of their facility, UBNS brought in our team to help plan the anesthesia and ambulatory processes to ensure the site performed efficiently and to the highest standards.

Partnership outcomes:

Great Lakes Anesthesiology collaborated with UBNS staff to optimize patient flow, develop anesthesia protocols (including regional anesthesia), and identify pharmacy needs. We also consulted on anesthesia equipment, supplies, and documentation by reaching out to our colleagues in the business community to purchase the most cost-effective equipment and medications for this site.

Since UBNS opened its doors in 2022, Great Lakes Anesthesiology has managed the center’s anesthesia department. In addition to providing anesthesia services for the surgical patients, our experienced team also provides expertise in regional blocks and pain management to ensure patients receive optimal perioperative pain management.

John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital

For almost a quarter of a century, Great Lakes Anesthesiology has been the sole provider of pediatric and women’s anesthesia services at the John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital (formerly Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo). The hospital is also the home of our world-class anesthesia residency and fellowship programs.

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Contributing to nationally ranked pediatric care and world-class training.

Situation:

Located in Buffalo, New York, the John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital (OCH) is the regional center for comprehensive pediatric, neonatal, perinatal, and high-risk obstetrical services. It is also one of only six Level I Pediatric Trauma Centers in New York State.

Since 1998, Great Lakes Anesthesiology has been the sole provider of pediatric and women’s anesthesia services at OCH and its predecessor, Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo.

Partnership Outcomes:

Great Lakes Anesthesiology was ecstatic to continue our 20+ year partnership when OCH opened its new facility on Main Street in Buffalo in 2017. With expertise in both pediatric and obstetric anesthesia, our team contributes to remarkable outcomes for babies, children, and mothers. 

OCH also serves as the flagship teaching hospital for Great Lakes’ training partnership with the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Department of Anesthesia. Our Anesthesiology Residency Program allows residents to rotate through the hospital under the supervision of our attending anesthesiologists. This four-year residency program accepts 12 residents each year. We also offer one-year Fellowships in Pediatrics Anesthesia and OB Anesthesia.

Our residency and fellowship programs attract top medical talent from the U.S. and internationally, adding to our team’s expertise and diversity. Doctors in these two programs have come from Nigeria, Lebanon, India, Egypt, Latvia, Iran, Canada, and the United Kingdom to study with us.

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

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Donna Kibler

Sr. Medical Biller

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Melissa A. Klopfer

Credentialing Specialist

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Danielle Washington

Medical Charge Entry Specialist

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Jennifer Polizzi

Sr. Medical Biller/Certified Medical Coder

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Dawn Henderson

Credentialing Specialist

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Jenna Weiss

Sr. Medical Biller/Certified Medical Coder

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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

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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.

Huseyin Tunceroglu, MD, MBA

Huseyin Tunceroglu, MD, MBA

Treasurer|Site Director, Olean General Hospital

Dr. Huseyin Tunceroglu is Treasurer of the Board of Directors at Great Lakes Anesthesiology and the anesthesia Site Director at Olean General Hospital in Olean, NY. He is certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology and specializes in Pediatric Anesthesiology.

After earning his bachelor's degree at Yale University, Dr. Tunceroglu attended medical school at SUNY University at Buffalo. He returned to Yale University for his residency, then completed a Pediatric Fellowship at Emory University. In 2022, he earned an MBA from Canisius College. Dr. Tunceroglu joined Great Lakes Anesthesiology in 2018 to "Be part of an outstanding team of anesthesia providers delivering the highest quality care while helping to shape and educate future anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists."

In addition to his clinical duties, Dr. Tunceroglu maintains an academic affiliation with SUNY University at Buffalo. He is a member of the American Society of Anesthesiologists, Society of Pediatric Anesthesia, and New York State Society of Anesthesiologists.

Mark Thompson, MD

Mark Thompson, MD

Secretary|Director of Regional Anesthesia

Dr. Thompson is Secretary of the Board of Directors and the Director of Regional Anesthesia at Great Lakes Anesthesiology.

With nearly two decades of experience, he specializes in Neuroanesthesia, regional anesthesia, pediatric anesthesia, and ambulatory anesthesia. Dr. Thompson is certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology and has demonstrated ongoing excellence through Maintenance of Certification in Anesthesiology (MOCA) since 2014.

Dr. Thompson graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Atlantic Union College in South Lancaster, MA. He then completed medical school, his internship, and his residency at Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, CA. Additionally, he is fellowship-trained in pediatric anesthesiology from Children’s Hospital Colorado in Aurora, CO.

He joined Great Lakes in 2015 and appreciates the company’s collaborative solutions, team spirit, and commitment to the community. Beyond his practitioner duties, Dr. Thompson is a Clinical Associate Professor at SUNY University at Buffalo. He is a member of the American Society of Anesthesiologists, Society of Pediatric Anesthesia, and New York State Society of Anesthesiologists.

Outside of work, Dr. Thompson devotes his time and attention to family, fitness, and faith.

Cyrus Tanhaee, MD

Cyrus Tanhaee, MD

Board of Directors At Large Member

Dr. Cyrus Tanhaee is an At Large Member of the Board of Directors and the Educational/Clinical Committee Representative at Great Lakes Anesthesiology. He is board certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology with subspecialty board certification in pediatric anesthesiology.

Dr. Tanhaee attended Ross University School of Medicine in Dominica. He completed his residency and fellowship in pediatric anesthesia at SUNY University at Buffalo. In addition to his practitioner duties, Dr. Tanhaee is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology at SUNY University at Buffalo.

Lilleigh Stein, CRNA

Clinical Coordinator - Olean General Hospital

Lilleigh Stein is the Clinical Coordinator at Olean General Hospital in Olean, NY. She’s been a member of the Great Lakes Anesthesiology team since 2019 and appreciates the group's family atmosphere.

Lilleigh conducted her undergraduate studies at Trocaire College and Daemen College, then attended graduate school at Gannon University. She completed her nurse anesthesia residency at UPMC Hamot in Erie, PA. She is a member of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA), Pennsylvania Association.

Baiba Senbruna, MD

Baiba Senbruna, MD

Director of Obstetrics Anesthesiology, Oishei Children's Hospital

Dr. Baiba Senbruna is the Director of Obstetrics Anesthesia at John R. Oishei Children's Hospital. With nearly a decade of experience, her specialties include high-risk obstetrical anesthesia and pediatric anesthesia.

Dr. Senbruna completed medical school at Riga Stradins University in Latvia and fulfilled her residency at the American University of Beirut in Lebanon. She is a member of the American Society of Anesthesiologists and the Society of Pediatric Anesthesia and serves as volunteer faculty at SUNY University at Buffalo.

A member of Great Lakes Anesthesiology since 2017, Dr. Senbruna appreciates, among other attributes, our “progressive, supportive environment that encourages individual professional growth and provides opportunities in clinical leadership.” She is an avid traveler who enjoys learning and experiencing different cultures and embarking on medical missions.

Jad Dughayli, MD

Jad Dughayli, MD

Board of Directors At Large Member|Site Director, Kenmore Mercy Hospital|Chief of Anesthesia, Kenmore Mercy Hospital|Director of Fellowship Recruitment

Dr. Jad Dughayli is an At Large Member of the Board of Directors and the Director of Fellowship Recruitment at Great Lakes Anesthesiology. He also serves as Site Director and Chief of Anesthesia at Kenmore Mercy Hospital.

Prior to joining Great Lakes Anesthesiology in 2018, Dr. Dughayli attended medical school at the American University of Integrative Sciences in Barbados, then completed his residency at the American University of Beirut in Lebanon. He maintains an academic affiliation with SUNY University at Buffalo.

Ravinder Devgun, DO

Ravinder Devgun, DO

Clinical Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology, SUNY at Buffalo

Dr. Ravinder Devgun is a clinical assistant professor of Anesthesiology at SUNY at Buffalo She is board certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology with a subspecialty certification in pediatric anesthesiology.

Dr. Ravinder Devgun graduated from the NY Institute of Technology, College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed her residency and fellowship at SUNY University at Buffalo.

Dené Dainotto, CRNA, DNP

Clinical Coordinator - UB SRNA Program at KMH

Dené is the Clinical Coordinator of the UB SRNA Program at Kenmore Mercy Hospital in Buffalo, NY. She joined Great Lakes in 2020, and her areas of interest include regional anesthesia, pediatric anesthesia, and obstetric anesthesia.

Dené completed her education and training at SUNY University at Buffalo, earning her B.S. and then her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Nurse Anesthesia. She has practiced at several hospitals and surgery centers around Western New York and holds the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists.

Returning to her alma mater, Dené serves as adjunct faculty at SUNY University at Buffalo. She is a member of the American Association for Nurse Anesthesiologists and the New York State Association of Nurse Anesthetists.

Her favorite aspects of working at Great Lakes include caring for diverse patient populations and the group's teaching and learning environment. In her personal time, Dené is a national judge for the United States Powerlifting Association.

Richard Boneberg, CRNA

Clinical Coordinator - UB SRNA Program at OCH/NFMMC

Richard Boneberg is Great Lake Anesthesiology's Clinical Coordinator for the UB SRNA Program at Oishei Children's Hospital in Buffalo, NY, and Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center in Niagara Falls, NY. He has 17 years of experience specializing in pediatric nurse anesthesia, and has been a member of the Great Lakes team since 2005.

Richard earned a B.A. in Psychology at Canisius College, a B.S. in Nursing at D'Youville University, and a Master of Science from the SUNY University at Buffalo Nurse Anesthetist Program. He holds numerous certifications, including Basic Life Support Provider, Pediatric Life Support Provider, Adult Cardiac Life Support Provider, Registered Professional Nurse, and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.

An avid supporter of education, Richard serves as an adjunct professor at two institutions – SUNY University at Buffalo and SUNY Albany – and is a co-facilitator with Statewide Peer Assistance for Nurses (SPAN). He is also a member of the American Association for Nurse Anesthetists.

After two decades of being part of Great Lakes Anesthesiology, Richard describes the group as feeling like family. "There is a cohesive, caring atmosphere. The group's uniqueness is exemplary." In his personal time, Richard is an advocate and consultant for substance abuse. He enjoys cycling, playing with his dogs, and spending time with his family.

Dayle Cotter

Dayle Cotter

Operations Coordinator

Dayle Cotter is Great Lake Anesthesiology's Operations Coordinator, providing strategic operational support to the management and administrative teams to ensure our success and growth. She joined Great Lakes in January 2022 and appreciates the company's best-in-brand philosophy and family atmosphere.

Dayle earned her B.A. from Brock University in St. Catharine's, Ontario, Canada. She completed Disney's Approach to Quality Service & Business Excellence from the Disney Institute. Her areas of expertise include strategic planning, public relations, process implementation, and event planning. She is also an NYS Notary Public. Dayle loves to travel and enjoys playing golf and tennis.

Andréa Watkins, MSSL

Andréa Watkins, MSSL

Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer

Andréa Watkins is the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operations Officer at Great Lakes Anesthesiology. Since joining the company in 2009, she has cherished the opportunity to "be a part of a dynamic, growing corporation while preserving the phenomenal interpersonal connections of the Great Lakes family."

Andréa holds a B.A. from the University at Buffalo, a B.S. from St. John Fisher University, and a Master's in Strategic Leadership (MSSL) from Roberts Wesleyan College. She is a member of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

Nancy O'Day, CRNA

Chief CRNA, Warren General Hospital

Nancy Day is the Chief CRNA at Warren General Hospital in Warren, PA. She also serves as CNRA at Olean General Hospital in Olean, NY. Nancy has nearly 40 years of nursing experience, including 23 years as a certified CNRA. She joined our group in 2019 and has enjoyed working closely with the Great Lakes family.

Nancy earned her undergraduate degree at Syracuse University, then attended Northeastern University for her graduate studies. She completed her nurse anesthesia residency at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, MA. She is certified as an instructor for Basic Life Support (BLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS). Her professional memberships include the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA), Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Anesthetists (PANA), and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.

Nancy's favorite pastime is cooking. She is also active within the community through organizations such as the Smethport Area School District school board, American Legion, Women's Giving Circle of McKean County, and the American Heart Association.

James Burnett Armstrong, BSc, MSc, MD, FRCPC

James Burnett Armstrong, BSc, MSc, MD, FRCPC

Site Director, Atlas Surgical Center

Dr. James Armstrong is the anesthesia Site Director at Atlas Surgical Center, Buffalo, and Niagara Ambulatory Surgery Center in Niagara Falls, NY. One of our longest-tenured team members, Dr. Armstrong joined Great Lakes Anesthesiology in 1998.

Dr. Armstrong completed his education and training at the prestigious Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, plus a fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. He is certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology.

Beyond his practice, Dr. Armstrong is the Clinical Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology at SUNY University at Buffalo. In 2012-13 he received the WCHOB Teacher Recognition Award.

He is a member of several professional organizations, including The Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Canada, American Society of Anesthesiologists, New York State Society of Anesthesiologists, and Society of Ambulatory Anesthesia.

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 of Great Lakes Anesthesiology, OR Coordinator at Oishei Children’s Hospital, and Co-Site Director at Warren General Hospital (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 academic affiliations with SUNY University at Buffalo and Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM). 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.