Anesthesia Faculty

Dr. Matteo Parotto is Staff Anesthesiologist and Intensivist at Toronto General Hospital, as well as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Anesthesia and Interdepartment Division of Critical Care Medicine at the University of Toronto. He has had the pleasure of working with doctors from around the globe, and is part of the Canadian Airway Focus Group.

Dr. Parotto’s advice to those working in airway management is to never be afraid to ask for help, and always keep up to date with modern practices. One of the moments he found the most educational was as a medical student, when he observed a doctor preparing for the emergence phase from anesthesia. “There was nothing particularly challenging about it, and he must have done this thousands of times in his career,” he said. “And yet, he remained very focused, and approached it quite meticulously. It taught me the respect that we must always have in patient care.”

Outside of the office, Dr. Parotto is likes to play soccer, volleyball, and basketball when he gets the chance.

Dr. Peter G. Brindley is an Attending Physician and Associate Director in Intensive Care, as well as a Full Professor in Critical Care Medicine at the University of Alberta. He has 100 peer reviewed publications and manuscripts, including Airway Management Outside of the Operating Room: How to PREPARE.

Dr. Brindley says that “communication is the most dangerous procedure in the hospital.” Nothing can go right unless everyone is on the same page, working together. Being in constant communication with colleagues is the only way to ensure that everything will go to plan. When teaching students, he sees the key to success is to go beyond basic instruction and procedures, “I really enjoy teaching people to think rather than just ‘do this, don’t do that.’”

Dr. Brindley loves hiking, biking, kayaking, and spending as much time outdoors as possible. He also enjoys eating comfort food from his home country, England.

Joanne Donnelly is the Chief CRNA at American Anesthesiology in Minneapolis, MN. She received her Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Vanderbilt University.

Donnelly believes that the best way to master skills in airway management is to always practice. “Don’t use the skills you need to save a life only when you need them,” she says. While studying at Columbia, she found excellent mentors that inspired her to get into teaching. Every time she teaches something, she feels like she is getting something back. She loves the contagious enthusiasm learners have, and enjoys hearing about their unique perspectives.

When Donnelly was younger, she was an Irish Step Dancer. Now, she is a marathon runner, and considers motherhood the best job life has to offer.

Dr. J. Adam Law received his Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Medicine from Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, Canada, where he is currently the Deputy Head of the Faculty of Medicine: Department of Anesthesia, Pain Management and Perioperative Medicine.

Law finds teaching to be a privilege, and loves being challenged by his students, whom he learns from every day. His advice to those learning more about airway management is to seek hands on experience, and to always start with the basics. “Get experience managing normal airways first,” he says. “That way you have a good base to the pyramid when it comes to managing difficult ones.”

When Law has a rare moment of free time, he likes to hike, play tennis, and spend time with family.

Dr. Kirk MacQaurrie is currently an Associate Professor of Anesthesia and Surgery, and Emergency Medicine at Dalhousie University. He is also one of the original developers of the Airway Intervention Management Education course in Canada.

When it comes to airway management, he sees one of the highlights of his career as “helping to bridge the gap between anesthesia and emergency medicine.” His favorite part of teaching is seeing students experience light bulb moments, when a new concept or skill finally clicks with them.

Outside of work, Dr. MacQuarrie loves to travel, and especially appreciates the chance to go off the grid. He is happily married, has three dogs, and three sons.

Dr. Robert W. Matthews is a Chair for the International Review Board Committee at the University of North Carolina.

Dr. Matthews’ favorite part of teaching is the interactions with other instructors and attendees, as he gets to hear about their unique cases and approaches to different situations. He thinks it is essential to consider all components of airway management for each and every patient. “Don’t be afraid to involve your patient during the formation of your airway management plan,” he says.

Michael F. Murphy is a Practicing Anesthesiologist with American Anesthesiology and Professor Emeritus at University of Alberta. He has designed and implemented EMS systems in eastern Canada and the Caribbean. He has also edited the Manual of Emergency Airway Management (Walls Murphy) and Difficult and Failed Airway Management (Hung Murphy).

Dr. Murphy’s advice to students is to always learn from masters, and focus on people who are truly doing things. He got into teaching so he could expand the impact of his work. “I have always felt I could save more lives by teaching,” he says. He finds the best part of his job to be learning that what he taught ended up saving a life.

“I get a great deal of reward in knowing that I have contributed to the next generation of airway educators, researchers and managers,” he says.