Anesthesiology Leadership
Department of Anesthesiology Leadership Team and Faculty
Our faculty is comprised of physicians and academic researchers who have completed advanced training and are specialists in the diverse field of anesthesiology.
Vesna Jevtovic-Todorovic, MD, PhD, MBA, FASA
Chair of the Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine
Dr. Vesna Todorovic has been leading the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine since 2016, serving as the Chair and inaugural CU Medicine Endowed Professor of Anesthesiology and Pharmacology. Her impressive educational background includes an MD from the University of Belgrade, a PhD from the University of Illinois, Chicago, and an MBA from the University of Virginia. With over 25 years as a clinician-scientist, Dr. Todorovic excels in clinical practice, research and education. Her groundbreaking research focuses on three key areas: the neurotoxic effects of anesthetics, chronic pain management, and anesthesia-induced developmental neurodegeneration. Federally funded, her research has led to over 100 peer-reviewed publications and 11 patents.
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Under Dr. Todorovic's leadership, the department has flourished, attracting top national talent, deepening our focused specialty areas and expanding to meet growing clinical needs. She prioritizes scientific collaboration, securing NIH and external funding, and fostering innovation from bench to bedside. Her commitment to mentorship, faculty wellness, and diversity, equity, and inclusion underscores a dedication to creating a supportive and dynamic work and learning environment. Dr. Todorovic's vision is clear: to drive change, foster growth, and uphold excellence in anesthesiology. Future residents, fellows, anesthetists, and potential hires can expect a thriving environment where cutting-edge research, high-quality clinical practice, and comprehensive education are paramount.
Thomas A. Majcher, DO, MHA, FAOCA
Division Chief and Vice Chair, Pediatric Anesthesiology
PARDI-in-Chief
Dr. Tom Majcher (pronounced “Major”) is Chief of the Division of Pediatric Anesthesiology and Professor and Vice Chair in the Department of Anesthesiology at the School of Medicine. Dr. Majcher has been practicing at Children’s Hospital Colorado for over 20 years having joined after 13 years of practice at Riley Children’s Hospital and the University of Indiana. He is a fellow in the American College of Osteopathic Anesthesiologists, completed his master’s in health administration at the University of Southern California, and was a former US Air Force Reserve Flight Surgeon.
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Dr. Majcher’s professional passions are pediatric anesthesia, pediatric pain management, mentorship of trainees and faculty as well as medical education. Dr. Majcher has been married for 40 years and he and his wife, Linda, are proud parents of 6 children who have blessed them with 11 grandchildren. He and Linda are now empty nesters who enjoy spending time with family and hiking the Colorado mountains with their two Portuguese Water dogs.
Claudia F. Clavijo, MD
Vice Chair of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Claudia F. Clavijo, MD, serves as the Vice Chair of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and Section Chief of Neurological and Spine Anesthesiology in the Department of Anesthesiology. An Associate Professor, Dr. Clavijo is a distinguished leader with a global background in medicine. She obtained her medical degree from the Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud Universidad “CES” in Medellín, Colombia, and completed a rigorous residency in Anesthesiology at the same institution. Her expertise is further solidified by a fellowship in Neuroanesthesia from the University of Colorado. Dr. Clavijo's extensive training, including a post-doctoral fellowship in research, underscores her commitment to advancing the field through both clinical excellence and innovative research.
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Dr. Clavijo's impressive career is marked by numerous accolades, including multiple Research Seed Awards from the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Colorado. Her research interests and extensive publications are deeply rooted in neuroanesthesia and intraoperative neuromonitoring. She has been invited to present her work at numerous national and international conferences, showcasing her expertise and dedication to improving patient outcomes. As Vice-Chair of DEI, she leads initiatives to promote a more inclusive and equitable environment within the department, creating our Externship Diversity Scholarship Opportunity for 4th year visiting medical students and reflecting her dedication to fostering diversity in medicine and in anesthesiology. Dr. Clavijo's multifaceted role encompasses a strong commitment to education, mentorship, patient care, and research, demonstrating her dedication to advancing the field of neuroanesthesia at the University of Colorado and in our Global Health initiatives worldwide.
Dr. Clavijo feels very fortunate to call Colorado home. The mountains are dear to her heart as she finds a connection between them and the Andes in her home country. Dr. Clavijo also deeply appreciates working at the University of Colorado, an institution that strives to provide the highest evidence base care for patients and offers opportunities to each member to thrive and to contribute to their fullest potential.
Richard J. Ing, MBBCh, FCA (SA)
Vice Chair for Faculty Development & Well-Being Leader
Professor Richard J. Ing, MBBCh, FCA (SA), is the Vice Chair for Faculty Development and Well-Being Leader for the Department of Anesthesiology. Graduating from the University of the Witwatersrand Medical School in Johannesburg, South Africa, Dr. Ing completed his specialist training in anesthesiology in 1995. He has practiced anesthesia in Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa, Durham, North Carolina, and has been a dedicated practitioner at the University of Colorado and Children's Hospital Colorado since 2011. Dr. Ing serves as the Course Director for the department's annual CRASH conference (Colorado Review of Anesthesiology for Surgicenters and Hospitals) that provides more than 300 attendees with the latest clinical advances and training in Vail, Colorado. An exceptional clinician and nationally and internationally sought out speaker, Dr. Ing is a passionate advocate for faculty development, wellness, and building a nurturing and collaborative culture within the department.
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Dr. Ing's clinical interests focus on the anesthetic care of pediatric and adult patients with congenital heart disease. He enjoys teaching and conducting clinical research, with his research interests encompassing cardiopulmonary bypass, cardiomyopathy, pulmonary hypertension, arrhythmias, and single ventricle anatomy. With numerous journal publications to his name, his work has been widely recognized in esteemed journals like the Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia and European Radiology. Dr. Ing places a high priority on faculty development, emphasizing the importance of professional growth not just for career advancement but also for personal well-being and job satisfaction. He actively champions peer-to-peer support and mentorship by fostering a culture where faculty feel comfortable tackling difficult conversations and topics. Additionally, he has modernized the Faculty Appointments & Promotions Guidelines and Requirements, ensuring clarity and accessibility for all faculty members. Outside of his professional endeavors, Dr. Ing enjoys the vibrant community and outdoor lifestyle that Colorado offers, making it an ideal place for balancing work and family life. He invites prospective faculty and residents to join the supportive and dynamic environment at CU Anschutz.
Susan L. Ingram, Ph.D.
Vice Chair of Research
Richard Traystman, PhD, Endowed Chair Professor of Anesthesiology
Susan L. Ingram, Ph.D. is Professor and Vice Chair of Research in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and holds the Richard Traystman, PhD, Endowed Chair Professor of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine. Dr. Ingram obtained an A.B. from Bowdoin College and Ph.D. from Oregon Health & Science University. Dr. Ingram’s research aims to elucidate properties of ion channels, neurotransmitter transporters, G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), and cellular mechanisms of synaptic plasticity associated with acute and chronic pain and drug addiction. These proteins are the best targets for the development of novel therapeutics for inhibiting pain and drug addiction. Dr. Ingram has run a continuously funded research lab since 2002, publishing 56 peer-reviewed articles and 20 editorials and book chapters and is a Co-Editor of the 7th edition of Brody’s Human Pharmacology. She has trained several graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and junior faculty and is active in organizing mentoring programs focused on supporting under-represented trainees in STEM for national societies. Dr. Ingram is currently the President of the International Narcotics Research Conference, a society focused on opioid research.
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Dr. Ingram was excited to take on the role of Vice Chair of Research to support and grow both basic and clinical research within the Department of Anesthesiology with a goal to increase translation of research discoveries to the clinic. Moving to Colorado brought Dr. Ingram full circle as she was born here prior to spending the majority of her childhood in Vermont. She has spent the past two years exploring Denver and the surrounding areas, discovering new restaurants, experiencing the sports culture and getaways to nature.
Christopher Lace MD, MBA
Vice Chair, Strategy, Quality & Community Practice
Associate Professor Christopher Lace, MD, MBA joined the CU Department of Anesthesiology in 2009. He earned his medical degree from Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine and completed his anesthesiology residency at Oregon Health & Science University. Currently, he is Vice Chair, Strategy, Quality & Community Practice and the Associate Chief Medical Officer for Perioperative Services for the Anschutz Medical Campus. Dr. Lace exemplifies leadership in clinical strategy, community engagement, and quality. His tenure as Medical Director at Cherry Creek North Ambulatory Surgical Center, as well as his roles at Inverness ASC and Highlands Ranch Hospital, highlight his commitment to teamwork, efficiency, and fostering a culture of safety while providing an outstanding patient experience.
Steve Osswald, MBA
Director and Vice Chair of Finance and Administration
Steve Osswald is the Director and Vice Chair of Finance and Administration for the Department of Anesthesiology. He joined the department in April 2019, bringing with him over 20 years of experience in academic medicine and over 25 years in healthcare. A native of Wisconsin, Steve earned his Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and his MBA from the University of Colorado Boulder. His diverse background in healthcare administration includes roles such as Pediatric Surgery Practice Manager at the Medical College of Wisconsin, Business Manager at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee, and Director of Finance and Administration for the CU Department of Otolaryngology. His extensive experience has been instrumental in driving strategic initiatives and fostering growth in the institutions he has served.
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Since joining the University of Colorado, Steve has played a crucial role in navigating financial and operational challenges. He has restructured administrative staff, developed new accounting structures to enhance financial reporting, and negotiated support agreements to bolster the department's financial health. His vision for the department is to provide the administrative and financial backing needed to elevate its status as a top research department, premier medical education destination, and provider of exceptional clinical care. By emphasizing the importance of recruiting and retaining top talent, ensuring career progression, he has built a team that provides comprehensive support to our faculty.
Steve loves living in Colorado, where he enjoys the state's beautiful outdoors with his wife, Merisa. They are joined by their two rescue Golden Retrievers, Tucker and Lucy, and their two children, Ashton and Michael, when they visit home from college. Whether hiking, biking, or tailgating at a CU football game, Steve finds Colorado to be the perfect place to balance a fulfilling career and an active family life. He invites prospective faculty and staff to join the vibrant and supportive community at CU Anschutz and experience all that Colorado has to offer.
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Nathaen Weitzel, MD
Vice Chair of Clinical Operations and Quality
Nathaen Weitzel, MD, is a seasoned healthcare leader with over a decade of experience in physician and executive leadership. As Vice Chair of Clinical Operations and Quality for the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Colorado, Dr. Weitzel's passion lies in optimizing clinical operations and ensuring the highest standards of patient safety and quality. His extensive expertise in perioperative and anesthesiology partnerships, combined with his strategic oversight of new hospital tower and OR development, underscores his commitment to advancing healthcare delivery and enhancing patient outcomes.
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A proud alumnus of the University of Colorado School of Medicine, Dr. Weitzel completed both his residency and fellowship in adult cardiothoracic anesthesiology at CU. Now a Professor of Anesthesiology, he has dedicated over 15 years to mentoring over 250 residents and fellows, fostering the next generation of anesthesiologists with excellence in teaching and mentorship. His leadership extends beyond the operating room where he has served a 4 year term as the Associate Chief Medical Officer for Perioperative Services at UCH, overseeing five major service areas and spearheading critical initiatives like the PSI-13 project and CV Mortality efforts. A Colorado native, Dr. Weitzel values the work-life balance offered by the state’s outdoor lifestyle, and he enjoys contributing to a collaborative and innovative team pushing innovation and clinical excellence..