OMI fellow Dr. Tringa Metaj, resident at the University Clinical Center of Kosovo, met OMI course director Dr. Hugh C. Hemmings Jr. and his faculty last year at the Anesthesiology and Intensive Care seminar in Salzburg. Dr. Hemmings Jr. is the Joseph F. Artusio Jr. Professor and Chair of Anesthesiology, Professor of Pharmacology, Senior Associate Dean for Research at Weill Cornell Medicine, and a President of the Medical Board and Anesthesiologist-in-Chief at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/ Weill Cornell Medicine. The specialist not only excels in his field, but he is also an excellent teacher. He has served at 22 OMI courses to date and is already planning his next set of lectures. The meeting of these individuals in Salzburg not only sparked a renewed interest in her medical field for Dr. Metaj but also opened up a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the young anesthesiologist. With the support of Dr. Hemmings Jr., Dr. Metaj was able to spend a month at the Department of Anesthesiology at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City. Dr. Shona Lee and Dr. Ankur Srivastava, who were also part of the 2024 faculty cohort and continue to support the OMI, worked closely with Dr. Hemmings Jr. to show Dr. Metaj the tricks of their trade.
Special thanks to Drs. Hemmings Jr., Lee, and Srivastava for hosting OMI alumna Dr. Metaj!
Curious to learn more about Dr. Metaj’s exciting experiences at Weill Cornell Medicine? Read about it in her own words below:
“I had the invaluable opportunity to complete an observership in the Department of Anesthesiology at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, where I gained deep insights into the scope and complexity of anesthetic care in a world-renowned healthcare institution. Under the mentorship of Dr. Ankur Srivastava and Dr. Shona Lee, I observed anesthesiology in a range of settings, including the Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit (CTICU), Pediatric Anesthesiology, and the Chronic Pain Clinic at the Och Spine Clinic. Each rotation offered unique learning experiences and greatly expanded my understanding of the field.
During my time in the CTICU, I observed the intensive management of critically ill patients recovering from complex cardiothoracic surgeries. I witnessed how anesthesiologists play a pivotal role not just intraoperatively but also in the perioperative continuum, overseeing hemodynamic monitoring, ventilator management, and the titration of advanced pharmacologic therapies. The coordination between the ICU team, surgeons, and anesthesiologists was seamless and highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary care in critical settings.
In pediatric anesthesiology, I learned about the unique physiological and emotional considerations when working with children. I observed preoperative assessments focused on minimizing anxiety and tailoring anesthetic techniques to each child’s developmental stage and medical history. I was especially impressed by the anesthesiologists’ ability to balance empathy and efficiency, ensuring both safety and comfort for young patients.
My experience at the Chronic Pain Clinic at the Och Spine Clinic introduced me to the long-term management of pain through a multidisciplinary lens. I observed patient consultations, physical assessments, and procedural interventions, like nerve blocks and epidural steroid injections. This exposure helped me understand how anesthesiologists contribute to improving the quality of life for patients with chronic pain conditions, and how pain management integrates pharmacological, interventional, and psychological strategies.
Throughout my observership, I was consistently impressed by the department’s commitment to excellence, safety, and patient-centered care. Despite the non-hands-on nature of the experience, I was included in case discussions, morning rounds, and academic sessions, all of which enriched my learning. Dr. Srivastava and Dr. Lee were not only knowledgeable but also exceptionally supportive, providing explanations and engaging me in meaningful educational dialogue.
This observership solidified my interest in anesthesiology and revealed the depth and breadth of the specialty, from the fast-paced intensity of the CTICU to the compassionate care in pediatrics and the long-term management of chronic pain. I am deeply grateful to my mentors and the entire department for the opportunity to observe and learn in such a dynamic and inspiring environment. And I would like to thank Dr. Hugh C. Hemmings Jr. for making this possible and the OMI for the support.”
Tringa Metaj, MD
Resident
Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care
University Clinical Center of Kosovo
Prishtina, Kosovo
