Erica D. Wittwer

Erica D. Wittwer, M.D., Ph.D., is a Clinical Professor at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota. Board-certified in both cardiac anesthesiology and critical care medicine, she serves as Medical Director for the Cardiac Surgical Intensive Care Units at Mayo Clinic. Her clinical expertise spans cardiac and vascular surgical anesthesia, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and intensive care for heart/lung transplant patients.

• Education: Ph.D. and M.D. in Medicine (2007), University of Utah; Baccalaureate Studies in Chemistry and Psychology (2001), Eastern Oregon University.
• Professional Leadership: President-Elect of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (2022-2023), Chair of ASA Abstract Review Subcommittee (2022-present), Board Member of Minnesota Society of Anesthesiologists (2017-present).

Dr. Wittwer's research focuses on perioperative pharmacology and physiology, with particular emphasis on vasodilatory shock, cardiovascular pharmacogenomics, and evidence-based improvements in intensive care. She has secured both internal and external grant funding for these initiatives.

Recent publications highlight her contributions to angiotensin II therapy in shock management, comparative anticoagulation strategies during ECMO, pharmacokinetic adaptations in extracorporeal support systems, and multimodal analgesia optimization in cardiac surgery. These works span cardiovascular pharmacology, critical care hemodynamics, and translational research methodologies.

• Scientific Awards: Kuramoto Fellowship (2003), Enzon Fellowship (2001), FMS/Penaz Wesseling Travel Fellowship (2010), Best of Session Award (2005), Mentored Career Development Program (2019), Professional Development Coaching Scholarship (2022).

Dr. Wittwer actively participates in state, national, and international societies including the Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists and the International Anesthesia Research Society. She contributes to quality improvement initiatives through committee memberships in Mayo Clinic's ECMO Program and Heart and Lung QAPI.