WARC 2025 Brings Connection, Celebration, and Community to Salt Lake City
On May 16–17, 2025, the University of Utah Department of Anesthesiology had the honor of hosting the 62nd Annual Western Anesthesia Residents Conference (WARC) at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Salt Lake City. With over 270 attendees from across the western United States, the weekend was packed with academic excellence, powerful storytelling, and meaningful reconnection.
This year’s WARC welcomed 81 medical students, 141 residents, 42 faculty judges and moderators, 181 poster presentations, 15 oral presentations, 14 exhibitors, and 1 unforgettable keynote.
Over the course of two days, WARC 2025 offered a vibrant mix of scholarly exchange, mentorship, and celebration. From early morning presentations to hallway conversations and late-night laughter, the energy throughout the conference reflected the strength and spirit of the anesthesiology community.
One of the most powerful moments came during the keynote address by Dr. Sara Whittingham, who returned to WARC to deliver “Returning as a Jedi Master: A Conversation with My Teachers and the Next Generation.” (Watch here!)
“Talking about Parkinson’s, vulnerability, and identity in front of people I’ve admired for so long was humbling—but it was grounding and healing in a way I didn’t expect. One of the most meaningful parts of this experience was reconnecting with the anesthesiologists who trained me. There was laughter, long-overdue hugs, and a sense of shared history that I didn’t realize how much I’d missed.”
This theme of full-circle moments and community was felt throughout the weekend—not only through the stories shared but in the collaborative spirit of attendees, moderators, and volunteers.
WARC 2025 Winners
We are especially proud to recognize our 2025 WARC award winners, who were selected by panels of faculty judges for their outstanding contributions to research, education, and innovation:
| Poster Session 1 | Poster Session 2 | Poster Session 3 |
| 1st: David Chen, MD – Stanford | 1st: Grace Wilson, MD – University of Colorado | 1st: Michelle Lin, MD – University of Washington |
| 2nd: Emily Reynolds, MD – Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale | 2nd: Vicki Wang – UC Irvine | 2nd: Nicholas Quach, MD – Stanford |
| 3rd: James Potts – University of Utah | 3rd: Eryberto Martinez, MD – Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale | 3rd: Sebastian Sanchez-Luege, MD – Stanford |
| Oral Presentation Room A | Oral Presentation Room B |
| 1st: Michael Kaplan, MD, PhD – University of Washington | 1st: Ian Jones, MD – University of Washington |
| 2nd: Sehra Rahmany, MD – University of Arizona, Tucson | 2nd: Seth Vogel, MD, PhD – Oregon Health & Science University |
Finally, this conference would not have been possible without the incredible exhibitors, faculty, administrative staff, and volunteers! Thank you for your time, talent, and dedication behind the scenes—you made this event not only possible but meaningful.
Here’s to another year of learning, connection, and community. See you at WARC 2026 at UC Davis!
