Inspiring the Next Generation: Our Team Shines at Saturday Academy
On April 18th, 2026, members of the University of Utah Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative & Pain Medicine showed up in a big way for the community — volunteering their Saturday to inspire the next generation of health science professionals at the University of Utah Health Saturday Academy.
About Saturday Academy
Saturday Academy is a hands-on outreach program that brings together up to 200 students in grades 6–12 for meaningful exposure to careers in the health sciences. By connecting young students with real clinicians and researchers, the program works to spark curiosity, build confidence, and broaden perspectives about what a future in medicine and science can look like.
Our department, through the WeCARE Council, is proud to be a consistent presence in this program!
A Team That Shows Up
A heartfelt congratulations and thank you to the faculty, residents, and medical students who gave their time, energy, and expertise on a weekend to make this experience both memorable and inspiring for the students who attended: Drs. Rachel Danowit, Christina Rufener, Kianna Shotorbani, Bre Stafford, Boris Tirado, Noah Valentine, (and soon to be Drs.) Dallan Carlson and James Potts.
The impact this team makes — not just for our patients, but for our community and future colleagues — cannot be overstated. Students truly felt the enthusiasm and dedication our team brought to the day!
Community at the Core
Participation in Saturday Academy reflects the values at the heart of our WeCARE initiative — a commitment to building a supportive, collaborative, and inclusive environment that extends beyond our walls and into the communities we serve.
We are so proud of this incredible group and grateful to be part of a department that shows up — for our patients, for our community, and for the future of our field.