Meet Our Team
A Department Built on Collaboration and Growth
When you join Wellstar MCG Health/Augusta University’s Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine, you step into one of the region’s largest and most dynamic anesthesia teams. The department is composed of more than 45 anesthesiologists, 45 anesthetists, and 48 residents, supported by a strong administrative and clinical infrastructure that allows the anesthesia care team model to thrive.
As Vice Chair, you will lead alongside peers who represent every subspecialty of anesthesiology—cardiac, pediatric, regional, obstetric, pain, and critical care—creating a department that is as diverse in expertise as it is unified in mission. This collegial structure provides a supportive environment where subspecialty colleagues enrich your own practice and provide abundant opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.
A Department Anchored by Visionary Leadership and Subspecialty Experts
When you assume the Vice Chair role, you’ll join a robust and well-established anesthesiology department, with a blend of academic, clinical, and subspecialty expertise. Below is a deeper look at key departmental figures and their roles — names and profiles drawn from publicly available sources:
Leadership & Core Faculty
- Dr. Steffen Meiler, MD, Professor & Department Chair
As Chair of the Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine, Dr. Meiler holds the Z. W. Gramling Endowed Chair in Anesthesiology and provides the strategic vision and administrative oversight for the department. (Augusta University)
- Dr. Mary E. Arthur, MD, MPH, FASE, FASA
Serving as Vice Chair for Education & Faculty Development, Dr. Arthur also leads the Residency Program and the Neuroanesthesia/Specialized Training (NST) fellowship. Her dual role in education and faculty growth positions her as a key collaborator. (Augusta University)
She is also affiliated as an anesthesiologist with Wellstar, reinforcing clinical bridges between the academic and health system arms. (Wellstar Health System)
- Dr. Ivan Florentino, MD, Professor
Holds appointments in both Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine and Pediatrics, reflecting multidisciplinary reach within perioperative care. (Augusta University)
- Dr. Vikas Kumar, MD, Professor
With joint appointments in Anesthesiology and Trauma/Critical Care Surgery, Dr. Kumar contributes deep experience in perioperative and critical-care cross-disciplinary work. (Augusta University)
- Dr. Mafdy Basta, MD, Associate Professor
Senior faculty member in the department, involved in general anesthesiology and departmental teaching. (Augusta University)
- Dr. Sheryl Ang, MBBS, MRCP, CHSE, Assistant Professor
As Assistant Professor and Associate Clerkship Director, Dr. Ang contributes to both clinical teaching and the medical student anesthesia curriculum. (Augusta University)
- Other Clinical Faculty
The department lists additional faculty such as Nicolas Avila, MD, and Caryl Bailey, MBBS, among others, contributing to the breadth of subspecialty coverage. (Augusta University)
Affiliated Clinician-Anesthesiologists in the Health System
Beyond the core academic faculty, the Wellstar MCG Health anesthesia practice includes many practicing clinicians who collaborate closely with the academic mission:
- Dr. Christopher Schild, MD
Anesthesiologist affiliated with Wellstar, with previous training at MCG, contributing to clinical capacity within the health system. (Wellstar Health System)
- Practicing Anesthesiologists at Wellstar Anesthesia (Augusta, Harper Street location)
The Wellstar anesthesia practice includes numerous affiliate and employed anesthesiologists: Vikas Kumar, Vaibhav Bora, Akbar Herekar, Mary Arthur, Mafdy Basta, Lyndon Lennard, Lori Russo, Ashish Sakharpe, Ravi Devarapalli, Mohamed Ben Omran, and others. (Wellstar Health System)
Mentorship & Trainee Structure
- 48 residents are distributed across PGY levels in a robust residency program. (Augusta University)
- Faculty engagement at every level—medical students, residents, and fellows—ensures an environment rich in mentorship and academic growth. (Augusta University)
- The presence of subspecialty and cross-disciplinary faculty (e.g. pediatric anesthesia, trauma collaboration) supports deeper mentorship and internal career advancement.
You will find yourself part of a team that values both professional excellence and human connection—colleagues who respect your leadership, support your initiatives, and share your commitment to advancing perioperative medicine on a national stage.