Kalamazoo Anesthesiology
Your Perioperative Experts
Caring for you before, during and after your procedure. KA is Southwest Michigan’s perioperative expert, a trusted and leading provider of all anesthesiology services in our region, and a uniquely qualified chronic pain consultant.
Going Under?
Our team consists of dedicated and detail-oriented experts who are passionate about their work. Our anesthesiologists are leaders in their field, committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for every patient. They recognize that success in the operating room depends on precision, expertise, and compassionate care.
Looking for more information about our Pain Clinic?
Our expertise in chronic pain management has its clinical roots in anesthesia, but our KA Pain Consultants are uniquely gifted at helping patients manage or eliminate chronic pain.
Located in Portage, Mi off of Center St., our clinic offers a variety of services and interventions. Find out more
Kalamazoo Anesthesiology Earns 2026 Great Place To Work Certification
June 19, 2026, Kalamazoo, MI - Kalamazoo Anesthesiology, P.C. is proud to announce it has been Certified™ by Great Place To Work® for the first time. This prestigious recognition is based entirely on feedback from current employees about their experience working at the practice.
In 2026, an impressive 95% of employees at Kalamazoo Anesthesiology, P.C. say it is a great place to work, compared to just 57% of employees at a typical U.S.-based company. This significant difference highlights the organization’s strong workplace culture and commitment to employee satisfaction.
Great Place To Work is the global authority on workplace culture, employee experience, and leadership behaviors proven to drive market-leading revenue, improve employee retention, and foster innovation. This certification underscores Kalamazoo Anesthesiology’s dedication to creating a supportive, high-performing environment for its team.
"Great Place To Work Certification is a highly coveted achievement that requires consistent and intentional dedication to the overall employee experience," says Sarah Lewis-Kulin, the Vice President of Global Recognition at Great Place To Work. She emphasizes that Certification is the sole official recognition earned by the real-time feedback of employees regarding their company culture. “By successfully earning this recognition, it is evident that Kalamazoo Anesthesiology stands out as one of the top companies to work for, providing a great workplace environment for its employees."
From Kalamazoo Anesthesiology's CEO, Dr. Vincent Pagano
“What I am most proud of is that people can change how they work with us as their lives change," said CEO Vince Pagano, MD. "Careers are long, and what someone needs early on may not be what they need later. We have worked hard to build a practice with enough different ways to work that our people rarely have to leave to find a better fit. They find it here, with colleagues who already know them. That is the kind of place I want to spend my own career, and I am grateful our team feels the same.
The rest is simple. We listen to feedback, we give people agency in solving problems, and we hold a high bar on clinical care and on how we treat each other. This certification tells me our team feels that, and that means a great deal."
Team Highlight
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Dr. Itamar Latin
Dr. Itamar Latin earned the gratitude of Emily, CRNA, for jumping in to assist with a challenging pediatric induction. His "superpower" negotiation skills and expert IV placement helped get the case off to a successful start.
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Janette Gustafson, CRNA
Dr. Benner recognized CRNA Janette Gustafson for her exceptional clinical work and positive attitude during a demanding 24-hour shift that spanned OB cases, high-acuity emergencies, and travel between sites. As Dr. Benner shared, “She is an asset to our team here at KA and within the community. Bravo!”
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Eric Johnson, CRNA
Dr. Friedman nominated CRNA Eric Johnson, SRNA Kristina Klusek, and Dr. Mike Sharghi for their outstanding teamwork and resuscitation efforts during a complex TAVR procedure that developed an unexpected complication. Their skill, collaboration, and determination helped achieve a positive outcome in a situation where the odds were uncertain.
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Dr. Mike Sharghi
Dr. Friedman nominated CRNA Eric Johnson, SRNA Kristina Klusek, and Dr. Mike Sharghi for their outstanding teamwork and resuscitation efforts during a complex TAVR procedure that developed an unexpected complication. Their skill, collaboration, and determination helped achieve a positive outcome in a situation where the odds were uncertain.
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Kristina Klusek, SRNA
Dr. Friedman nominated CRNA Eric Johnson, SRNA Kristina Klusek, and Dr. Mike Sharghi for their outstanding teamwork and resuscitation efforts during a complex TAVR procedure that developed an unexpected complication. Their skill, collaboration, and determination helped achieve a positive outcome in a situation where the odds were uncertain.
