ASRA Pain Medicine Member Spotlight

This month’s member spotlight features Walid Alrayashi, MD, who is the director of regional anesthesiology at Boston Children’s Hospital at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Alrayashi was nominated by John Hagen, MD. Dr. Hagen says, “Dr. Alrayashi has made remarkable contributions to the field of pediatric regional anesthesia, setting a high standard for innovation and excellence. Among his many achievements is the establishment of a robust ambulatory catheter program, which delivers long-lasting pain control for children recovering at home, further elevating patient care and access. “His humanitarian efforts, including the development of pediatric anesthesia programs in underserved regions such as Zambia and Libya, exemplify his deep commitment to improving health care on a global scale,” Dr. Hagen continues. You can learn more about Dr. Alrayashi below.

Do you consider yourself primarily a regional anesthesiologist, an acute pain practitioner, or a chronic pain specialist (or some combination of these)? What led you to choose this specialty?

I am primarily a pediatric anesthesiologist with a focus on regional anesthesiology and point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS). My interest in this specialty stemmed from the significant opportunity to enhance pediatric care. While regional anesthesiology and POCUS have transformed adult anesthesia practice, pediatric patients have not yet fully benefitted from these advances. I am committed to closing this gap by driving innovation, expanding access, and advancing education to bring these powerful tools to the forefront of pediatric anesthesiology.

What do you like best about your job? What gets you excited about going to work?

The most fulfilling part of my job is seeing children receive compassionate, state-of-the-art care that improves their outcomes and comfort. I find immense satisfaction in educating and mentoring physicians to excel in diagnosing and treating acute medical issues, improving postoperative pain management, and optimizing functional recovery. Watching these efforts translate into better patient care and inspiring future leaders in the field makes every day rewarding.

How and when did you get involved with ASRA Pain Medicine?

My journey with ASRA Pain Medicine began during my early training years. I was drawn to its mission of advancing the science and practice of regional anesthesiology and pain medicine. Through the years, I have engaged with ASRA Pain Medicine in various capacities, particularly in workshops and educational initiatives, which align with my passion for teaching and innovation in pediatric regional anesthesia.

Do you feel that your work with ASRA Pain Medicine has had an impact on your career and if so, how?

ASRA Pain Medicine has been a good platform to connect with like-minded colleagues, share ideas, and contribute to the field’s growth.

What leadership positions have you held in the field of regional anesthesia and pain medicine?

I have had the privilege of developing several programs from the ground up, including innovative approaches to pediatric regional anesthesia. My work has focused on integrating advanced techniques and tools like POCUS to enhance safety and efficacy in pediatric care. I’ve also expanded educational outreach globally and currently direct the largest pediatric regional anesthesia program in the United States, where we continue to set new benchmarks in patient care and training excellence.

Is there anything you’d like to tell medical students or residents who are considering a career in anesthesia and/or pain medicine?

Pursue your passion with curiosity and determination. Anesthesia and pain medicine offer a unique blend of technical expertise, innovation, and patient-centered care. Whether advancing techniques like regional anesthesia or contributing to cutting-edge research, you can make a lasting impact on patient outcomes. Embrace learning, seek mentorship, and never stop challenging yourself to improve towards the highest levels of excellence.

In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge facing the field of regional anesthesia and pain medicine today?

The greatest challenge is ensuring equitable access to advanced regional anesthetic techniques and resources globally. There is also a pressing need to address knowledge gaps and variability in practice, particularly in pediatric regional anesthesia. Expanding education and training opportunities, along with fostering innovation, are critical steps in overcoming these barriers.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work and why?

Outside of work, I cherish spending time with my family and friends. I am passionate about staying active, whether it’s going to the gym, swimming, practicing martial arts, hiking, or cycling. Traveling is another hobby, as it allows me to explore new cultures and gain fresh perspectives. These activities help me meet amazing people, continuously grow, and stay inspired.

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