MINNEAPOLIS, MN- July 1, 2019 – The University of Minnesota was one of only 39 institutions awarded the distinction of “Center of Excellence” for obstetric anesthesia from the Society of Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology (SOAP).  

“I would like to thank all of my colleagues on the obstetric service for the care and dedication you are providing to patients,” said Leslie Renfro, MD, assistant professor in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Minnesota Medical School, “To meet the qualifications needed to become a center of excellence for OB anesthesia care, as designated by the leaders in the field of OB anesthesia, sets the University of Minnesota apart in the care provided to the obstetric population.”

The “Center of Excellence” distinction is voted on by the board members of SOAP. The designation is determined by current clinical practice, proposed practice changes, and ongoing education in obstetric anesthesiology. This honor will be upheld for the next four years.

“We are also very fortunate to work with such a great team of obstetricians, Maternal-Fetal Medicine physicians, midwives and nurses. Without this team, we never would have been able to receive this distinction. I am very proud to work with all of you,” said Renfro.

SOAP is comprised of anesthesiologists, obstetricians, pediatricians and basic scientists who share an interest in the care of pregnant patients and their newborns. SOAP states, “The mission of this Society is to improve the pregnancy-related outcomes of women and neonates through the support of obstetric anesthesiology research, the provision of education to its members, other providers, and pregnant women, and the promotion of excellence in clinical anesthetic care.”

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Contact: Krystle Barbour
Media Relations Manager, University of Minnesota Medical School
kbarbour@umn.edu
612-626-2767