The Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine is pleased to announce that Dr. Casey Quinlan will assume the role of residency program director this July. Quinlan, who began her training in the program as an intern in 2015, is now an assistant professor of pediatric anesthesiology at Seattle Children’s Hospital and most recently served as associate residency program director.
A long-range strategy
The leadership change is the result of an intentional succession plan led by current program director Dr. Matthew Hallman, who will remain actively involved as the new associate program director. Combined, these changes underscore both continuity and forward momentum for the residency.
Reflecting on his leadership, Dr. Hallman described how his vision for the program evolved during his ten years as director. “Early on, my focus was ensuring our graduates were ready for clinical practice,” he said. “But it quickly became clear that the continued success of the residency required a broader effort.”
With the support of then department chair, Dr. Michael Crowder, Hallman prioritized building a durable administrative structure to match the size and scope of the program, resulting in long-term improvements to didactics, evaluations, mentorship, peer support, rotations and recruiting. Even despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the program sustained momentum, with “a renewed energy to be exceptional,” Hallman said.
Hallman’s leadership efforts have enabled the residency to place greater emphasis on program flexibility, individualized training pathways and enhanced mentorship. These priorities remain central, alongside a stronger alignment with the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and The American Board of Anesthesiology’s shift toward competency-based assessment.
A seamless transition
Quinlan’s path through the program—from resident to chief resident to associate program director—positions her well to step into the role.
“We started thinking about succession planning almost five years ago because we knew it would take time to find the right person,” Hallman shared. “Dr. Quinlan came onto our radar way back when she was a resident… Over the past three years as an associate program director, she has repeatedly demonstrated the capacity to do this job well.”
Describing Quinlan as “an excellent listener, incredibly thoughtful in her deliberations, and one of the hardest workers I know,” Hallman added that her “approachability, open mind and work ethic” have earned widespread trust that will help to lead new initiatives and drive positive change.
For Quinlan, the director role represents both a professional milestone and a personal commitment. “I view the director position as a service role,” she said, “helping to foster the aspirations and strengths of each resident as they navigate their own path.”
In addition to her roles within the department, she has participated in the Teaching Scholars Program at the UW School of Medicine Center for Learning and Innovation in Medical Education (CLIME), and in professional development opportunities hosted by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and the American Board of Anesthesiology.
“These experiences have shaped my understanding that there are as many realities in the room as there are individuals,” she said. “Each person’s lived experience is inextricably linked to how they engage in our learning environment and clinical space.”
Having trained in the program, Quinlan understands the breadth of opportunities ahead and the diverse expertise of our faculty. “I am driven by the challenge of helping to leverage the best of what our clinical sites can offer, “she shared,” while simultaneously working to build a sense of belonging and community.”
Looking ahead, Hallman expressed strong confidence in the transition. “Dr. Quinlan is focused on both maintaining the great things in the program and pushing us to be even better,” Dr. Hallman said, adding, “We’re very fortunate to have someone of her caliber in the role.”
The department is deeply grateful to Dr. Hallman for his decade of leadership and looks forward to the residency program’s continued growth under Dr. Quinlan’s direction.
Pictured above: Drs. Matthew Hallman and Casey Quinlan at the graduation celebration held on June 18 for the UW Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine Residency Program.