I’m Dr. Christine Whitten. I’m a practicing anesthesiologist dedicated for the past 3 decades to improving patient safety, one airway at a time. I’m very proud that my book, Anyone Can Intubate, is coming out in its 5th print edition and is also now available as an e-book, complete with video. My book, as well as my training videos on intubation and airway management, are used in training programs both nationally and internationally. The evolution of the computer has allowed me to share my knowledge by becoming a writer, director, producer, videographer, and graphic artist. It truly is a brave new world for education.
I graduated from Johns Hopkins medical school in 1979, then finished my internship, residency, and fellowships at the Naval Hospitals of Portsmouth, VA, and San Diego, CA. I served 12 years in the Navy, leaving with the final rank of Commander to join the staff at Kaiser Permanente, San Diego where I still practice.
Medicine has changed a lot since I finished my training. In fact, I was told during my first day of medical school that within the next 10 years, 50% of what we were about to be taught would be found wrong. We were also told that we’d only remember 25% of what we were about to learn. Our only hope, unless we continued to study, was that we would remember our 25% from the 50% that was still correct.
My goal with my books, videos, and articles as well as with this blog, is to help you continue to learn. My planned topics will include keeping your patients, and yourselves, safe while intubating and ventilating your patients; learning to use new equipment; avoiding and managing complications; anesthesia care; and doing volunteer work in the developing world. As time goes on, I hope that you will suggest topics and keep the discussion going. I look forward to continuing the conversation with you.
I have recently came across this website as I was googling: “best ways to avoid LMA overinflation.” The amount and depth of information available on this page is incredible. I had the honor to learn from Dr. Whitten during one of my rotations in San Diego. She is very passionate about education and patient safety. I am definitely aiming to read every piece of information available here. Thank you Dr. Whitten for your contribution in educating Anesthetists to become better practitioners.
Thank you Hisham for the compliment. It’s my honor to contribute to our next generation of providers. I hope things are going well for you.
Hi Christine, Its great to see all your written pieces on a topic that’s probably very difficult for many to navigate in the beginning. I see your graduated from JHU, did you know Clare Hochreiter in your class? She is my cardiologist, and believe she graduated around the same time as you. I look forward to reading and learning more about the airway, through your experiences! Thank you for sharing. –
Hi Dr Whitten, would you know Dr Clare Hochreiter from JHU. I believe you two graduated the same year. She’s my cardiologist. Small world if so…thanks for sharing your experiences! I am interested in applying to JHU this summer, and hope to visit in June.
Yes , I do know Claire, although I have not seen her since medical school. Small world indeed. Good luck with your application. Johns Hopkins a was phenomenal experience.
Yes the world is very small! I adore Dr. Hochreiter! She is quite an inspiration for me…and I hope to one day be at least half as good as she is to me! I’m looking forward to visiting Hopkins in June! Really competitive school, but I’m going to give it a shot.