(Far left) Akram Zaaqoq, MD, MPH; (third from left) Erin Hennessey, MD, MEHP
UVA Department of Anesthesiology faculty members Erin Hennessey, MD, MEHP, and Akram Zaaqoq, MD, MPH, were inducted into the American College of Critical Care Medicine (ACCM) and awarded Fellow of Critical Care Medicine (FCCM) status during the 2026 Critical Care Congress in Chicago this March.
The American College of Critical Care Medicine is an honorary organization within the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM), the largest nonprofit medical organization dedicated to advancing excellence and consistency in critical care. Established in 1988, ACCM recognizes SCCM members whose achievements, contributions, and personal commitment have helped advance the field. The organization also promotes collaboration among the many specialties and professions involved in critical care and serves as a consultative body for the Society.
As professor of anesthesiology and vice chair of education, Dr. Hennessey specializes in critical care. Her work centers on improving the ICU experience for patients and families, strengthening provider communication, and enhancing ventilator management. She is particularly interested in expanding the anesthesiologist’s role as a perioperative physician who provides continuity of care across the surgical experience.
Dr. Zaaqoq, associate professor of anesthesiology, has broad experience caring for critically ill surgical patients, including telemedicine management of patients on ECMO and mechanical circulatory support devices. His research focuses on temporary and durable mechanical circulatory support, and his contributions to the literature and clinical practice have had national and international impact.
Their recognition reflects UVA Anesthesiology’s strength in critical care, education, and innovation.
Filed Under: Honors & Awards