DNAP-C Student Spotlight
Thomas Aimonetti
DNAP, CRNA, APRN
Thomas is currently an Obstetric CRNA at Williamson Medical Center in Franklin, TN. With 26 years of experience as a CRNA, he primarily practices in an Obstetrics setting, though he also provides coverage in the main OR and at plastic surgery centers. Thomas earned his BSN from Arkansas Tech University in 1992 and an MS from MTSA in 1998. He complete his DNAP degree in 2024.
Throughout his career, Thomas has aspired to specialize in regional anesthesia but was limited by the practice model he worked within. Recognizing the importance of expanding his skills, he pursued specialized training through the Acute Surgical Pain Management Fellowship at MTSA. With this advanced training, Thomas plans to implement a multi-modal protocol for obstetric patients undergoing cesarean sections to enhance pain management and patient outcomes in his practice.
James Hilfiger
DNAP, CRNA, APRN
James began his CRNA career by graduating from TCU with an MSNA in 2011. He worked at the only level 1 trauma center in Oklahoma, the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, which is a large academic facility with approximately 50 CRNAs, 50 anesthesia residents, and 50 attending anesthesiologists. He was able to see most every kind of procedure in his five years there.
He moved on to a CRNA-only group at Bone and Joint at St. Anthony’s in Oklahoma City, where he performed mostly neuraxial and regional anesthetics. It was there he developed a passion for regional and heard about MTSA’s Acute Surgical Pain Management Fellowship. After three years there, James was offered an opportunity in rural Oklahoma at Stillwater Medical Center, an independent practice with two MDAs and 11 CRNAs. He has been at SMC for over four years and is in the process of developing an acute pain service.
Hewan Alemayehu
DNAP, CRNA, APRN
With over 15 years of experience in nurse anesthesia, Hewan is a highly skilled Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). She has a robust educational background, including a Master’s in Nurse Anesthesia from Georgetown University, a Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice degree, and an Acute Surgical Pain Management Fellowship completion. She holds multiple state licenses and certifications, including advanced management and global health credentials.
Throughout her career, Hewan has provided anesthesia services across various settings, from general surgery to specialized pain procedures, while also dedicating herself to clinical education. As a business owner and educator, she mentors the next generation of CRNAs, emphasizing regional anesthesia techniques and opioid-sparing analgesia practice. Her professional affiliations and commitment to community service further demonstrate her dedication to advancing the field of nurse anesthesia.
Michael Shafer
MSN, CRNA
Michael Shafer will be obtaining his Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice from Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia in 2024. As part of his Doctorate work, he helped create a patient education app on non-surgical chronic pain treatments. He had previously obtained his Master of Science in Nursing and his CRNA credential from the joint program offered through Kaiser Permanente School of Anesthesia and California State University, Fullerton in 2016—where he received the Agatha Hodgins Award.
Michael has primarily provided anesthesia services in Spokane, WA, and Coeur d’Alene, ID. He is currently on track to become a partner for his anesthesia group, where he is working in an autonomous practice setting. For the past eight years, Michael has been a clinical preceptor to the SRNAs of Gonzaga University’s School of Nurse Anesthesia, where he has also been a guest lecturer. At various points in his career, Michael has been an Anesthesia Clinical Education Coordinator and a presenter for the California Association of Nurse Anesthesiology.
In his free time, Michael and his family enjoy water skiing and paddleboarding in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.
Jeffery E. Ferguson
Quadratus Lumborum Block and Transversus Abdominis Plane Block in Non-emergency Cesarean Delivery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
AUTHORS: Jeffery E. Ferguson DNAP, CRNA; Tito D. Tubog PhD, DNAP, CRNA; William Johnson DNAP, CRNA; Hallie Evans DNP, CRNA, APRN; James Furstein PhD, CRNA