Ohio Dominican University Celebrates First Anesthesiologist Assistant Cohort Graduation 

Ohio Dominican University (ODU) proudly announces the graduation of its inaugural Anesthesiologist Assistant cohort, marking a significant milestone in the university’s history. The ceremony and celebration honored the 22 trailblazing graduates who have completed this rigorous program and are poised to make an impact in the field of anesthesiology. 

Demonstrating the program’s success, all 22 graduates have accepted positions in the field, with 11 committing to roles within Ohio and three others still considering opportunities in the state. 

Key awards and recognitions were presented during the ceremony, celebrating outstanding contributions and achievements: 

  • Program Champion: Adolph V. Lombardi Jr., MD
  • Preceptor of the Year: Tim Kendig, MS, CAA
  • Anesthesiologist Preceptor of the Year: Sam Rizk, MD
  • Faculty of the Year: Ashley Dellimuti, MS, CAA
  • Didactic Student of the Year: Gracie Glass
  • Clinical Student of the Year: Sydney Livermore

ODU’s Anesthesiologist Assistant master’s program, is specifically designed to prepare highly skilled anesthesiologist assistants to work collaboratively within the anesthesiologist led- anesthesia care team- in the delivery of safe and effective anesthesia care. By combining rigorous academic coursework with hands-on clinical experience, the program has set a high standard for excellence in training anesthesiologist assistants. This achievement highlights the program’s commitment to strengthening healthcare in Ohio and beyond.

View photos from the ceremony.

  • Aaron Grabovich, Program Director of Anesthesiologist Assistant Program, addresses the first Anesthesiologist Assistant Cohort graduates.
  • Graduates listening as Aaron Grabovich, Program Director of Anesthesiologist Assistant Program, address to them.
  • Faculty from the Anesthesiologist Assistant and Physician Assistant programs and Shonna Riedlinger, Acting President, listen as Aaron Grabovich, Program Director of Anesthesiologist Assistant Program, addresses the graduates.
  • Graduates applaud as Aaron Grabovich, Program Director of Anesthesiologist Assistant Program, finishes the address.
  • Tara Goins, Assistant Program Director of AA Program addresses the graduates.
  • Shonna Riedlinger, Acting President, addresses the graduates.
  • Cameron Powell, Assistant Professor & Program Director of Physician Assistant Studies addresses the graduates.
  • Graduate applauds after listening to Cameron Powell, Assistant Professor & Program Director of Physician Assistant Studies, address the cohort
  • Graduates smiling as they listen to the speeches.
  • Graduates look at their programs.
  • Graduates stand with the faculty and staff of the Anesthesiologist Assistant and Physician Assistant Programs and Shonna Riedlinger, Acting President.
  • Graduates in their caps and gowns celebrate their graduation.

View a recording of the ceremony below.