Dr. Cortessa Russell Appointed Allen Hospital Anesthesiology Medical Director

Cortessa (Tess) Russell, MD, will serve as the next Anesthesiology Medical Director at the Allen Hospital, effective February 1, 2026. She succeeds Dr. Anis Dizdarevic, who will continue as Anesthesiology Medical Director at The One and Division Chief of Regional and Orthopedic Anesthesiology.

To the anesthesiology medical director role, Dr. Russell brings two decades of clinical excellence, experience in perioperative leadership, and a distinguished track record in critical care anesthesiology, education, and wellness innovation across CUIMC/NYP.

Since she was recruited to Columbia in 2015, Dr. Russell has provided robust service in diverse departmental positions.  As medical director of the Anesthesia Preoperative Evaluation and Exam (APEX) Clinic, she led a major expansion of its staffing model, significantly reduced cancellation rates for APEX-reviewed cases and developed an algorithmic preoperative optimization manual. As chair of the Education Committee of the ICU Division, she created multiple de novo educational programs, including a comprehensive ICU curricula and simulation scenarios.

Along with curriculum development, Dr. Russell has been recognized for her leadership in well-being initiatives and excellence in collaboration and teaching. She is the physician well-being lead for the Dean’s Office of Well-Being, and she is the recipient of numerous departmental and institutional awards, including CUIMC/NYP Attending Physician of the Year, NYP–Columbia–Cornell LEAD Academy Physician, Cardiothoracic ICU Attending of the Year twice, ICU Resident Teacher of the Year and the Kathryn Cozine Resident Teacher of the Year.

Congratulations, Dr. Russell!