St. Joseph Hospital Names Elena N. Gutman, MD, MHS, Chair of the Department of Anesthesia

Nationally recognized physician leader brings extensive expertise in patient safety, quality improvement and medical education

NASHUA, N.H. — August 13, 2026 — St. Joseph Hospital is pleased to announce the appointment of Elena N. Gutman, MD, MHS, as Chair of the Department of Anesthesia, effective August 1, 2026.

Dr. Gutman succeeds Benjamin Grudinskas, MD, whose leadership, dedication and service to the department have been deeply appreciated throughout his tenure.

An accomplished anesthesiologist, educator and nationally recognized leader in quality improvement and patient safety, Dr. Gutman brings extensive experience in clinical excellence, regulatory affairs, physician leadership and medical education.

“Dr. Gutman’s expertise and commitment to patient safety will be tremendous assets to St. Joseph Hospital and the patients we serve,” said John A. Jurczyk, President of St. Joseph Hospital. “Her collaborative leadership style and proven ability to advance quality and clinical excellence will help strengthen our anesthesia services and support our continued commitment to delivering exceptional, patient-centered care.”

Dr. Gutman most recently served as Associate Professor and Vice Chair of Quality Management and Regulatory Affairs in the Department of Anesthesiology at Yale School of Medicine. In that role, she led initiatives focused on clinical quality, regulatory excellence, patient safety and physician education while helping prepare the next generation of anesthesiology leaders.

She has held numerous leadership positions throughout the Yale New Haven Health System, including Medical Director for Regulatory Affairs. Her work has focused on strengthening clinical systems, advancing continuous quality improvement and supporting safe, reliable care across complex healthcare environments.

Dr. Gutman earned a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics-Biology from Brown University and a Doctor of Medicine from Weill Cornell Medicine. She also earned a Master of Health Science degree from Yale University. She completed her anesthesiology residency and a Quality and Safety Fellowship at Yale New Haven Hospital.

Throughout her career, Dr. Gutman has been recognized for her commitment to excellence in education, leadership and patient safety. She received the Paul G. Barash Faculty Award for Excellence in Education and Leadership from Yale University.

She is also co-author of 50 Studies Every Anesthesiologist Should Know, published by Oxford University Press.

As Chair of the Department of Anesthesia, Dr. Gutman will provide strategic and clinical leadership for the department, guiding the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered anesthesia care while fostering collaboration, innovation, professional development and continuous quality improvement.

“I am honored to join St. Joseph Hospital and lead its Department of Anesthesia,” said Dr. Gutman. “I look forward to working alongside the hospital’s talented physicians, clinicians and staff to build upon the department’s strong foundation and continue advancing safe, compassionate and high-quality care for our patients.”