Brian T. Wessman, MD

2024 Dean’s Impact Award Recipient

Brian T. Wessman, MD, leaves a lasting impression on the mentees he guides, who describe him as a pillar of inspiration who has played a crucial role in their professional journeys. A former resident, critical care medicine (CCM) fellow, and now faculty colleague expressed profound gratitude, acknowledging Wessman’s role as an “awesome program director, an amazing mentor and a steadfast friend.” With over 15 years of involvement in post-graduate education and mentorship, Wessman has significantly contributed to the Critical Care Medicine-Anesthesiology Fellowship at WashU Medicine. Under his guidance, the fellowship has grown to accommodate 10 annual first-year training spots and additional second-year EM/CCM fellows, making it a nationally recognized program. Wessman’s mentorship extends beyond fellowship, influencing diverse career pathways, including palliative care medicine, community emergency medicine and research. In addition to dedicating himself to critical care fellows, Wessman is a mentor and sponsor to many medical students, residents, ICU nurses and ICU nurse practitioners. Colleagues say he is “truly everybody’s champion.”