Dr. Asha Renga Chari, MD

Dr. Chari took care of my anesthesia and pain control when I had a knee replacement on October 12. I was very nervous about getting spinal anesthesia, afraid the process would hurt and that I would have a low CSF headache afterward. Dr. Chari knew ahead of time that I had discussed this with my surgeon, and when she met with me that morning, she just exuded warmth and confidence in this method, explaining the ways in which a spinal block can be more appropriate than general anesthesia for my knee surgery. She pulled up a chair and sat at my level in the pre-op bay, and explained each step, along with details on the small needle size and the likelihood that I would have a headache-free result. Most important, she assured me that I could have a general if there was any difficulty in administering the spinal, so I knew there was a back-up. Her smile, humor and understanding greatly calmed my anxiety. I emerged from my surgery with my pain very well controlled, and without any headache in… the next few days.

I had the pleasure of meeting her when I was referred for a blood patch for a spinal fluid leak. This woman is an angel. She went above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable and properly cared for by everyone involved. Doctors like her are few and far between. I am forever grateful.