04/01/2026
Our USC School of Medicine Nurse Anesthesia Program 'SRNA of the Month' is Wes Browning! We asked, and Wes answered some questions about his experiences as a :
1️⃣ What motivated you to pursue nurse anesthesia?
I knew I wanted to work to be an for as long as I can remember. My interest in healthcare really started as a child. My sister and I were very close growing up. She was born blind and had significant medical challenges, and helping her inspired me to help others. My father is also a , so it has been an honor to follow in his footsteps. Nurse anesthesia felt like the perfect fit for me because it combines hands-on patient care, critical thinking, and the ability to make a real impact every day.
2️⃣ What has surprised you most about so far?
The constant level of commitment it takes has been the biggest surprise. I knew it would be tough, but there really is no off switch. You are always studying, preparing, or thinking through cases. It is incredibly demanding, but it has pushed me to grow more than anything else in my career.
3️⃣ What is something you are most proud of in your journey as an up to this point?
🩺 I’m most proud of how my clinical intuition and consistency in the OR have developed. Making the jump from the classroom to managing complex physiology in real time has taken discipline. I’m proud of the growth I’ve shown in those high-pressure situations. I’m also proud of the camaraderie within my cohort. Our class is very close. We’ve pushed each other to improve every day, which has made the experience especially rewarding.
4️⃣ When you are not studying or in the OR, how do you like to recharge or spend your free time?
⛷️Skiing is definitely my favorite thing to do. I actually just got back from a trip to Whistler, British Columbia, with my wife. I also try to stay consistent with working out, which has been really important during such a demanding program. I enjoy golf, family camping trips, and spending time with family and friends.
Congrats, Wes!!!
