William R Leighton

With over two decades of experience in anesthesiology and healthcare management, I played a pivotal role in establishing, leading, and expanding US Anesthesia Partners (USAP), the premier large anesthesia practice in the nation. Holding a Master of Business Administration from Rice University and a Doctor of Medicine from The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, along with completing my residency at Harvard Medical School, I am also a diplomate of The American Board of Anesthesiology.

My expertise spans diverse areas including payor contract negotiations, practice management strategies, employee benefits administration, compensation modeling, financial analysis, and recruitment. I have significantly contributed to the remarkable 1000% growth of USAP by collaborating with original financial sponsors, designing practice governance structures, and successfully negotiating with external practices. Across my tenure, I have held leadership roles in pivotal committees such as the Executive Committee, Board of Directors, Operations Committee, Human Resources Committee, and Finance and Compensation Committee. Additionally, I have effectively optimized plan expenses, managed the RFP process, and streamlined 401(k) plans, resulting in substantial cost savings for the partnership and ensuring financial stability for participants.

My extensive background in anesthesiology and peri-operative medicine encompasses working in various settings, including hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers. I am board certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology and actively engage in maintaining certification.

Throughout my career, I have served both as a primary provider of patient care and as a supervisor for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) and residents. My areas of expertise encompass a wide range of anesthesia practices including general anesthesia, regional anesthesia, local anesthesia, neuraxial anesthesia, obstetrical anesthesia, airway/difficult airway management, peri-operative medicine, monitored anesthesia care, IV sedation, acute pain management, Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) emergencies, and anesthesia practice management.