Brenda A. Gentz, MD

Associate Professor, Clinical Anesthesiology

Dr. Brenda Gentz completed her undergraduate training at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Chemistry and Spanish Art and Literature. Dr. Gentz worked for several years as a research technologist. During that time, she participated in gas stat research (a continuous ABG monitor used during bypass surgery), measured percutaneous gas levels of neonates in the ICU, and evaluated lignin (a breakdown product derived from wood). She attended medical school at the University of Washington, Seattle, Washington. Her senior research project evaluated the role of oncogenes and protein receptor duplication on the development of breast cancer. Dr. Gentz completed a two-year preliminary surgical residence at University of Washington. She received anesthesia training through the University of Arizona Integrated Residency Program in Phoenix, Arizona. Dr. Gentz was co-chief resident at Maricopa Medical. After graduation she traveled to Virginia Mason Medical center to complete a year as a regional fellow and simultaneously became board certified. Dr. Gentz is active in teaching, research and the promotion of regional anesthesia for both acute and chronic pain. She has been a part of the University of Arizona residency program since 1997 and has been honored with several teaching awards. Dr. Gentz is a Past-President of the Arizona Society of Anesthesiologists and is Program Chair for the annual meeting in February. She is an American Society of Anesthesiologists delegate and has served on several national committees (Fundamentals of Anesthesia, Outreach Education Committee and Equipment and Facilities).  Dr. Gentz is Associate Professor of Clinical Anesthesiology and Director, Anesthesia in Satellite Locations, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Arizona, College of Medicine.

Research Interests: 

A Double-blind Controlled Pilot Study of High-Dose Capsaicin Patches in the Treatment of Pain Associated with Postherpetic Neuralgia (C102) 1.) (PI: Dr. Malan; Sponsor: NeurogesX) Epidural sustained release encapsulated morphine (SKY0401) in the management of postoperative pain following cesarean section. (Presentation: Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology Annual Meeting, Phoenix, AZ, May 2003.) (PI: Dr. Palmer SubPI: Drs Nogami and Gentz; sponsor: SkyPharma) The Effects of Continuous Femoral Nerve Catheter Anesthesia on Narcotic Usage after Total Knee Arthroplasty, (PI: Dr. Davis SubPI: Drs. Benjamin, Tabaa, Camarata, Kay, Gentz). Prepared for IRB submission 2005. Gentz B, Shupak R, Bhatt S, Bay C: Carbon dioxide dynamics during apneic oxygenation: the effects of preceding hypocapnia. J. Clin. Anesth. 1998 May; 20-23: 198-194. Gentz B, Malan T, Renal toxicity with sevoflurane: A storm in a teacup? Drugs. 61 (15):2155-62, 2001. Gentz B: Alternative therapies for the management of pain in labor and delivery. Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology. 44(4): 704-32, 2001 Dec.

Academic / Professional Bio: 

Dr. Brenda Gentz completed her undergraduate training at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Chemistry and Spanish Art and Literature. Dr. Gentz worked for several years as a research technologist. During that time, she participated in gas stat research (a continuous ABG monitor used during bypass surgery), measured percutaneous gas levels of neonates in the ICU, and evaluated lignin (a breakdown product derived from wood). She attended medical school at the University of Washington, Seattle, Washington. Her senior research project evaluated the role of oncogenes and protein receptor duplication on the development of breast cancer. Dr. Gentz completed a two-year preliminary surgical residence at University of Washington. She received anesthesia training through the University of Arizona Integrated Residency Program in Phoenix, Arizona. Dr. Gentz was co-chief resident at Maricopa Medical. After graduation she traveled to Virginia Mason Medical center to complete a year as a regional fellow and simultaneously became board certified. Dr. Gentz is active in teaching, research and the promotion of regional anesthesia for both acute and chronic pain. She has been a part of the University of Arizona residency program since 1997 and has been honored with several teaching awards. Dr. Gentz is a Past-President of the Arizona Society of Anesthesiologists and is Program Chair for the annual meeting in February. She is an American Society of Anesthesiologists delegate and has served on several national committees (Fundamentals of Anesthesia, Outreach Education Committee and Equipment and Facilities).  Dr. Gentz is Associate Professor of Clinical Anesthesiology and Director, Anesthesia in Satellite Locations, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Arizona, College of Medicine.

Degrees
  • BA: Williamette University, 1985
  • BA: Williamette University, 1986
  • MD: University of Washington, 1991
Residency
  • University of Arizona Integrated Residency, Anesthesiology, 1993-1995
Fellowship
  • Virginia Mason Medical Center, Regional Anesthesiology Fellowship, 1996-1997
Board Certifications
  • American Board of Anesthesiology, 1997