Anesthesiology

HumAnes of UCLA: Dane Saksa, MD, MBA

HumAnes of UCLA: Dane Saksa, MD, MBA | Director, Non-Operating Room Anesthesia & Assistant Clinical Professor

Dr. Dane Saksa and husband, Ryan, skiing on vacation

Where did you grow up, and what was your path to LA/UCLA?
I was born and raised in Wichita, Kansas – the youngest of four kids. Both my parents were teachers at my high school, which was sometimes fun, sometimes not! Undergrad took me to Stanford, and after a few years in San Francisco, I made my way to New York City for med school. New York was also sometimes fun, sometimes not… so when I matched at UCLA for residency, I was excited to see what Southern California had to offer. Needless to say, I found my home here.

What do you most enjoy about your job? 
I love our departmental family most of all. Coming to work with friends is something not all anesthesiologists have. The energy of the residents is the best. And for me, the ability to practice complex anesthesia and also to explore my interests in health care operations and quality is the perfect balance.

Can you share a little bit about your family, including any pets?  

DAPM Dr. Dane Saksa's dogs at the beach during sunset


I moved to LA with Ryan, who is now my husband, and we both have loved it. No kids for us. But, we have two wonderful Shiba Inus named Roger and Hugo, who keep our life exciting and adorable.

What are some things you enjoy doing outside of work? 
Since it’s winter, the first thing that comes to mind is skiing. I get away to the mountains as often as our gracious Board Runners allow during the winter months. When LA shines the most, I love to explore hikes or lounge at the beach with a good novel (no surfing for this guy). I also used to play classical piano and am fortunate to still have that in my life.

You're quite the traveler! Where are some of your favorite places you've traveled to? Do you have any fun vacations coming up? 
Great question! One of the best vacations of my life was a two-week trip to Bali recently with our esteemed colleague, Dr. Linda Li, and my husband. When I die, please reincarnate me as a dog in Bali. Up next: more skiing, and then some summer lake time where my family has some memories on the coast of Lake Michigan.

 

DAPM Dr. Dane Saksa and husband, Ryan, in front of windmills

Have you seen any TV shows or movies recently that you'd recommend?  What about books you've read?
I actually try to go to the movies once a week – it’s my fun escape. So… any Oscar nominee this year? I’ve seen it. If you’re feeling determined, the 3.5 hour-long Brutalist is worth it. If you want to cry happy tears, watch The Wild Robot. I’m reading the second installment of The Fourth Wing fantasy-romance series at the moment… let’s just say I save the serious reading for work.

Do you ever skip arm day? 😂
I do not.

Do you have any hidden talents or things about you that might surprise us?
When I was in high school, I was a somewhat prolific singer-songwriter… there’s a demo out there somewhere. If I hadn’t become a doctor, who knows what could have been?