Dr. Lori D. Conklin, MD

Expert Publications

• Technical aspects of mitral valve replacement with an allograft for acute bacterial endocarditis.
• Left thoracoscopic sympathectomy and stellate ganglionectomy for treatment of the long QT syndrome.
• The technical aspects of radial artery harvesting.
• Technical aspects of the Ross procedure.
• Autotransplantation of the heart for primary cardiac malignancy: development and surgical technique.
• The surgeon's work in transition: should surgeons spend more time outside the hospital? Con.
• Left heart bypass during descending thoracic aortic aneurysm repair does not reduce the incidence of paraplegia.
• The reversed elephant trunk technique used for treatment of complex aneurysms of the entire thoracic aorta.

Media Releases

Alaska’s Own Advocate for Patient Safety, Education, and the Fight Against Opioid Misuse

Dr. Lori Conklin, a Staff Anesthesiologist at Alaska Native Medical Center and former Partner at Providence Anchorage Anesthesia Medical Group is making waves in the medical community with her commitment to patient safety, education, and advocacy. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Conklin is not only a seasoned physician anesthesiologist but also a passionate advocate for raising awareness about the dangers of opioid use and the importance of higher education among young individuals.

Her medical journey began with her undergraduate studies at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas, followed by her medical education at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center in Houston. She completed her anesthesiology residency at Baylor College of Medicine, gaining invaluable skills that she later brought to her esteemed roles as Vice Chair at West Virginia University Hospitals and Chief of Vascular Anesthesia at the University of Virginia. Now based in Anchorage, she is dedicated to serving the native community and fostering advancements in anesthesia practices.

Professionally, Dr. Conklin is deeply committed to encouraging residents to engage in legislative issues that impact anesthesiology. Her involvement in professional organizations such as the Wilderness Medicine Society, the Respiratory Care Committee for ASA, the American Trauma Society, the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, the International Anesthesia Research Society, the American Society of Anesthesiologists, the American Medical Association, Women in Anesthesia, and the Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists reflects her dedication to the specialty and the advancement of medical practices.  She also served the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia by serving on the Board of Medicine for 8 years culminating in being elected President of the Board during her final year.  Appointed by two Governors, both a Republican and a Democrat, Dr. Conklin established herself as a patient advocate putting forth legislation involving opioid abuse, telehealth, and scope of practice issues.  

“Education and advocacy are vital in shaping the future of anesthesiology and ensuring patient safety,” she states. “I am passionate about empowering young people to make informed decisions about their health and future.”

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dr. Conklin is an avid outdoorswoman who embraces the beauty of Alaska. She enjoys hiking, photography, big game hunting, and homesteading, often sharing her adventures on her family-oriented YouTube channel, Lori.In.Alaska, and Instagram @Lori_in_Alaska. On her six-acre property, she raises Nigerian Dwarf goats and lambs while pursuing her private pilot license, inspiring others to step outside their comfort zones and embrace life’s unpredictability. 

Dr. Conklin’s multifaceted career and adventurous spirit continue to inspire those around her, making her a remarkable figure in both the medical field and the Alaskan community. 

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