A former anesthesiology resident at Seattle Children’s Hospital and other UW Medicine facilities was sentenced to one year of supervised release and 200 hours of community service for diverting narcotic pain medication for personal use while treating patients. The sentencing took place in U.S. District Court in Seattle, with U.S. District Judge Kymberly K. Evanson presiding.
Andrew Voegel-Podadera, 36, from Seattle, admitted to taking fentanyl, hydromorphone, and other medications during his residency between 2022 and 2024 at Seattle Children’s Hospital, Harborview Medical Center, and the UW Medical Center. According to court records, he sometimes consumed these drugs while still on duty, including during a shift where he treated an 11-day-old patient.
At the sentencing hearing, Judge Evanson stated: “This was a serious offense… the consequences of which could have been more serious and tragic.”
U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd commented: “This defendant was entrusted with caring for patients, including young and vulnerable patients. It is chilling to think that he took powerful narcotics while a tiny baby needed his full and unimpaired attention. This case should serve as a message that nobody is above the law and healthcare professionals will be held accountable when they divert narcotics and put patients in harm’s way.”
Prosecutors highlighted the risks involved in their submission to the court: “Anesthesiologists administer precise doses of potent medications and perform delicate procedures like intubations…. Voegel-Podadera’s behavior put [his patients] at risk. An intoxicated doctor is far more likely to make mistakes, and mistakes in this setting can be costly.”
The investigation began after an attending physician noticed unusual behavior by Voegel-Podadera at Seattle Children’s Hospital on December 27, 2024. He had been replacing pain medication vials intended for patients with saline solution under the guise of wastage.
Robert A. Saccone, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Seattle Field Division said: “Dr. Voegel-Podadera selfishly diverted powerful pain medication away from patients, including young children and infants, while he worked as an anesthesiologist at Seattle Children’s Hospital… Dr. Voegel-Podadera violated both his oath and the law. We are proud that DEA and our partners could stop him from endangering young patients. DEA remains unwavering in our commitment to saving American lives.”
Special Agent in Charge Robert Iwanicki from FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Los Angeles Field Office added: “The diversion of controlled substances by medical professionals is a serious breach of public trust and patient safety… The defendant’s actions not only violated federal law but also placed vulnerable pediatric patients at risk. The FDA is committed to protecting the integrity of our healthcare system and ensuring that patients receive the safe and effective medications they deserve.”
Voegel-Podadera has since been terminated from his residency program, surrendered his DEA registration permitting him to prescribe controlled substances, and given up his medical license for at least five years.
In court statements, Voegel-Podadera expressed regret about not seeking help sooner for addiction issues; he has since begun speaking with groups of medical residents about addiction risks.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) along with Food and Drug Administration – Office of Criminal Investigations (FDA-OCI) conducted the investigation into this case.
Assistant United States Attorneys Philip Kopczynski and Amanda McDowell prosecuted the case.
