Maria Cristina Gutierrez, M.D.

Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine

Maria Cristina Gutierrez is not currently accepting new patients. For assistance finding a UC Davis doctor, please call 800-2-UCDAVIS (800-282-3284).

Reviews

Specialties

Anesthesiology

Locations and Contact

Patient Support Services Building

Patient Support Services Building
4150 V St.
Sacramento, CA 95817

Get Directions

Phone: 916-734-5031

Additional Numbers

Physician Referrals

800-4-UCDAVIS (800-482-3284)

Philosophy of Care

As an obstetric anesthesiologist, my philosophy of care centers on advocating for the physical and emotional well-being of both the mother and fetus during childbirth. I believe in a patient-centered approach that prioritizes effective communication and collaboration with the obstetric team to ensure the safest and most comfortable anesthesia experience for each individual patient.

My approach to care begins with a thorough understanding of each patient's medical history, current health status, and personal preferences. I acknowledge that childbirth is a unique and often unpredictable experience, and therefore, I remain flexible and adaptable throughout the process to provide the most appropriate care for each patient's changing needs.

I am committed to providing evidence-based care that promotes the best possible outcomes for both the mother and child. I believe in providing compassionate care that acknowledges the emotional and psychological impact of childbirth on patients and their families. I strive to create a calm and supportive environment that fosters trust and open communication between myself, the patient, and their support system.

Ultimately, my philosophy of care as an obstetric anesthesiologist is centered on providing safe, effective, and compassionate care that empowers patients to make informed decisions about their anesthesia options and supports them throughout the childbirth process.

Clinical Interests

Dr. Gutierrez is an obstetric anesthesiologist who provides anesthesia care to pregnant women during labor and delivery.

She has a particular interest in managing pain during labor and delivery, and is skilled in a variety of pain management techniques, including neuraxial anesthesia (epidurals and spinals), nitrous oxide, and peripheral nerve blocks, and she is dedicated to tailoring her approach to meet the individual needs and preferences of each patient.

She is also interested in managing high-risk pregnancies and is experienced in caring for patients with pre-existing medical conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease. She is experienced in anesthetic care for fetal procedures including myelomeningocele repair.

Research/Academic Interests

Dr. Gutierrez's academic interest extends beyond clinical care to include simulation as a tool for training obstetric anesthesia providers and improving patient safety in labor and delivery.

Another area of academic interest for her is provider wellbeing. Dr. Gutierrez believes that by investing in the wellbeing of healthcare providers, we can improve patient outcomes and create a more sustainable healthcare system.

Division

General Anesthesiology

Medical School

M.D., Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia 1997

Internship

Surgery, UC Davis Medical Center, Sacramento CA 2006-2007

Residency

Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, UC Davis Medical Center, Sacramento CA 2007-2010

Fellowship

Obstetric Anesthesia, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto CA 2010-2011

Center of Excellence in Obstetric Anesthesia Care, SOAP, 2020

Deans' Team Award, Fetal Surgery Team, UC Davis Health, 2017

Nuttall GA, Gutierrez MC, Dewey JD, Johnson ME, Oyen LJ, Hanson AC, Oliver WC Jr. A preliminary study of a new tranexamic acid dosing schedule for cardiac surgery. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth. 2008 Apr;22(2):230-5. doi:10.1053/j.jvca.2007.12.016. PMID:18375325.

Butwick A, Gutierrez MC, Hilton G. The impact of advanced maternal age on peripartum thromboelastographic coagulation profiles: a prospective observational exploratory study. Can J Anaesth. 2015 May;62(5):504-12. doi:10.1007/s12630-014-0300-0. Epub 2014 Dec 31. PMID:25549988.

Gutierrez MC, Moore PG, Liu H. Goal-directed therapy in intraoperative fluid and hemodynamic management. J Biomed Res. 2013 Sep;27(5):357-65. doi:10.7555/JBR.27.20120128. Epub 2013 Mar 10. PMID:24086168.

Gutierrez MC, Goodnough LT, Druzin M, Butwick AJ. Postpartum hemorrhage treated with a massive transfusion protocol at a tertiary obstetric center: a retrospective study. Int J Obstet Anesth. 2012 Jul;21(3):230-5. doi:10.1016/j.ijoa.2012.03.005. Epub 2012 May 29. PMID:22647592.

Sultan P, Gutierrez MC, Carvalho B. Neuraxial morphine and respiratory depression: finding the right balance. Drugs. 2011 Oct 1;71(14):1807-19. doi:10.2165/11596250-000000000-00000. PMID:21942973.