Former anesthesiology resident sentenced for stealing and using narcotic pain medicine while on duty

Seattle - A 36-year-old former anesthesiology resident at Seattle Children's Hospital and Harborview and University of Washington Medical Centers was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to one year of supervised release including 200 hours of community service for diverting narcotic pain medication to his own use while treating patients, announced U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd. Andrew Voegel-Podadera, of Seattle, was arrested in June 2025 and charged with obtaining controlled substances by fraud. Voegel-Podadera pleaded guilty in October 2025, admitting he secretly took fentanyl, hydromorphone, and other medications over the course of a year while working in the UW Medicine system. He sometimes used the diverted substances while still at the hospital, meaning he was under the influence of potent narcotics while treating patients.

At today's sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Kymberly K. Evanson said, "This was a serious offense… the consequences of which could have been more serious and tragic."

"This defendant was entrusted with caring for patients, including young and vulnerable patients," said U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd. "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."

According to records filed in the case, between 2022 and 2024, Voegel-Podadera worked as a resident anesthesiologist. He did rotations at Seattle Children's Hospital, Harborview Medical Center, and the UW Medical Center. On December 27, 2024, Voegel-Podadera saw three patients at Children's - the youngest was just 11-days old. From the beginning of his shift, Voegel-Podadera began stealing and using pain medications that were meant for patients. He consumed fentanyl and hydromorphone and then returned the vials to the pharmacy with saline in them, claiming it was "wastage."

Fortunately, the attending physician found his behavior odd and reported it to others at Children's. Ultimately, Voegel-Podadera admitted stealing and taking drugs while on duty as far back as January 2024.

In asking that Voegel-Podadera do prison time, prosecutors wrote 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."

"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," said Robert A. Saccone, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. "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."

"The diversion of controlled substances by medical professionals is a serious breach of public trust and patient safety," said Special Agent in Charge Robert Iwanicki, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Los Angeles Field Office. "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's attorney said the consequences for the former physician have been significant: he was terminated from the anesthesiology training program, had to surrender his DEA registration that allowed him to prescribe medications, and has had his medical license surrendered for at least five years.

Speaking to the court Voegel-Podadera said he wished he had sought help for his addiction earlier. He has been speaking to groups of medical residents about the danger of addiction.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Food and Drug Administration - Office of Criminal Investigations (FDA-OCI).

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Philip Kopczynski and Amanda McDowell.