Seattle, WA. — A former anesthesiology resident who worked at Seattle Children’s Hospital, Harborview Medical Center, and the University of Washington Medical Center was sentenced Tuesday to one year of supervised release and 200 hours of community service for diverting narcotic pain medications for his own use while on duty.
Andrew Voegel-Podadera, 36, of Seattle, was sentenced in U.S. District Court after pleading guilty to obtaining controlled substances by fraud. He admitted stealing fentanyl, hydromorphone, and other potent narcotics over the course of a year while working within the UW Medicine system, sometimes using the drugs while still treating patients.
U.S. District Judge Kymberly K. Evanson said at sentencing that the offense was serious and carried the potential for “far more serious and tragic” consequences.
U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd said Voegel-Podadera violated the public trust placed in healthcare professionals. “It is chilling to think that he took powerful narcotics while a tiny baby needed his full and unimpaired attention,” Floyd said, adding that the case demonstrates that medical professionals are not above the law.
Court records show that between 2022 and 2024, Voegel-Podadera worked as a resident anesthesiologist rotating through Seattle Children’s Hospital, Harborview Medical Center, and UW Medical Center. On December 27, 2024, he treated three pediatric patients at Seattle Children’s Hospital, including an infant just 11 days old. Investigators said he stole and consumed narcotics during his shift, then returned drug vials filled with saline to the pharmacy while falsely claiming the medication had been wasted.
An attending physician noticed unusual behavior and reported concerns, prompting an internal review. Voegel-Podadera later admitted to diverting and using narcotics while on duty as far back as January 2024.
Federal prosecutors argued the conduct placed patients at substantial risk, noting that anesthesiologists administer precise doses of powerful medications and perform critical procedures such as intubation. “An intoxicated doctor is far more likely to make mistakes,” prosecutors wrote.
Robert A. Saccone, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration Seattle Field Division, said the diversion endangered vulnerable patients, including infants. “Dr. Voegel-Podadera violated both his oath and the law,” Saccone said.
Robert Iwanicki, Special Agent in Charge of the FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Los Angeles Field Office, emphasized that the diversion of controlled substances by medical professionals is a serious breach of patient safety and public trust.
Defense attorneys said the consequences for Voegel-Podadera have been severe. He was terminated from his anesthesiology residency, surrendered his DEA registration, and gave up his medical license for at least five years.
Addressing the court, Voegel-Podadera said he regretted not seeking help for his addiction sooner and told the judge he has since spoken to medical residents about the dangers of substance abuse in the profession.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the FDA Office of Criminal Investigations.
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