A former anesthesiology resident at Seattle Children’s Hospital and other UW Medicine facilities has been sentenced to one year of supervised release and 200 hours of community service after admitting to stealing and using narcotic pain medication while on duty. Andrew Voegel-Podadera, 36, was arrested in June 2025 for obtaining controlled substances by fraud. He pleaded guilty in October 2025.
Voegel-Podadera admitted to taking fentanyl, hydromorphone, and other medications over a year-long period while working at Seattle Children’s Hospital, Harborview Medical Center, and the University of Washington Medical Center. According to court documents, he sometimes used the drugs while still at the hospital and under the influence as he treated patients.
At sentencing in U.S. District Court in Seattle, Judge Kymberly K. Evanson stated: “This was a serious offense… the consequences of which could have been more serious and tragic.”
U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd said: “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.”
The case records show that on December 27, 2024, Voegel-Podadera cared for three patients at Seattle Children’s Hospital—the youngest only eleven days old—while stealing medication intended for patient use. He would replace used vials with saline solution labeled as "wastage." His actions were reported by an attending physician who noticed unusual behavior.
Prosecutors argued for prison time due to the risks posed by Voegel-Podadera's actions: “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.”
Robert A. Saccone from the DEA Seattle Field Division commented: “Dr. Voegel-Podadera selfishly diverted powerful pain medication away from patients, including young children and infants... 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 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 lost his position in the anesthesiology training program, surrendered his ability to prescribe medications through DEA registration, and gave up his medical license for at least five years.
He told the court he regretted not seeking help earlier for addiction issues; since then he has spoken with groups of medical residents about addiction dangers.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) along with Food and Drug Administration - Office of Criminal Investigations (FDA-OCI) investigated this case.
Assistant United States Attorneys Philip Kopczynski and Amanda McDowell prosecuted it.
