Rafal Kopanczyk, DO
Anesthesiologist, Assistant Professor
Anesthesia Critical Care Medicine, Anesthesiology
Conditions and expertise
- Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
- Critical Illness
- Anesthesiology
Locations
- The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
Academic information
Department: Anesthesiology
About
- Gender
- Male
Biography
As an anesthesiologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, I specialize in caring for patients experiencing critical illness. I am the medical director of the Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Program (ECMO), where we provide a form of temporary machine-led support for patients with heart failure and lung failure. This program can be a lifesaving measure for our sickest patients, and I’m proud to work with such a committed team to offer this vital care.
I was inspired from a young age to become a physician. I broke my arm in third grade and experienced phenomenal care from my orthopedic surgeon. As a college student, I was further motivated to pursue a career in medicine after working at a free health care clinic and seeing how I could make a positive difference in patients’ lives. I’ve enjoyed taking care of people ever since.
Working in academic medicine has expanded my interest in clinical research and education. I am an assistant clinical professor of Anesthesiology within The Ohio State University College of Medicine, and I have co-authored multiple articles published in peer-reviewed journals. In addition, I have a growing interest in administrative leadership. I am passionate about continuing to grow the ECMO Program to help more patients.
Conditions and expertise
- Anesthesiology
- Critical Illness
- Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Locations
Please note: Not all physicians schedule patients at each listed location.
Credentials
Education
- Fellowship - Anesthesiology, Critical Care Medicine
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
7/1/2016 - 6/30/2017 - Residency - Anesthesiology
- Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
7/1/2012 - 6/30/2016 - Doctor of Osteopathy (DO)
- West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, Lewisburg, WV, United States
8/1/2008 - 5/1/2012
Certifications
-
American Heart Association National Center
6/14/2025 -
American Board of Anesthesiology/Critical Care Medicine
10/14/2017 -
American Board of Anesthesiology
4/27/2017
Consulting and Related Relationships
At The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, we support a faculty member’s research and consulting in collaboration with medical device, research and/or drug companies because a faculty member’s expertise can guide important advancements in the practice of medicine and improve patient care. In order to provide effective management of these relationships, the University requires annual disclosures from all faculty members with external interests related to their University responsibilities.
As of 11/3/2025 Dr. Kopanczyk has reported relationships with the companies or entities listed below. If you have questions about the relationships listed below, please ask the faculty member. If you have questions about how these relationships are monitored by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, please contact our Compliance Office.
- American Osteopathic College of Anesthesiologists
- Medtronic