Research

The Department of Anesthesiology faculty in all academic tracks, residents, and fellows take part in our basic, translational, and clinical research programs. We also are committed to developing the next generation of exceptional anesthesia researchers and offer projects for trainees in basic, clinical and outcomes research.

The Department of Anesthesiology brings in external research funds from federal agencies, foundations, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies and collaborating universities. Our basic research endeavors in consciousness, memory, neuromodulation, respiratory compromise and anesthetic neurotoxicity are supported by the National Institutes of Health, private endowments and other external sources.

Basic Science 

Our program fully supports basic science investigations to broaden our understanding of factors, conditions, and mechanism relevant to anesthesia.  Current projects focus on elucidating the mechanisms for unconsciousness, understanding how general anesthetics alter central nervous system function, identifying genetic determinants of anesthetic neurotoxicity.

Translational Science 

We have several studies bridging the gap from bench to bedside. These projects aim to detail the nature of consciousness, develop a clinically useful respiratory monitoring device, optimize blood storage and transfusion methods, and investigate the link between inflammation, post-operative delirium and cognitive dysfunction.

Clinical Research 

Our robust clinical research portfolio includes a variety of industry-sponsored clinical trials and investigator-initiated studies that span a spectrum from perioperative care to chronic pain to investigational drugs and devices. Our clinical researchers seek clinical strategies to reduce pain, evaluate techniques and therapies, improve patients’ recovery and optimize outcomes.

Research Office Support Team

To enhance and grow the department’s research enterprise our research office supports researchers at all levels. The office’s services include pre- and post-award grants management, clinical research coordination, protocol and survey development, biostatistics and regulatory compliance.