In mid-April 2026, UNC Department of Anesthesiology faculty, trainees, and alumni had a strong showing in attendance, scholarship, honors and leadership at the 51st Annual Regional Anesthesiology and Acute Pain Medicine Meeting, in Phoenix, AZ. The meeting brought together Regional Anesthesia and Acute Pain Medicine physicians from across the country. Alongside multiple top institutions, every year at ASRA, UNC showcases its scholarly contributions to education, research, clinical innovation, and mentorship at this national forum.
UNC’s high visibility was especially notable at ASRA 2026. Indicators of department strength included: Honorary awards, faculty leadership in workshops and on speaker panels, wide representation of scholarly works (eg, scientific abstract authors, poster presentations) and participation in high-impact educational sessions on the latest in Regional Anesthesia/Pain Medicine.
National Recognition for Education and Scholarship
This year, UNC Anesthesiology faculty was thrilled to have an early-career faculty member nationally recognized at ASRA 2026. UNC Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology David Creighton, MD, received ASRA Pain Medicine’s 2026 Excellence in Education Award. Every year, this honor recognizes physician educators whose innovation, mentorship, and commitment to teaching makes impactful contributions to the field of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine. 
At ASRA 2026, a UNC Anesthesiology faculty-mentored abstract* — “Anterior Inferior Psoas Injection for Lumbar Plexus Coverage: A Follow-Up Cadaver Dye Study” — was selected as a President’s Choice Abstract. This scientific abstract was presented by 2nd-year resident (CA-2) Jeremy Interrante, MD and selected for its significance and contribution to anatomy-based, clinically relevant Regional Anesthesia research.
Faculty Leadership in the Educational Program
UNC faculty contributed prominently to the ASRA educational program. Regional Anesthesia Division Chief and Professor of Anesthesiology Stuart Grant, MBChB, presented during the main session – “Outliers on Anatomic Variability: What to Do When Routine Blocks Do Not Provide Adequate Anesthesia.” He also served on an “Ask the Experts Interactive Session: Hot Topics in Regional Anesthesia Education” faculty panel.
Professor of Anesthesiology Monika Nanda, MBBS, MPH, led two hands-on workshops that reflected UNC’s strength not only in clinical regional anesthesia, but also in hands-on teaching, simulation, education innovation, and national mentorship. Dr. Nanda also contributed faculty expertise to two ASRA sessions.
- Workshop: “Block Pack: Clavicles, Shoulders, Arms, and Elbows”
- Workshop: “Block Pack: Hips, Knees, and Feet”
- Educators in Regional Anesthesia SIG Session: “Innovative Ideas for Educators in Regional Anesthesia: Incorporating Simulation, AI, and Colleagues”
- Ask the Experts Interactive Session: “Hot Topics in Regional Anesthesia Education”
UNC Research and Poster Presentations
At ASRA 2026, UNC faculty, fellows, residents, and collaborators contributed nine abstracts and case presentations across scientific abstracts and medically challenging cases. Presentations included work on cadaveric dye studies, ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia techniques, perioperative pain management, and complex clinical scenarios.
UNC-Affiliated Posters
- “Anterior Inferior Psoas Injection for Lumbar Plexus Coverage: A Follow-Up Cadaver Dye Study”
Drs. Jeremy Interrante, Elisa Takalo, Sung Hyun Lee, Stuart Grant, Monika Nanda - “Ultrasound-Guided Periosteal Injection at the Distal Forearm: Cadaveric Dye Spread to Periosteum and Adjacent Nerves”
Drs. Elijah Strong, Nate Painter, Daniel Morgenstern, Monika Nanda - “Cadaveric Dye Evaluation of the Geni-vs Block: An Anterior Peri-Femoral Approach to Genicular and Posterior Knee Innervation”
Drs. Jeremy Interrante, Montather Taheer, Monika Nanda - “Combined Fascia Iliaca Catheter and Transgluteal Sciatic Block with Liposomal Bupivacaine for Below-Knee Amputation”
Drs. Jeremy Interrante, Andres Rojas - “A Sedation-Sparing Anesthetic Approach for Gastrostomy Tube Placement in an ALS Patient with Pulmonary Compromise”
Drs. Montather Taheer, Daniel Morgenstern - “Transversalis Fascia Plane Rescue Block for Iliac Crest Bone Harvest Pain in PACU After Ankle Surgery: Patient Perspective”
Drs.David Creighton, Youlei Li - “Ultrasound-Guided Bilateral TAP Blocks in Takayasu Arteritis with Crohn’s-Related Aortoiliac Occlusion”
Dr. David Creighton - “Case Report: Femoral and Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve Injuries During Kidney Transplant”
Dr. Jennifer Anderson
“Case Study: Lumbar Plexus Block Performed with Sensory Nerve Stimulation”
Dr. Jennifer Anderson
Additional UNC representation included Regional Anesthesia and Acute Pain Medicine Fellowship Director Bryant Tran, MD, who participated in the RAFDA Fellowship Directors Group.
A Strong Showing Across the UNC Regional Anesthesia Community
Dr. Nanda concluded: “UNC’s ASRA Spring 2026 presence reflected the depth of the department’s regional anesthesia program across faculty, trainees, and alumni. Department members contributed to nationally visible research, led hands-on education, and participated in interactive expert sessions. All who attended ASRA represented UNC in scientific and clinical discussions central to the future of regional anesthesia and acute pain medicine. This meeting also provided opportunities for mentorship, fellowship recruitment, alumni connection, and collaboration with regional anesthesia educators and leaders from across the country.”
* Authors: Jeremy Interrante, MD; Elisa Takalo, MD; Sung Hyun Lee, MD; Stuart Grant, MD; and Monika Nanda, MBBS, MPH)
** Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology Sandeep Dhanjal, MD, was originally scheduled to present at ASRA 2026 but could not attend due to military deployment.