UNC Anesthesiology congratulates Vice Chair of Clinical Operations and Professor of Anesthesiology Meena Bhatia, MD, for being named UNC Medical Center’s Co-Chair of the Committee of Perioperative Leaders. Along with fellow Co-Chair UNC Medical Center Associate Chief Medical Officer for Surgical Services and Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery Moe Lim, MD, Dr. Bhatia began working in this role effective July 1, 2025. In this position, Dr. Bhatia is tasked with co-leading all surgical specialists and the perioperative nursing team to delivering the high-quality and safest care for patients undergoing surgery at UNC Medical Center. 
Dr. Bhatia succeeds former Executive Vice Chair and Professor of Anesthesiology Tony Passannante, MD, in this role. In a ceremony held in June, UNCMC and department members honored Dr. Passannante and thanked him for his long-time service and leadership dedication to the duties of this role.