UNC Anesthesiology is pleased to congratulate Professor of Anesthesiology Emily Teeter, MD, FASE, on her appointment as Division Chief of Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology (ACTA) at the University of North Carolina, effective January 1, 2026. Dr. Teeter served as the Interim Division Chief since November 2025. Her selection for this well-deserved leadership role recognizes Dr. Teeter’s extraordinary record of academic excellence, clinical expertise, educational leadership, and national service to the specialty.
Dr. Teeter is a nationally recognized cardiothoracic anesthesiologist whose scholarly work has significantly advanced the fields of cardiac and thoracic anesthesia, perioperative echocardiography, and enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS). She has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications, influential review articles, and book chapters. Her work has been featured in leading journals such as Anesthesiology, Anesthesia & Analgesia, Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia, and Annals of Thoracic Surgery. Her research contributions span clinical outcomes, perioperative imaging, education scholarship, and quality improvement, reflecting both depth and breadth of academic impact.
Dr. Teeter (3rd from L) teaching Thoracic POCUS at Carolina Refresher Course.
Within the UNC Department of Anesthesiology, Dr. Teeter has been a cornerstone of education and faculty development. She has served as Course Director for the Thoracic Anesthesiology Rotation, Cardiac Anesthesiology Rotation Director, and Associate Residency Program Director. Consistently recognized among the top educators in the department. Dr. Teeter’s recurring selection for the Resident Education Honor Roll and multiple teaching awards underscore her exceptional commitment to trainee mentorship and educational excellence.
At the institutional level, Dr. Teeter has demonstrated visionary leadership through her work in residency recruitment, competency-based assessment, and patient safety initiatives. She has chaired and served on numerous departmental and School of Medicine committees, led major enhanced recovery pathways for thoracic surgery and TAVR, and currently serves as a co-investigator on a School of Medicine curricular innovation grant focused on advancing competency-based medical education through AI-enhanced feedback systems.
Nationally, Dr. Teeter is a respected leader within professional societies, particularly the Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists. Her roles have included chairing national working groups, serving on scientific and guideline task forces, moderating national symposia, and contributing extensively to abstract review, program planning, and educational programming. Her invited lectures, workshops, and panel leadership at national and international meetings reflect her standing as a thought leader in cardiothoracic anesthesiology.
UNC Anesthesiology Chair Ted Sakai, MD, PhD, MHA, FASA, noted: “Dr. Teeter’s appointment as Division Chief is a testament to her sustained excellence, collaborative leadership style, and unwavering dedication to advancing patient care, education, and scholarship. We are confident that under her leadership, the Division of Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology will continue to thrive and set new standards for clinical innovation and academic distinction.”
