Clinical Excellence 

At the core of our mission is a relentless commitment to clinical excellence. We are deeply dedicated to delivering our patients the highest standard of care, ensuring that every aspect of the anesthesiology process is optimized for safety, efficiency, and comfort. Our clinical operations are integrated and designed to support various surgical, procedural, and critical care needs.

Our commitment to excellence extends to using cutting-edge technologies and best practices in anesthesia management, including adopting Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols, which have been shown to improve patient outcomes and reduce recovery times. We also continuously optimize perioperative care through programs like the Pre-Procedure Care Clinic, which focuses on high-risk surgical patients. We embrace Perioperative Medicine, which integrates with a broader initiative to improve surgical outcomes and enhance the patient’s experience from pre-op through post-op recovery.

Additionally, our department is focused on improving quality and safety through continuous monitoring and quality improvement programs, such as the Multicenter Perioperative Outcomes Group (MPOG) and our strong emphasis on value-based care. These efforts allow us to demonstrate the value of anesthesiology in improving patient outcomes, managing costs, and collaborating with surgical specialists to drive best practices.

Research Excellence

Our unwavering commitment to groundbreaking research is reflected in our substantial NIH funding of $7.1 million and our ongoing investments in research infrastructure. The department focuses on key areas such as chronic pain, perioperative care, and outcomes measurement, aiming to lead the nation in pain research. Our research program is growing, strongly emphasizing developing the next generation of research leaders through mentorship and expanding our faculty and research space. The Research Faculty are leading pioneering studies in molecular mechanisms of chronic pain and clinical-translational studies funded by prestigious grants, including R01s and K23s. To establish the UNC Center for Pain Research, we are committed to creating a world-class research environment that fosters innovation, collaboration, and clinical applications that enhance patient outcomes.

Educational Excellence and Innovation

Education is central to our mission. We are deeply invested in fostering a rich learning environment for our residents, fellows, medical students, CRNAs/CAAs, and anesthesia technicians. Our department offers unique educational programs, including the Academic Medicine Rotation for the CBYs and global initiatives like Project Malawi, which enrich the academic experience and provide valuable international exposure. With a robust faculty development program that includes mentorship, leadership training, and teaching workshops, we aim to support our faculty in their personal and professional growth continuously.

We are also committed to developing educational frameworks that support lifelong learning. Our annual Carolina Refresher Course, Faculty Development Lecture Series, and mentoring programs are designed to nurture faculty potential and ensure that every team member achieves their professional fulfillment. In addition, the department is dedicated to enhancing our training programs with hands-on experiences, such as simulation education, the “Deer” cricothyroidotomy training, and many specialized courses, ensuring that our learners are equipped with the skills to excel in both academic and clinical settings.

Member Development and Team Culture

At UNC, our people are the cornerstone of our success. We are committed to building a supportive, inclusive, and rewarding work environment where every member can thrive. From residents and fellows to anesthesia technicians, APPs, CRNAs/CAAs, and faculty members, we prioritize member development through robust recognition programs, mentorship opportunities, and career development resources. Our leadership is actively working to recruit, retain, and recognize top talent, ensuring competitive compensation, professional fulfillment, and growth opportunities for all team members.

Through ongoing efforts to strengthen our culture, we aim to maintain a collaborative, innovative, and supportive atmosphere. We focus on improving retention by ensuring every staff member feels valued and empowered to contribute to our mission. Initiatives like our Vice Chair Apprenticeship Program and Faculty MEGA Mentorship Program are designed to offer leadership training and provide pathways for career advancement, ensuring that we continue cultivating the next generation of leaders within the department.

Looking Forward

As we look to the future, we remain steadfast in our commitment to advancing the field of anesthesiology. We are continually reimagining our clinical, educational, and research strategies to enhance the care we provide and the experience of those whom we serve. Whether through enhancing recovery after surgery, expanding our research capacity, or advancing the development of our team members, the Department of Anesthesiology at UNC is poised to lead the way in transforming care, improving outcomes, and shaping the future of anesthesia.

Ted Sakai, MD, PhD, MHA, FASAP
Professor and Chair
Department of Anesthesiology
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill