David A. Zvara, M.D., will retire on Sunday, Jan. 31, and has been appointed Professor Emeritus of Anesthesiology.
Dr. Zvara began his tenure at UNC Health in Nov. 2008, joining the faculty as Chair of Anesthesiology, a position he held until 2023. In 2023, Dr. Zvara assumed the role of Chief Medical Officer for UNC Hospitals. During his time as chair, he also served in several key leadership capacities, including Chief Operating Officer of the UNC Faculty Practice (2014-2022), and interim Chair of Urology. In 2020, Dr. Zvara was pivotal in leading the Triangle COVID response efforts and played a critical role in the establishment of the Respiratory Diagnostic Center at the Ambulatory Care Center (ACC) and the UNC Health Vaccination Center at the Friday Center.
Prior to his service at UNC Health, Dr. Zvara chaired the Department of Anesthesiology at The Ohio State University from 2005 to 2008. His academic career began at Wake Forest University, where he advanced from Assistant Professor to Professor as a cardiothoracic anesthesiologist (1993–2005). He served as a physician anesthesiologist in the United States Air Force from 1989 to 1993, including deployment during Operation Desert Storm in 1991. Dr. Zvara completed his undergraduate, medical, residency, and fellowship training at The Ohio State University between 1977 and 1989.
Reflecting on his career, Dr. Zvara commented, “Looking back over a 50-year career in patient care—beginning at age 16 as a transporter in physical therapy—I am humbled to have collaborated with so many outstanding colleagues.”
Since Dr. Zvara’s arrival at UNC Hospitals in 2008, the department has grown from 38 physician anesthesiologists to more than 120. “I am proud of our recruitment and retention over the years,” said Dr. Zvara. “Our research team’s achievement of a top ten national ranking and the innovation within our educational programs are highlights of my tenure.”
Dr. Zvara looks forward to remaining engaged as Professor Emeritus in the Department of Anesthesiology and School of Medicine. “We have six grandchildren with two more on the way. I hope to pursue numerous interests in retirement, and my only concern is whether there will be enough hours in the day to accomplish them all.”