History

The University of Virginia is founded.

The University of Virginia was founded on February 21, 1818 by Thomas Jefferson.

UVA establishes a School of Medicine.

Dr. Robley Dunglison was recruited from Europe to be the first professor in UVA’s new School of Medicine.

The Department of Anesthesiology is founded, along with its Residency Program.

The UVA Department of Anesthesiology is founded when it separates from the Department of Surgery. The Department begins with 6 faculty and a $60,000 annual budget, and Dr. Doug Eastwood is appointed as the first Chair. Dr. Eastwood establishes the Anesthesiology Residency Program.

Dr. Eastwood publishes an influential NEJM paper on the anti-metabolic action of nitrous oxide

Dr. Eastwood publishes an influential NEJM paper on the anti-metabolic action of nitrous oxide. This publication places UVA on the map as an emerging research institution in anesthesiology.

Dr. Robert Epstein publishes seminal “Second Gas Effect” paper.

Dr. Epstein’s seminal “Second Gas Effect” paper is published in Anesthesiology, clarifying uptake of inhalational agents, becoming one of the specialty’s most influential physiologic contributions and cementing his scientific reputation.

Dr. Harold Carron establishes one of the nation’s first multidisciplinary Pain Management Centers.

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Dr. Robert Epstein Appointed Chair of the Department.

Dr. Robert Epstein became Chair, ushering in a transformational 24-year era that elevated UVA Anesthesiology to national prominence. During his tenure, UVA emerged as a premier training ground for future academic leaders, with former trainees and faculty going on to serve as Chairs or Deans at leading institutions such as Columbia University, Johns Hopkins, the University of Pennsylvania, UC Davis, the University of Louisville, the University of Wisconsin, the University of Missouri, Georgetown University, Indiana University, and Maastricht University. Dr. Epstein’s own leadership extended across the specialty, including serving as President of the American Board of Anesthesiology and the American Urological Association, membership in the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences, and editorial leadership for Anesthesiology.

Dr. Cosmo DiFazio helps found ARSA.

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Transition from the old hospital to the new medical center

Transition from the old hospital to the new medical center dramatically expands UVA’s surgical and anesthesia capacity, accommodating modernized ORs that will undergo three further expansions.

Raymond C. Roy was Chair of the department

Raymond C. Roy was Chair of the department for two years before returning to Wake Forest to assume the chairmanship of that department, where he had been a faculty member for several years. Roger A. Johns was appointed interim Chair in 1998, leaving in 1999 to become Chair at Johns Hopkins.

Carl Lynch, MD Appointed Chair of the department

Dr. Carl Lynch, who had 18 years of experience in the department as a clinician-researcher, becomes Chair and significantly grows basic science research with major NIH-funded recruits.

UVA establishes a nationally recognized Medical Simulation Center under Dr. Keith Littlewood.

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 UVA Anesthesiology becomes known for outstanding teaching—receiving more teaching awards than any other department within UVA SOM.

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UVA develops high-volume, high-complexity specialty services—including pediatric cardiac, major liver transplantation, and multi-ICU leadership roles—staffed by nationally recognized faculty with advanced training.

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Dr. Zhiyi Zuo becomes one of the nation’s top NIH-funded anesthesiologists, with 30+ years of continuous federal funding. With over 30 years of continuous NIH funding, 200+ publications, and multiple national awards, Dr. Zuo elevates UVA’s scientific visibility, particularly in neuroprotection, aging, and perioperative brain injury research.

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The department establishes an annual Celebration of Research, highlighting major scholarly achievements and collaborations. Hosted by Dr. Zuo, the event brings in nationally recognized keynote speakers, highlights resident and faculty scholarship, and affirms UVA’s commitment to academic anesthesiology.

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ERAS protocols and multimodal anesthesia initiatives (led by Dr. Bob Thiele) dramatically reduce perioperative opioid use by ~70%.

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Dr. George Rich becomes Chair,

In 2005, Dr. George Rich became Chair, leading a period of significant clinical, educational, and research expansion through 2020. Under his leadership, the department experienced dramatic growth in simulation training, point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) education, and a modernized residency structure, alongside national recognition through multiple teaching awards. Clinical services expanded to nearly 50 anesthetizing locations, while faculty numbers grew from 35 to more than 60. The department also strengthened its research footprint with the addition of four NIH-funded laboratories and expanded programs in pain management and intensive care medicine. During this time, the education program grew to 16 residents per year and introduced fellowships in pain medicine, critical care, and regional anesthesia, further solidifying UVA’s role as a leader in academic anesthesiology training.

OpenAnesthesia.org was founded and launched by Dr. Ed Nemergut and Dr. Robert (Bob) Thiele. These two UVA faculty members were the primary architects behind the platform, which has since become one of the most widely used anesthesia education resources in the world.

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Dr. Peggy McNaull becomes Chair

Dr. Peggy McNaull becomes Chair and leads extensive clinical expansion (Orthopedic Center Ivy Road, Culpeper, Surgical Center Riverside). McNaull hires 40+ faculty, modernizes leadership roles, and strengthens quality, safety, and educational programs. She recruits new Vice Chairs (Clinical Ops, Faculty Affairs and Development, Education, and Clinical Research), expands perioperative safety programs, and enhances mentorship, and departmental infrastructure before becoming CMO at UNC Hospitals.

Key Recruits

In 2021, the department strengthened its leadership structure through a series of key vice chair and senior leadership recruitments. Dr. Bhiken Naik joined to lead Clinical Research, Dr. Nabil Elkassabany assumed oversight of Clinical Operations, Dr. Mike Mazzeffi was appointed Vice Chair for Faculty Affairs and Development, and Dr. Erin Hennessey took on a leadership role in Education. During this period, Dr. Zuo was also appointed Executive Vice Chair, further enhancing the department’s strategic and operational leadership framework.

Dr. Michael Mazzeffi Appointed Chair

After serving as interim chair for one year, Dr. Michael Mazzeffi was appointed Chair, bringing a strong background in cardiothoracic anesthesiology and critical care. A highly published physician-scientist with active leadership roles in national societies, Dr. Mazzeffi has also been recognized as a two-time departmental “Best Mentor.” He holds both an MPH and an MS in Clinical Research and serves on the editorial board of Anesthesiology, reflecting his commitment to advancing scholarship, education, and clinical excellence within the field.