About Us

Welcome to the UCLA Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine!

Maxime Cannesson, MD, PhD

As the Chair of the Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine at UCLA, it is my privilege to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to all who have arrived at our digital doorstep.

UCLA Health includes Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Westwood, Santa Monica UCLA Medical Center, the Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Mattel Children's Hospital, and the UCLA Medical Group with its extensive system of primary-care and specialty-care offices throughout the region. Consistently ranked one of the top five hospitals in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UCLA is at the leading edge of medical care and biomedical research.

We care for more than 60,000 patients every year in our operating rooms, interventional procedure rooms, obstetric suites and intensive care units, covering every surgical subspecialty and the full spectrum of perioperative clinical care. With nearly 200 clinical and research faculty members, a diverse educational program that includes over 110 resident physicians and 20+ fellow physicians, and a remarkable team of nurse anesthetists, clinical support staff and administrative staff, ours is a growing and vibrant department that is always looking for the best ways to help our patients, our community and our world.

We are fully committed to excellence in every facet of our mission. Clinical care lies at the core of what we do. Our team of skilled anesthesiologists, nurse anesthetists, and support staff are at the forefront of patient-centered care, providing expert perioperative management, chronic and acute pain relief, and critical care services. We embrace cutting-edge techniques and technologies to ensure the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and patient satisfaction.

Education is another pillar of our department's foundation. We are committed to nurturing the next generation of anesthesiologists and pain management specialists. Through our educational programs for trainees and mentoring programs for faculty, we strive to impart the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to excel in this rapidly evolving field. Our trainees and faculty benefit from close mentorship, innovative teaching methods, and a diverse range of clinical experiences that prepare them to become leaders in Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine. Working together, we're teaching future anesthesiologists about reducing risk and improving outcomes. We pledge to make the educational experience of each class of resident physicians the best that it can be.

Research is the lifeblood of our department, driving innovation and advancing the frontiers of knowledge. Our commitment to research excellence is exemplified by both our long-standing achievements in scientific publication and success securing of extramural funding, as well as our newly launched, prestigious T32 training program. This program, supported by federal NIH funding, empowers our research trainees to explore new horizons, tackle complex scientific questions, and make breakthrough discoveries that have a profound impact on patient care and outcomes. We promote an environment that encourages collaboration and interdisciplinary research, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, and beyond.

These three missions are essential, but our department is more than just clinical care, education, and research. We firmly believe in the power of community engagement. Through outreach programs at community high schools, clinical care at Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital, health education initiatives, volunteer work, and global health initiatives, we are dedicated to making a positive difference beyond the walls of our institution. Our goal is to build lasting relationships and promote the health of all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Finally, we are fully committed to the principles of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI). We understand that the strength of our department lies in the diversity of talents, perspectives, and experiences that our team members bring. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to grow and achieve their goals. We demand justice when we see injustice, through advocacy for system change, personal accountability, and societal transformation. By championing JEDI principles, we aim to eliminate disparities, promote cultural humility, and contribute to a more equitable future in healthcare.

Once again, I extend my warmest welcome to our website.

I invite you to explore the various sections and learn more about our Department. If you are a medical student or a resident physician considering the next step in your career, we welcome your interest! We are confident that you would have an excellent experience working in the world-class facilities on the UCLA campus, and that you would enjoy exploring our colorful, endlessly interesting "City of Angels."

If you are a prospective patient or a family member, please visit our Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine Medical Services section. There you'll find information about the different kinds of anesthesia and pain relief available, along with answers to many more questions you might have. Our promise to you is the most up-to-date, evidence-guided, yet personalized anesthesia care, given with compassion, constant vigilance and respect for your preferences.

If you are someone who wants to be a part of our success through philanthropic support, please visit our Giving page and we can work to identify a way to maximize your contribution in any mission area of your choosing.

Sincerely,