Department Faculty Share Innovation, Education, and Expertise on the National Stage
Part of our ongoing Department Conference & Collaboration Highlights series, spotlighting how faculty and trainees from the University of Utah Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, & Pain Medicine share research, education, and expertise across the country and around the world.
In recent weeks, faculty and trainees from the Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative & Pain Medicine represented the University of Utah at several national and international meetings—contributing to conversations on innovation, education, and perioperative care.
Strong Presence at STA 2026
At the Society for Technology in Anesthesia (STA) 2026 meeting (January 15–18), the department had an impressive showing.
Lara Brewer, PhD, was elected to the STA Board of Directors as Director at Large, recognizing her leadership in advancing technology and innovation within anesthesiology. Derek Sakata, MD, participated in a well-attended panel on innovation and entrepreneurship, highlighting how academic anesthesiology can translate ideas into meaningful clinical impact.
Trainees also earned national recognition. Ali Ramezani, MS, a bioengineering PhD student, received the Best Trainee Abstract award, secured a competitive two-year STA travel award, was invited to participate in Board of Directors meetings, and earned second place in the Engineering Challenge competition.
In total, six department-affiliated abstracts were presented—representing approximately 10% of the meeting’s accepted abstracts and underscoring the department’s growing footprint in technology-driven research and device innovation.
Advancing Teaching at SEA 2026
Later in January, Drs. Danowit, Liu, and Norris attended the Society for Education in Anesthesia (SEA) 2026 Spring Meeting in St. Louis, Missouri.
They participated in a hands-on workshop designed to strengthen teaching skills and refine educational strategy. The experience provided practical tools for faculty development and reinforced the department’s commitment to excellence in resident and medical student education.
Contributing to Leadership in Perioperative Medicine
At the Perioperative Medicine Summit (February 26–28), Dr. Zimmerman served as a featured speaker at the multidisciplinary international meeting focused on improving quality and safety in perioperative care.
He delivered multiple lectures and participated in a pro–con debate centered on preoperative assessment and optimization, contributing to global discussions grounded in evidence-based practice and patient-centered care.
Sharing TIVA Expertise Worldwide
Dr. Talmage D. Egan also continued sharing the department’s expertise in total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) through invited lectures both nationally and internationally.
On January 30, Dr. Egan delivered Grand Rounds at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), presenting on TIVA-related topics and reconnecting with colleagues, including former MUSC College of Medicine Dean Dr. Jerry Reeves.
Later in February, Dr. Egan traveled to Kuwait to share the University of Utah’s TIVA expertise with clinicians and colleagues abroad, further expanding the department’s global collaborations and educational outreach.
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From innovation to education to perioperative care, our faculty and trainees are contributing meaningfully to national and international conversations in anesthesiology!
By presenting research and engaging with professional societies, they strengthen partnerships, elevate scholarship, and bring new ideas back to our patients, learners, and health system.