Anesthesiology Research

doctors reaching into laboratory equipment

Advancing Science, Improving Patient Care

Join the next generation of researchers in our quest to be the preeminent academic anesthesiology department in the world.

A culture of research and discovery

The U-M Medical School Department of Anesthesiology is at the forefront of addressing key questions in outcomes, neuroscience, and pain and opioids research. Our research is supported by National Institutes of Health funding, as well as a wide array of foundation, state, and industry funding.

Our work spans the translational spectrum, from computational in silico modeling, to animal experimentation, to prospective observational or interventional clinical research, to large-scale epidemiology.

We focus on three areas of research in nationally and internationally recognized centers:

In addition to generating some of the most influential work within the field of anesthesiology, we have rich and productive interdisciplinary connections to basic science, public health, engineering, and even philosophy and the arts.

Our faculty serve major research leadership roles across the university and nationally, in fields that transcend the traditional boundaries of anesthesiology, including genomics, precision health, drug discovery, and translational science. 

We are committed to making a major impact in anesthesiology as well as science, medicine, and society through our discoveries shared through widely-published research and commentaries. We also are focused on shaping a more diverse and inclusive future for academic anesthesiology, both within our department and across the country.

Research Areas

Neuroscience Research

Leading the research of the neuroscientific mechanisms of anesthesia affecting memory, awareness, consciousness and pain.

Outcomes Research

Standing at the forefront of research to better understand the care we provide and the decisions made by clinicians in perioperative practice.

Pain & Opioids Research

Driving efforts to understand pain and how we can improve care and outcomes for patients with acute and chronic pain.

Student Research

Offering a range of opportunities for students to engage in scholarly work across our research domains.

Developing the Next Generation

Career development starts from our internship, with a unique research training month, then progresses to our research resident track, the C-STAR program. We are also one of 16 departments in the country to host an NIH T32 postdoctoral training program.

Learn More About C-STAR

Research Leadership

Chad Brummett

Chad M Brummett, MD

Bert N LaDu Professor of Anesthesiology Research
Professor of Anesthesiology and Associate Chair for Research
Department of Anesthesiology
Medical School
Karsten Bartels

Karsten Bartels, MD, PHD, MBA

Professor of Anesthesiology
Professor of Psychiatry
Professor of Learning Health Sciences and Executive Director
Pain and Opioid Research
Anesthesiology
Medical School
portrait of Amy Bohnert

Amy SB Bohnert, PhD, MHS

Professor of Anesthesiology
Professor of Psychiatry
Executive Director, Pain and Opioid Research
Anesthesiology
Medical School
Professor of Epidemiology
School of Public Health
Douglas Colquhoun

Douglas A Colquhoun, MB ChB, MPH

Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology
Program Director and Program Assistant
Anesthesiology
Medical School
Michael Mathis

Michael Mathis, MD

Kevin K Tremper Ph.D.
M.D.
Research Professor
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology and Program Director
Medical School
portrait of Phillip E Vlisides

Phillip E Vlisides, MD

Associate Professor of Anesthesiology and Executive Director
Neuroscience Research
Medical School

Featured News & Stories

See all news
Blurry Operating Room
Department News

New project aims to predict depressive symptoms after surgery

A new University of Michigan Medical School project aims to predict whether patients are at risk of developing depressive symptoms after surgery.
Two rows of six professional faculty portraits
Department News

Twelve Anesthesiology faculty members earn promotions

The University of Michigan Regents approved 12 U-M Medical School Department of Anesthesiology faculty promotions during their May 2026 meeting. Promotions will go into effect September 1.
Attendees discuss research posters during the Department of Anesthesiology Research Retreat in a bright atrium at the North Campus Research Complex.
Department News

Research Retreat spotlights impact and collaboration across the Department of Anesthesiology

Nearly 100 members of the Department of Anesthesiology gathered April 25 at the North Campus Research Complex (NCRC) for the annual Research Retreat, highlighting departmental research and creating space for new connections and collaborations.
patient with medical assistant
Health Lab

To reduce chronic pain, a new digital program could help

A new study tested a program called Promoting Resilience with Innovative Self-Management, which combines traditional cognitive behavioral therapy skills for pain with additional activities intended to promote resilience and positive emotion.
Students practice using diagnostic tools to examine ears and noses during a hands-on clinical skills session at Michigan Medicine Day at UM-Dearborn.
Department News

Michigan Medicine at UM-Dearborn Day offers specialty exploration for undergraduate students

Michigan Medicine Day at UM-Dearborn took place March 21 with more than 70 students in attendance. This year, Michigan Medicine volunteers from the Departments of Dermatology, Family Medicine and Anesthesiology visited campus to connect with undergraduates on pre-health tracks and offer a closer look at different clinical paths.
cannabis green leaf in glass
Health Lab

What does cannabis 'rescheduling' mean for science and society?

Medical cannabis (marijuana) has been rescheduled on the federal level, which could open the door for much more research than was possible before. Four Michigan Medicine experts comment.