Join us for the inaugural research symposium honoring Dr. Michael S. Avidan, the Dr. Seymour and Rose T. Brown Professor of Anesthesiology. This event brings together colleagues, alumni, mentees, and distinguished guests from across the country to celebrate Dr. Avidan’s profound dedication to medicine, scientific discovery, and institutional leadership.
In honor of his leadership in academic medicine, the inaugural theme, “Clinical Trials: From Concepts to Populations,” highlights his work in moving new scientific discoveries through clinical trials and into real-world patient care.
The exceptional lineup of national leaders and clinicians featured in this symposium stands as a testament to the vibrant, world-class research community Dr. Avidan continues to inspire.
Event Information
September 24, 2026
1–5:30 p.m.
Location: Connor Auditorium, Farrell Learning and Teaching Center
Featured Speakers
Oluwaseun “Seun” Johnson-Akeju, MD
Chair, Department of Anesthesiology
Anesthesiologist-in-Chief, Mass General Brigham
Dr. Henry Isaiah Dorr Professor, Harvard Medical School
Yo-El S. Ju, MD, MSCI
Barbara Burton and Reuben Morriss III Professor of Neurology
WashU Medicine
Sachin Kheterpal, MD, MBA
Chair, Department of Anesthesiology
Robert B. Sweet Endowed Professor of Anesthesiology
Dean for Research Information Technology
University of Michigan Medical School
Eric J. Lenze, MD
Chair, Department of Psychiatry
Wallace and Lucille K. Renard Professor of Psychiatry
WashU Medicine
Elizabeth L. Whitlock, MD, MSc
Associate Professor, Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care
University of California, San Francisco
Agenda
| Time | Topic and Speaker |
|---|---|
| 1-1:15 p.m. | Welcome & Introduction Padma Gulur, MD Alex S. Evers Distinguished Professor Chair, Department of Anesthesiology WashU Medicine Alex S. Evers, MD Henry E. Mallinckrodt Professor of Anesthesiology Professor of Internal Medicine and Developmental Biology Former Chair, Department of Anesthesiology WashU Medicine |
| 1:15-1:45 p.m. | Building Belief in the Feasibility of Big Hairy Audacious Trials Sachin Kheterpal, MD Robert B. Sweet Endowed Professor of Anesthesiology Chair, Department of Anesthesiology Dean for Research Information Technology University of Michigan Medical School |
| 1:45-2:15 p.m. | “It was a great brain, and I miss it” – Cognitive Outcomes After Surgery & Anesthesia Elizabeth L. Whitlock, MD Associate Professor, Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) |
| 2:15-2:45 p.m. | The Sleeping Brain: Basic Biology to Clinical Translation Yo-El S. Ju, MD Barbara Burton and Reuben Morriss III Professor of Neurology WashU Medicine |
| 2:45-3:05 p.m. | Coffee Break |
| 3:05-3:35 p.m. | Advancing Perioperative Mental Health Care Eric J. Lenze, MD Wallace and Lucille K. Renard Professor of Psychiatry Chair, Department of Psychiatry WashU Medicine |
| 3:35-4:05 p.m. | Chasing Monsters: From Vulnerability to Intercellular Signaling in Postoperative Delirium Oluwaseun “Seun” Johnson-Akeju, MD Dr. Henry Isaiah Dorr Professor, Harvard Medical School Chair, Department of Anesthesiology Anesthesiologist-in-Chief, Mass General Brigham |
| 4:05-4:15 p.m. | Closing Remarks Michael S. Avidan, MBBCh, FCA(SA) Dr. Seymour and Rose T. Brown Professor of Anesthesiology Former Chair, Department of Anesthesiology |
| 4:15-5:15 p.m. | Reception in FLTC Hearth area |
RSVP
Registration for this event is now closed.