On Wednesday, August 27, 2025, the WashU Medicine Department of Anesthesiology hosted the inaugural William D. Owens Memorial Grand Rounds Lecture, a distinguished lecture series honoring the life and legacy of the late William D. Owens, MD—a respected professor emeritus, beloved mentor, and transformative department head from 1982-1992.
The event brought together faculty, trainees, staff, alumni, and friends to celebrate Owens’ enduring influence on anesthesiology at WashU Medicine and across the world. Presentations were delivered by Michael S. Avidan, MBBCh, the Dr. Seymour and Rose T. Brown Professor and current department head, and Alex S. Evers, MD, Henry E. Mallinckrodt Professor and former head of the department (1992–2019). Together, they reflected on Owens’ pioneering research, visionary leadership, and dedication to academic anesthesiology. Evers focused on the transformational role Owens played in relation to the anesthesiology department during his time as chair while Avidan elaborated on Owens’ broader impact and ongoing legacy.
Evers, who succeeded Owens as department head, reflected on the enduring positive influence Owens had on the anesthesiology department. “Dr. Owens set the foundation for everything the department became in the decades that followed,” said Evers. “His vision for combining clinical excellence with academic rigor created a culture that has continued to thrive and evolve.”
During his decade of leadership, Owens transformed the department from a small, underrecognized specialty into a nationally respected academic powerhouse. He established a residency program, expanded basic and clinical research, and acquired new research space. He also consolidated physician and CRNA anesthesia services and launched anesthesiology critical care and pain management programs at WashU Medicine. His tenure laid the foundation for the department’s modern reputation for innovation and excellence.
Owens was widely regarded as a pioneer in clinical outcomes research, developing frameworks that continue to inform anesthesiology practice worldwide. Beyond his research, he was deeply committed to education, mentorship, and service to professional organizations.
Avidan painted a picture of a leader with durable impact on the specialty and new generations of anesthesiologists. “Dr. Owens left an indelible mark on anesthesiology as a medical specialty,” said Avidan. “Through his indefatigable leadership contributions to multiple key organizations over three decades of service, he helped to transform anesthesiology to the dynamic, multi-disciplinary medical specialty it is today.”
His leadership extended well beyond WashU Medicine. Owens served as president of the American Society of Anesthesiologists, the American Board of Anesthesiology, the Foundation for Anesthesia Education and Research, the Academy of Anesthesiology, and the Anesthesia Foundation. He was also deeply engaged in international anesthesiology, contributing to the work of the World Federation of Societies of Anesthesiologists.
To further honor his contributions, the William D. Owens Anesthesiology Research Fellowship Award Program was established through an endowed fund recognizing his legacy. The program supports two-year clinical or basic research fellowships, helping awardees collect critical preliminary data for future grant applications and accelerate their research careers.
After retiring as a professor emeritus in 2004, Owens remained an active and respected voice in anesthesiology until his passing. He is remembered as a dedicated physician, educator, researcher, and leader whose vision permanently elevated the field.