UNMC anesthesiology research climbs national rankings

The UNMC Department of Anesthesiology has risen to No. 19 nationally in NIH research funding among anesthesiology departments, according to rankings compiled using data from the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research. Department leaders say the milestone reflects a sustained upward trajectory driven by strategic leadership, team science and long-term investment in research infrastructure.

Under the leadership of Chair Andrew Patterson, MD, PhD, the department has advanced a vision to strengthen research excellence alongside clinical and educational missions. In his first year as chair, the department has made significant progress across all three pillars, with research growth representing a key component of that broader momentum.

“Hitting this ranking is a testament to the leadership and vision Dr. Patterson has brought to the department,” said Hanjun Wang, MD, vice chair for research. “Our key word is resilience. We stay focused on the science but adapt to changes in the funding and research landscape so we can continue moving forward.”

Dr. Wang said the achievement reflects collective effort across the department, including faculty investigators, trainees, technicians and research administrators, all working within a collaborative environment designed to support discovery and innovation. He credited the leadership team for providing sustained support, from strategic resource allocation to administrative infrastructure, enabling investigators to remain competitive nationally.

The department’s research program is strategically focused on two major areas that have established national recognition:

• Neuroscience and addiction research, including studies related to neurodegeneration, chronic pain and substance abuse.
• Cardiovascular and autonomic science, led by investigators working to understand heart-brain interactions and related clinical therapies.

Looking ahead, Dr. Patterson and the leadership team have prioritized expanding translational research to bridge laboratory discoveries with clinical application. Last year, the department launched a translational research initiative led by Peter Ricci Pellegrino, MD, PhD, designed to accelerate the movement of basic science discoveries into patient care. While still in early stages, the program is expected to yield measurable impact over the next five years as projects mature.

Another long-term goal is expanding partnerships with pharmacologists to develop novel therapies, then validating those discoveries within anesthesiology research programs before advancing them to clinical use.

Although rankings boost institutional visibility and reputation, Dr. Wang said the real value lies in advancing patient care. “If we invest in science, some discoveries will eventually become new medicines and benefit the public,” he said.

Dr. Patterson views the ranking as both validation and motivation for continued growth.

“Congratulations to Dr. Hanjun Wang and the entire research team,” Dr. Patterson said. “During a challenging year for federal research funding, the team demonstrated that UNMC remains one of our country’s most elite academic institutions.”