We are pleased to announce that Catalin S. Ezaru, MD, has been promoted to Associate Professor of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, effective January 1, 2026.
Dr. Ezaru earned his medical degree from Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Bucharest, Romania, in 1994. He completed postgraduate training in Anesthesiology and Critical Care at Fundeni Clinical Hospital in Bucharest before moving to the United States, where he completed his residency training at Western Pennsylvania Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University, and finally at UPMC.
Since joining our department’s faculty and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Pittsburgh Healthcare System in 2002, Dr. Ezaru has made substantial contributions in clinical care, education, and research. His expertise in perioperative transesophageal echocardiography and postoperative pain management, particularly through extended perineural analgesia, has elevated standards of care and improved patient outcomes. These contributions were recognized with the VA hospital’s Fine Award for Teamwork Excellence (2014) and Star Award (2021).
Dr. Ezaru is deeply involved in medical education and mentorship. He has served as the Anesthesiology Rotation Coordinator for medical students at the VA hospital since July 2003, supervising all medical student activities in the perioperative area, advising and helping medical students with residency applications, and assisting the Director of Medical Student Education with the application process. He was recognized in 2006 with the Dr. Peter M. Winter Award for Excellence in Medical Student Teaching as well as the 2011 Clerkship Preceptor of the Year Award. His engagement with anesthesiology resident education at UPMC has been multifaceted, involving problem-based learning discussions, specialized lectures in cardiac anesthesia, and practical skills training. He received awards from our department for excellence in resident teaching in 2013 and 2022. He is also engaged with our cardiac anesthesiology fellows, developing and presenting advanced specialized lectures. Dr. Ezaru has also served as the Anesthesiology Rotation Coordinator for Dental General Practice residents at the VA hospital since July 2008.
His research has focused on perioperative care innovations, pain control, and patient safety. He has co-authored numerous peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and abstracts, and served as co-investigator on a Department of Defense-funded clinical study. Dr. Ezaru is also a regular speaker and session moderator at national and international meetings, including many annual meetings of the American Society of Anesthesiologists.
In addition to his clinical and academic roles, Dr. Ezaru has contributed significantly to institutional quality and safety initiatives through committee service at the VA hospital, including leadership in transfusion safety and pharmacy labeling.
Dr. Ezaru exemplifies the values of academic excellence, clinical innovation, and mentorship that define our department. Congratulations to him on his well-earned promotion.