Grace Lim, MD, MSc, a nationally recognized physician-scientist and Chief of the Division of Obstetric and Women's Anesthesiology at UPMC, has been chosen President-Elect of the Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology (SOAP). The election marks a significant milestone in Dr. Lim’s distinguished career and reflects her longstanding dedication to advancing maternal and neonatal health through clinical innovation, research, education, and advocacy.
"This is a transformative moment in maternal health, and I am honored to lead SOAP at a time when evidence, equity, and patient voice must shape the future of peripartum care. Together, we will elevate standards, drive innovation, and advocate for every patient’s right to safe, respectful, and informed care. SOAP thrives because of its diverse, passionate community. I am excited to partner with our members and other community stakeholders, to lead meaningful change in how we care for pregnant patients - from labor wards to policy tables." - Dr. Grace Lim
As Chief of the Division of Obstetric and Women’s Anesthesiology at UPMC, she has led the expansion of high-quality obstetric anesthesia services and helped shape multidisciplinary perinatal care practices. Her leadership has contributed to national clinical guidelines and positioned her as a key thought leader and adviser to organizations including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the Alliance for Innovation in Maternal Health (AIM), and the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA).
Her research, funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), and institutional sources, addresses peripartum pain mechanisms, opioid-sparing strategies, and maternal safety. Dr. Lim’s clinical and translational work combines individualized approaches with population-based methods to develop personalized, data-informed care models. Her studies have provided critical insights into labor pain, postpartum recovery, and pain management for individuals with opioid use disorder.
Notably, Dr. Lim recently led a PCORI-funded project “Elevating Anesthesia Choices for Cesarean Delivery: A Roadmap to Patient-Centered Research and Quality Improvement” - or ELEVATE - and the associated meeting, held in January 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA, to advance patient-centered, evidence-based anesthesia care for cesarean deliveries by prioritizing maternal safety, equity, and empowerment. The meeting resulted in the release of the ELEVATE report, which is a comprehensive resource for stakeholders, including clinicians, researchers, policymakers, and patient advocates, to drive equitable and innovative improvements in obstetric anesthesia practices.
In her role at UPMC, Dr. Lim has spearheaded quality improvement initiatives such as Enhanced Recovery After Cesarean (ERAC) protocols, nitrous oxide labor analgesia, and comprehensive bundles for postpartum hemorrhage and analgesia. This work has contributed to significant reductions in maternal morbidity and improved patient-centered outcomes.
A committed educator and mentor, Dr. Lim has guided NIH-funded trainees and contributed to the academic development of future leaders in anesthesiology. She has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and textbooks and is a frequently invited speaker at prestigious institutions and international conferences.
Her election as SOAP President underscores her commitment to advancing the health of pregnant people and their babies through research, education, and the promotion of best practices in obstetric anesthesia. Founded in 1968, SOAP is a global community of anesthesiologists, obstetricians, pediatricians, and scientists dedicated to improving care for pregnant patients and newborns.
Dr. Lim has been elected to a three-year term, and her election underscores a shared vision for safe, equitable, and evidence-based care during the peripartum period - values that have defined her clinical and academic work and continue to guide her leadership.
Learn more about the Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology at soap.org.