Dr. Padma Gulur, a leading Indian American physician-scientist renowned for her work in pain management and anesthesiology, has been appointed as the next head of the Department of Anesthesiology at Washington University School of Medicine. According to a university announcement on February 12, 2026, she will begin her tenure on August 1, 2026, and concurrently serve as the inaugural Alex S. Evers MD Distinguished Professor in Anesthesiology.

Gulur’s appointment marks a significant leadership milestone at one of the nation’s premier medical schools. Washington University School of Medicine has long been recognized for its contributions to clinical care, research, and medical education, and the Department of Anesthesiology is among the institution’s most dynamic clinical and research units. Her selection reflects not only her individual achievements but also the broader trend of Indian American physicians assuming senior leadership roles in major U.S. academic medical centers.

Raised and educated for part of her early life in India, Gulur earned her medical degree abroad before completing her medical training in the United States and establishing a distinguished career that spans clinical practice, research, and academic administration. Prior to accepting her new role in St. Louis, she served as interim chair of the Department of Anesthesiology at Duke University, where she developed innovative pain care models and advanced strategies to mitigate the risks associated with opioid use in postoperative and chronic pain settings.

Throughout her career, Gulur has been deeply committed to transforming how hospitals and communities address pain, especially in the context of the ongoing national opioid crisis. She is widely credited with developing clinical care frameworks that emphasize effective pain relief while reducing dependence on traditional opioid therapy. One model focuses on the immediate postoperative period, ensuring patients receive balanced, evidence-based pain management. Another emphasizes proactive community engagement to identify individuals at risk for chronic pain before their symptoms escalate. Together, these approaches represent a shift toward more holistic and preventative pain care paradigms.

In addition to her clinical innovations, Gulur’s scholarly work includes exploring non-pharmacological therapies such as green light therapy, which her research suggests may offer meaningful pain relief without the side effects associated with narcotic medications. Some of her work has led to patented technologies designed to enhance the safety and effectiveness of pain management strategies. These innovations have expanded her influence beyond academic environments to community health settings and clinical practice nationwide.

Her appointment also underscores her role in national advisory and regulatory contexts. Gulur has been involved in federal advisory panels, including leadership roles with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee, where she contributed her expertise to discussions on medication safety and policy. This blend of academic leadership and national service positions her to bring a multifaceted perspective to the leadership of anesthesiology at Washington University.

For Washington University, Gulur succeeds Dr. Michael S. Avidan, who has led the department since 2019 and under whose leadership it achieved top national rankings in research funding and scholarly output. Avidan will remain on the faculty to continue his work in perioperative mental health research, ensuring continuity even as the department transitions under new leadership.

Gulur’s role as department head will place her at the nexus of clinical care, research innovation, and medical education. Anesthesiology departments nationally are increasingly central not only to surgical care but also to perioperative medicine, pain management, and critical care. Her leadership is expected to influence all these domains, reinforcing Washington University’s reputation as a hub for training the next generation of physician-scientists and advancing patient-centered care approaches.

At a time when pain management is undergoing significant reevaluation due to concerns around addiction, chronic pain prevalence, and health equity, Gulur’s appointment signals a commitment to forward-looking strategies that balance scientific rigor with compassionate care. Her work exemplifies how clinical leadership can drive institutional culture change and improve outcomes for patients across diverse health systems.

Beyond her clinical and administrative accomplishments, Gulur is an influential voice in academic medicine. Her appointment highlights the increasing visibility and impact of Indian American leaders in U.S. healthcare, demonstrating the depth of talent and leadership South Asian Americans continue to bring to high-stakes roles within the medical field.

Key Takeaways About Padma Gulur

• Padma Gulur was named head of anesthesiology at Washington University School of Medicine.
• She will begin her role on August 1, 2026.
• Gulur is also appointed the first Alex S. Evers MD Distinguished Professor in Anesthesiology.
• Her career emphasizes innovative pain management and opioid risk reduction.
• The appointment reflects growing Indian American leadership in academic medicine.