The University of Pittsburgh has announced the prestigious appointment of Dr. Senthil Sadhasivam as the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Endowed Chair in Anesthesiology Research Excellence, effective March 1, 2025.

This recognition highlights Dr. Sadhasivam’s significant contributions to anesthesiology research, patient safety, and clinical quality, further solidifying the department’s leadership.

A Prestigious Faculty Honor

Endowed faculty positions at the University of Pittsburgh are among the highest academic honors, awarded to scholars who have demonstrated national and international excellence in their respective disciplines.

Dr. Sadhasivam’s appointment is a testament to his groundbreaking work in anesthesiology, particularly in the areas of perioperative pain management, opioid pharmacogenetics, and personalized medicine.

With this new role, Dr. Sadhasivam will continue his ongoing work as Executive Vice Chair for Clinical Quality, Patient Safety, and Clinical Research within the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine.

His leadership has played a critical role in advancing the department’s research mission, particularly in securing substantial funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Driving Research Excellence

Since joining the department in 2021, Dr. Sadhasivam has been instrumental in expanding the research capabilities of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

Under his guidance, NIH grant submissions have seen remarkable growth, positioning the department among the top-funded anesthesiology research institutions in the country.

His ability to foster interdisciplinary collaborations has further enhanced the impact of the department’s research initiatives.

In addition to his endowed chair appointment, Dr. Sadhasivam serves as:

• Associate Dean for Perioperative Research at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
• Director of Perioperative Research
• Director of the Perioperative Genomics Program

These roles underscore his leadership in integrating genomics into perioperative medicine, ensuring that research findings translate into improved clinical outcomes for patients.

Expertise in Perioperative Pain Management

Dr. Sadhasivam is widely recognized as a global expert in perioperative pain management.

His research in opioid pharmacogenetics has provided valuable insights into how genetic factors influence opioid response and safety.

His work has been instrumental in shaping policies and practices aimed at reducing opioid-related complications and addiction, particularly in vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and pediatric patients.

Currently, Dr. Sadhasivam leads multiple NIH-funded studies addressing critical issues, including:

• Opioid Use Disorder in Pregnancy – Investigating genetic factors that contribute to opioid dependence in expectant mothers.
• Postoperative Opioid Safety – Developing strategies to personalize pain management while minimizing opioid-related risks.

His efforts have not only improved patient safety but also contributed to a broader understanding of precision medicine in pain management.

Beyond Academia: Leadership in Innovation

Beyond his academic and clinical work, Dr. Sadhasivam is a pioneering innovator. As the Founder and Chief Medical Officer of OpalGenix, he has been at the forefront of translating opioid pharmacogenetics research into real-world clinical applications. 

OpalGenix is dedicated to advancing precision medicine, ensuring that opioid prescribing is tailored to individual genetic profiles, thereby reducing adverse effects and optimizing pain relief.

His influence extends beyond research and innovation into education and mentorship.

With over 200 peer-reviewed publications and 230 national and international presentations, Dr. Sadhasivam continues to contribute to the global anesthesiology community.

His mentorship has shaped the careers of numerous young researchers and clinicians, further strengthening the field.

Joining a Distinguished Group of Faculty

Dr. Sadhasivam’s appointment places him among a select group of esteemed faculty members within the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, including:

• Dr. Franklyn Cladis – Health Sciences Endowed Chair in Pediatric Anesthesiology
• Dr. Peter Davis – Dr. Joseph H. Marcy Endowed Chair in Pediatric Anesthesiology
• Dr. Mark Hudson – UPMC Richard J. Kuwik Endowed Professor of Anesthesiology
• Dr. Yan Xu – Peter Winter Professor of Anesthesiology

These endowed positions reflect the university’s commitment to excellence in anesthesiology, recognizing individuals whose contributions have made a lasting impact on research, education, and patient care.

Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future

As Dr. Sadhasivam embarks on this new chapter, his vision for the future of anesthesiology research and patient care remains clear: to advance precision medicine, enhance patient safety, and develop innovative solutions for pain management.

His leadership will continue to shape the department’s direction, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of cutting-edge research and clinical excellence.