On Friday, May 16, 2025, faculty and trainees from across the four academic Harvard anesthesia training programs—Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH), Boston Children’s Hospital (TCH), and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC)—gathered at the Harvard Faculty Club to celebrate the 55th anniversary of the founding of an independent Harvard Medical School Department of Anæsthesia.

The event, hosted by the Harvard Anesthesia Executive Committee, received a warm welcome from Daniel Talmor, MD, and heard closing remarks from Alan Lisbon, MD, (both from BIDMC), who reflected on the department’s growth since its founding in 1969. He honored the legacy of innovation, research, and patient care established by earlier generations and emphasized the department’s continued leadership in shaping the field of anesthesiology. Attendees listened to a series of engaging five-minute micro-talks by faculty researchers from all four hospitals, showcasing cutting-edge work and collaboration across the system. Speakers included Erin J. Ciampa, MD, and Maximilian S. Schaefer, MD, (BIDMC); Katarina Ruscic, MD, Yun-Yun (Kathy) Chen, MD, and Luca Zazzeron, MD, (MGH/MGB); and Scott Holmes, MD, (Boston Children’s/TCH).

The evening was co-hosted by department leaders: Oluwaseun “Seun” Johnson-Akeju, MD, (MGH); Joseph Cravero, MD, (Boston Children’s); and Dr. Talmor, all of whom lent their support to this milestone occasion. The event underscored the department’s continued commitment to excellence in education, research, and compassionate patient care. Here’s to 55 remarkable years—and to the next 55!