Research and Clinical Innovations Recognized at ANESTHESIOLOGY 2026

The Department of Anesthesiology showcased numerous presentations at the ANESTHESIOLOGY 2026 Annual Meeting in San Diego, earning top recognition from the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) review committees.

Featured Author Podcast: Intraoperative Targets in Noncardiac Surgery

Sean Coeckelenbergh, MD, PhD, joins the latest Anesthesiology Journal Podcast to discuss the research team’s recently published article on “Higher versus Routine Intraoperative Blood Pressure Targets in Noncardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review”.

UC Irvine Research Study How Ibogaine May Help Treat Opioid Addiction

Researchers at UC Irvine are trying to answer one of the biggest questions about ibogaine, a psychedelic that is still illegal in the United States, but which is increasingly becoming a focus for scientists trying to unlock its potential healing power. Professor Rick Harris is the neuroscientist leading the effort, working with volunteers. “Our group is trying to understand how the ibogaine might be working to break addictive circuitry” he says

‘I couldn't imagine ever doing much better than struggling to stay sober’: Using ibogaine to treat substance use disorder

Through a grant-funded study at UC Irvine, Rick Harris, PhD, who is leading the study, said the ultimate goal of the treatment is to stop the addiction cravings altogether. … “We try it once and it breaks the addiction, and then you don’t have to take it anymore.”

Danielle Perret Karimi, MD — 2026 Recipient of the UC Irvine Applause Program

Professor Danielle Perret Karimi, MD, one of six recipients of the 2026 UC Irvine Women in Technology Applause Program, was recognized for developing AI-supported efficiency tools within the Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system to reduce after-hours charting and burnout.

Match Day Driven by Mentorship

Graduating medical student Saman Andalib credits mentorship from UCI Health doctors for guiding his decision to specialize in orthopedic surgery.

Study of Ibogaine Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder Receives $50,000 Grant

Richard E. Harris, PhD, receives a $50,000 grant from the Etheridge Foundation in support of his study into whether ibogaine, a psychoactive substance derived from plants, can help treat opioid use disorder.

Medicine Meets Micro-gravity

Professors Jonathan Stellar, MD, and Ariana Nelson, MD, are developing the first-ever mission-based space medicine program.

Sanjay Gupta Shares Insight into Acupuncture from UC Irvine’s Richard E. Harris, PhD

It Doesn’t Have to Hurt, a new book by Sanjay Gupta, includes insight into acupuncture, drawing on expertise from Richard E. Harris, PhD, and his decades of research into integrative medicine.

UC Irvine Pioneers Space Medicine Education

UC Irvine School of Medicine is the first medical school in the U.S. to create a foundational Space Medicine Mission-Based Program for medical students. Learn more about this first-of-its-kind program and two School of Medicine faculty members leading this innovative program.