The American Society of Anesthesiologists recognizes James C. Eisenach, M.D., with its 2013 Excellence in Research Award

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) today presented James C. Eisenach, M.D., with its 2013 Excellence in Research Award in recognition of his outstanding research achievements which have had an important impact on the field of anesthesiology. Dr. Eisenach is well known for his research on understanding the mechanisms of pain.

Early in his career, Dr. Eisenach examined the alpha2-adrenergic receptor protein and whether it played a role in pain reduction. He also focused on the use of morphine-induced analgesia via descending pathways with positron emission tomography, a nuclear medical imaging technique. Later in his career, Dr. Eisenach analyzed the role of intrathecal adenosine, prostaglandins, and oxytocin and their relationship to pain. His current work focuses on how to prevent chronic pain after military or civilian injuries and after major surgery.

In 1985, Dr. Eisenach began his career at Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, N.C. Since then, he has been the recipient of more than $21 million in National Institutes of Health (NIH) support and $2 million in industry support. Dr. Eisenach was involved in a trial leading to U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of epidural clonidine for intractable neuropathic pain associated with cancer.

Dr. Eisenach serves as the editor-in-chief of Anesthesiology and is the Francis M. James III Professor of Anesthesiology and Physiology and Pharmacology at Wake Forest University. He also is currently an NIH MERIT award recipient for the Systematic Study of Selective Spinal Analgesia in Humans. He is a past member and chair of FDA’s Anesthetic and Life Support Drugs Advisory Committee.

“I am personally pleased to present Dr. Eisenach with this prestigious award,” said Michael M. Todd, M.D., former editor-in-chief of Anesthesiology and Dr. Eisenach's predecessor at the journal. “Throughout his career, Dr. Eisenach has been committed to mentoring young scientists and physicians. In addition to training over 50 post-doctoral and undergraduate fellows and students, Dr. Eisenach has mentored several faculty members who have gone on to carry out successfully funded research. His commitment to our specialty – and research of the highest quality – is unmatched.”

Dr. Eisenach resides in Winston-Salem, N.C., with his wife, Pat. They have two children, Laurel and David.