The American Society of Anesthesiologists® bestows its highest honor, Distinguished Service Award, on John Neeld, M.D.

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA®) today presented Henrik Kehlet, M.D., Ph.D., with its 2014 Excellence in Research Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to research which have had an important impact on anesthesiology as a medical specialty. Dr. Kehlet is known for his research and writing in surgical pathophysiology, surgical stress response and the transition from acute to chronic pain, among other topics.

Dr. Kehlet completed his medical studies and surgical residency at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark. Dr. Kehlet served as the chief of surgery and professor of surgery at Copenhagen University at Hvidovre University Hospital from 1989 to 2004. He was subsequently appointed as a professor of perioperative therapy and head of the Section for Surgical Pathophysiology at the Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen. Dr. Kehlet continues to be a prolific writer, having authored more than 950 scientific articles covering a wide range of topics.

Dr. Kehlet’s research led to the creation of the concept of fast-track surgery, or enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS), with the aim of painless and safe surgeries. His work related to pain relief and surgical outcomes led to the multimodal analgesia approach of combining different analgesics for better pain control and fewer side effects that is widely used today. Dr. Kehlet also is credited with the concept of pre-emptive analgesia, or administering an analgesic prior to surgical injury in order to decrease the intensity and duration of postoperative pain. In addition to his many contributions to perioperative pain management, Dr. Kehlet is responsible for establishing the first nationwide hernia database in Denmark, with the purpose of optimizing outcomes and documenting different approaches to improve care.

“I am honored to present Dr. Kehlet with the prestigious Excellence in Research Award,” said James Eisenach, M.D., editor-in-chief, Anesthesiology. “His career is unmatched in his contributions to improving surgical outcomes, and his research has advanced the specialty of anesthesiology. His outstanding work has improved much of what we do as physician anesthesiologists, and his dedication to the field of medicine is exemplary.”

Dr. Kehlet resides in Copenhagen with his wife, Susanne, where they share a passion for art and music.