Ruben J. Azocar, MD, named Chair of Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine
Tulane University School of Medicine is pleased to announce that Ruben J. Azocar, MD, MHCM, FASA, FCCM, FACHE, has been named the Sol and Meryl Israel Chair of the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine. A nationally recognized leader in perioperative services, medical education, simulation, and critical care, Dr. Azocar will assume his role on July 1, 2025.
Azocar brings more than two decades of clinical, academic, and executive experience to Tulane, most recently serving as Vice President of Perioperative Services at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, a Harvard Medical School affiliate. His career has spanned prestigious leadership roles at Tufts Medical Center and Boston Medical Center, where he served as Chair of Anesthesiology and a Vice-Chair for Education and Simulation, respectively.
A trailblazer in improving surgical outcomes and health system efficiency, Azocar led transformative initiatives such as the Surgical Home model and assumed oversight of intensive care units, leading to improvement in efficiency and outcomes. He has championed interdisciplinary collaboration, expanded pain management services, overseen operating room governance and recovery efforts post-COVID. His research, national speaking engagements, and numerous awards reflect a lifelong commitment to elevating anesthesiology and perioperative care.
“I am deeply honored to join Tulane University School of Medicine at a time of continued growth and momentum,” said Azocar. “Together with our faculty, trainees, and clinical partners, I look forward to advancing a patient-centered, innovation-driven vision that strengthens our academic mission and improves outcomes for the communities we serve.”
Azocar is a Fellow of the American College of Critical Care Medicine, the American Society of Anesthesiologists, and the American College of Healthcare Executives. He has held leadership positions in the ASA, the Society for the Advancement of Geriatric Anesthesia, and the Massachusetts Society of Anesthesiology, and serves as a national board examiner and thought leader in geriatric and critical care anesthesiology.
“Dr. Azocar brings exceptional experience in clinical leadership, education, and systems improvement,” said L. Lee Hamm, MD, Senior Vice President and Dean of Tulane University School of Medicine. “His vision, energy, and record of building high-performing teams will strengthen our department and expand its reach and impact across the region.”
Azocar’s appointment marks a pivotal step forward for Tulane Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine as it expands its educational programs, clinical partnerships, and innovation in perioperative care.
