History

Physicians and medical students first administered ether in Louisville in 1847, at Louisville City Hospital. About 100 years later, in 1941, Douglas M. Dollar and colleagues established Kentucky's first anesthesiology residency program at Louisville General Hospital (formerly Louisville City Hospital). In 2024, the residency program continues to thrive having recently graduated its 83rd class.

In 1956, Lolita S. Weakley became Head of Anesthesia Services and the residency program earned accreditation by the ACGME in 1958. The legacy of Weakley’s contributions is commemorated by an endowed Anesthesiology Research Chair named in honor of Lolita S. and Samuel D. Weakley. The division of anesthesiology separated from the Department of Surgery in 1963 with the appointment of Eugene H. Conner as the founding chair of anesthesiology.

Throughout the decades, the department has seen significant leadership transitions and developments. J. Antonio Aldrete, chair from 1971 to 1975, earned national recognition with his Post-Anesthesia Recovery scoring system, which was later adopted by the Joint Commission. George E Webb served as chair from 1977 to 1980, during which time the anesthesiology resident training expanded to Louisville’s key hospitals, including the Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Norton Children’s Hospital. Under his leadership, the department developed training programs in cardiac and obstetric anesthesia, intensive care and pain medicine. Benjamin Rigor significantly expanded clinical and academic programs during his leadership role from 1981 to 1999 and Carol Lake (2000-2004) brought national prominence as a pediatric cardiac anesthesiologist. Lindsey Henson was appointed chair in 2005 and served until 2008, bringing a renewed focus to resident education, introducing resident portfolios to the training program. In 2010, Mark Boswell became chair with his tenure focused on operational improvements and financial stabilization. Sean Clifford has served as chair since 2017. During this period, the department has undergone extensive clinical growth with expansion of the residency program and addition of cardiac and critical care anesthesia fellowships. 

Who we serve

We are dedicated to serving our patients through compassionate, innovative and patient-centered care. We are proud to serve the Kentuckiana community and beyond.