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Ruben J. Azocar, MD, MHCM, FASA, FCCM, FACHE

Professor and Chair, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine
Tulane University School of Medicine
New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

Ruben J. Azocar, MD, MHCM, FASA, FCCM, FACHE, is the Merryl and Sol Israel Chair of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine at Tulane University. Dr. Azocar earned his medical degree from Universidad Central de Venezuela. He completed a surgical internship at University of Miami, followed by a residency in Anesthesiology at Boston University School of Medicine, and fellowships in Critical Care at Cook County Hospital and Harvard Medical School. In 2016, he earned a master’s degree in Healthcare Management from the Harvard School of Public Health.
During his tenure at BUSM, Dr. Azocar held multiple roles, including Clinical Director of the Solomon Simulation Center, Residency Program Director, and Director of the Surgical ICU. Dr. Azocar was a three-time recipient of a prestigious teaching award from Boston University SOM and received an honorable mention for the International Anesthesia Research Society teaching award.
In 2013, Dr. Azocar joined Tufts Medical Center where he was apppoitned Chair of Anesthesiology in 2015. As Academic Chair, he advanced the department’s tripartite mission of the Department. Under his leadership, the department increased procedural volumes both in and outside the OR, assumed clinical oversight of cardiac intensive care units, and expanded its role in pain management. His Surgical Home initiative, launched in 2013, improved patient outcomes by reducing costs, enhancing patient satisfaction, and elevating the quality of surgical care.
At BIDMC, Dr. Azocar oversaw operations, quality, safety, and financial management for perioperative services. Since joining in July 2020, he led recovery efforts from the impacts of COVID-19, implemented efficiency and productivity initiatives, restructured the Operating Room Executive Committee, established the Quality, Safety, and Compliance Committee,
As Chair, Dr. Azocar’s appointment marks a pivotal step forward for the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine at Tulane as it expands its educational programs, clinical partnerships, and innovation in perioperative care.

Disclosure(s): Altura Health: Advisor (Ongoing); Angel Medical Devices: Advisor (Ongoing); Boston Medical Data: Advisor (Ongoing); Nerbio: Ownership Interest (stocks, stock options, patent or other intellectual property or other ownership interest excluding diversified mutual funds) (Ongoing); Your Best Anesthesia: Advisor (Ongoing)

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