Dr. Christopher L. Wu, MD, an anesthesiologist at Hospital for Special Surgery, has been honored with the esteemed Gaston Labat Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the fields of regional anesthesia and acute pain medicine. The honor recognizes his groundbreaking research, exemplary clinical practice, and commitment to mentorship.
The award recognizes those who have fostered the art and science of regional anesthesia in the tradition of Louis Gaston Labat, either by research that has furthered the specialty, organizational contributions, innovative teaching traditions, or simply exemplary clinical practice that has expanded regional anesthesia application.
Dr. Labat presented the lecture, “Regional Anesthesia and Outcomes: Past, Present, and Future,” at the 49th Annual Regional Anesthesiology and Acute Pain Medicine Meeting last month in San Diego, California.
“Dr. Wu has been at the forefront of implementing creative and innovative techniques… He popularized the use of meta-analytic technique in the field of acute pain medicine and regional anesthesia,” remarked Dr. Robert Hurley, one of Dr. Wu’s nominators and mentees, highlighting the impact of his research.
Dr. Wu received his medical degree from Albany Medical College in 1989, then went on to complete a residency in anesthesiology from the University of Rochester in 1993 where he became an assistant professor at the University of Rochester in 1994. In 1999, he continued his career at Johns Hopkins University, where he remained until 2018. He is now a clinical professor of anesthesiology and director of clinical research for the Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care & Pain Management at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS)/Weil Cornell Medicine in New York City.
Dr. Wu’s Accomplishments Include:
- Dr. Wu’s research breakthroughs include pioneering database analysis in regional analgesia’s impact on patient outcomes, examining health-related quality in postoperative recovery, and popularizing meta-analytic techniques in acute pain medicine. His influential JAMA article has over 1,300 citations.
- Serving on editorial boards of leading journals like the British Journal of Anesthesia and Anesthesia & Analgesia, Dr. Wu is a recognized authority in anesthesiology.
- At Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), Dr. Wu directs clinical research, contributes to the Clinical Research Advisory Council, promotes anesthesiology, and chairs the Pain Prevention Research Center.
- As a member of prestigious organizations including the American Society of Anesthesiologists and ASRA Pain Medicine, Dr. Wu actively shapes the field.
- Within ASRA Pain Medicine, Dr. Wu’s roles spanned from communications and program chair to board member, showcasing his commitment to advancing regional anesthesia.
- Dr. Wu’s mentoring legacy is renowned, guiding numerous medical professionals to ensure a lasting impact on the specialty. He initiated a weekly journal club at HSS during the COVID-19 pandemic to sustain educational opportunities.
As a mentor, Dr. Wu’s dynamic and engaged approach has guided numerous medical students, residents, and junior faculty members, ensuring a formidable academic legacy for the specialty of anesthesiology. “The most rewarding accomplishment in my career has been the success of my numerous mentees,” Dr. Wu remarked, emphasizing the importance of mentorship.
Colleagues commend Dr. Wu as an exceptional clinical regional anesthesiologist, admired by both surgeons and patients alike. His leadership roles within professional organizations further attest to his influence and impact within the field.
Dr. Christopher Wu’s journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of passion, perseverance, and dedication to advancing medical knowledge. As he continues to inspire and lead, Dr. Wu’s legacy will undoubtedly endure, shaping the future of anesthesiology for generations to come.