Congratulations to Dr. Eric Piacenza on His Promotion to Associate Professor (Clinical)
We’re excited to announce the promotion of Dr. Eric Piacenza to Associate Professor (Clinical) in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Utah!
Since joining the department in 2020, Dr. Piacenza has become a leader in regional anesthesia, acute pain medicine, and perioperative innovation—earning widespread recognition for his dedication to clinical excellence, education, and patient-centered care.
As Director of Regional Anesthesia and Acute Pain Medicine and Co-director of the Transitional Pain Service (TPS), Dr. Piacenza has helped transform the department’s approach to pain management. He has led the development of key protocols—including Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathways for thoracotomies, lidocaine infusion protocols, and a peripheral nerve injury protocol—all aimed at improving patient outcomes and minimizing opioid use.
One of Dr. Piacenza’s most impactful contributions has been the establishment of a monthly cadaver lab in partnership with Pathology, now in its second year. This hands-on training has become a core educational experience for regional anesthesia fellows and residents at the University of Utah.
A dedicated educator, Dr. Piacenza designed the curriculum for the newly ACGME-accredited Regional Anesthesia and Acute Pain Medicine Fellowship. His program includes cadaver labs, structured didactics, mock oral boards, and hands-on training—all tailored to prepare learners at every stage. Known for his approachability, enthusiasm, and strong mentorship, Dr. Piacenza is consistently rated as an exceptional role model and clinical teacher by trainees.
Dr. Piacenza also played a key role in the design and implementation of virtual patient visits through the Transitional Pain Service, ensuring that patients at risk for complex pain management challenges receive coordinated care throughout the perioperative period. His work helped define EMR workflows, referral processes, TPS documentation, and outreach across surgical departments.
Beyond the hospital, Dr. Piacenza has been a vocal advocate for the field. He serves as Delegate and Secretary for the Utah Society of Anesthesiologists, where he helped pass the Anesthesiologist Assistant Practice Act in Utah and has represented the state at national legislative meetings in Washington, D.C.
As a clinician-investigator, Dr. Piacenza contributed to research such as Audiovisual Distraction versus Propofol Sedation for Primary TKA and THA under Spinal Anesthesia, published in the Journal of Clinical Monitoring and Computing.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Eric Piacenza on his promotion and in celebrating his outstanding contributions to patient care, education, advocacy, and innovation!