Matthias Braehler

Matthias Braehler, MD, PhD, is a Clinical Professor in the Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). He is affiliated with multiple clinical sites including UCSF at Mission Bay, Mount Zion, and Parnassus, and specializes in regional anesthesia. His clinical and research work focuses on improving perioperative pain management, nerve block techniques, and patient safety.

• M.D. and Ph.D., University of Göttingen, 1996
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Champion Training, University of California, 2021

Dr. Braehler's research interests center on regional anesthesia, particularly the erector spinae plane block, femoral and sciatic nerve blocks, and complications of neuraxial anesthesia. He investigates postoperative neuropathies, inflammatory nerve injuries, and delirium prevention strategies in older adults. His work bridges clinical practice with quality improvement and patient-centered outcomes.

The recent articles highlight a strong focus on ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia techniques, especially the erector spinae plane block across diverse surgical contexts including orthopedic, urologic, and transplant surgeries. There is a consistent theme of optimizing analgesia, reducing opioid use, and improving recovery. Several publications are case reports or clinical trials emphasizing practical applications and safety in real-world settings.

Scientific awards and recognitions include:

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Champion Training, University of California (2021)

Dr. Braehler has been involved in quality improvement initiatives, including a perioperative delirium prevention program for older adults. He has contributed to the development and validation of an electronic medical record-based delirium risk stratification tool. While no formal list of students is provided, his collaborative research suggests active mentorship and team-based scholarship within anesthesiology. He has no listed grants, but his work implies involvement in institutional or departmental research programs. Dr. Braehler is part of multidisciplinary teams focused on anesthesia safety, pain control, and perioperative outcomes improvement.