Odmara Barreto Chang

Odmara Barreto Chang, MD, PhD is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF). Her work focuses on understanding molecular and behavioral mechanisms of cognitive impairment during surgery, with a particular emphasis on perioperative neurocognitive disorders. She holds affiliations at UCSF Mission Bay, Mount Zion, and Parnassus campuses.

Dr. Barreto Chang completed her MD/PhD training at Stanford University, residency and postdoctoral studies at UCSF, and holds a BS from the University of Puerto Rico. Her postdoctoral work focused on neuroscience and anesthesia-related cognitive outcomes.

Her research integrates EEG monitoring, artificial intelligence analysis, and implementation science to improve brain health assessment and neuroprotection strategies. Key themes include intraoperative EEG patterns predicting delirium, AI-generated healthcare disparities, and postoperative cognitive care gaps in spine surgery patients.

Her recent publications explore gender/racial biases in AI-generated medical imagery, high-altitude physiology effects, and mentorship dynamics in anesthesiology. She collaborates internationally on topics ranging from AI ethics to perioperative neuroprotection.

Dr. Barreto Chang actively participates in national programs like the ASA Doctors Back to School initiative, emphasizing education and innovation in anesthesia practice. Her work bridges clinical care, research, and healthcare equity efforts.