Patrick A. Upchurch

Patrick A. Upchurch, MD, serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology with specialized expertise in Cardiothoracic Anesthesia, Heart Transplant Anesthesia, and Thoracic Anesthesia. Board certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology (including subspecialty certification in Adult Cardiac Anesthesiology) and the National Board of Echocardiography (Adult Comprehensive Echocardiography and Advanced Perioperative TEE), he maintains active clinical practice alongside academic responsibilities.

His educational foundation includes:

• Medical Doctorate (M.D.) from University of Virginia School of Medicine
• Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesia Fellowship at Emory University Hospital
• Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine Residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital
• Surgical Critical Care Fellowship at Boston Children’s Hospital
• Surgery Residency at Duke University Medical Center
• Bachelor of Science degrees in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology and Food Science and Human Nutrition from University of Florida

Dr. Upchurch's research integrates cardiothoracic anesthesiology with cardiology and critical care, emphasizing pediatric cardiac applications, echocardiography, and transplant outcomes. His work bridges clinical practice with patient safety initiatives and guideline implementation for congenital heart disease management in adults. Recent publications demonstrate significant contributions to understanding respiratory papillomatosis treatments, minimally invasive surgical techniques, and resident work-hour reforms.

Analysis of his 2018-2020 publications reveals a strategic research trajectory spanning clinical anesthesia applications (40%), patient safety systems (30%), and cardiovascular physiology (30%). Key thematic clusters include pediatric airway management, mitral valve replacement innovations, and evidence-based implementation of cardiology guidelines for adult congenital heart disease patients.

His clinical and research activities reflect deep engagement with echocardiographic techniques and perioperative management of complex cardiac cases, particularly in transplant and pediatric populations.