We are pleased to announce that Stephen Klein, MD, has been appointed as our department's associate vice chair for ambulatory anesthesiology, effective July 1. He will continue serving in his current role as chief of the Ambulatory Anesthesiology Division while a national search for that role is initiated; the search committee will be led by Dr. Timothy Miller.
Dr. Klein, professor of anesthesiology and Duke Anesthesiology alumnus, brings nearly 29 years of experience to his new role in which he aims to collaborate with key stakeholders to create and execute a strategic plan that expands the department’s ambulatory surgery footprint, enabling the delivery of high-quality, efficient care to a broader patient population; drive the development of innovative anesthesiology practices that align with departmental growth priorities and promote long-term sustainability; and utilize the department’s expertise in perioperative pathways, advanced techniques, enhanced recovery protocols, and system operations to establish strategic partnerships, providing guidance and fostering operational excellence across collaborative entities.
"It has been my privilege to lead a team of faculty and staff who are undisputed experts in their field and who have transformed the field of regional anesthesia and ambulatory surgery," says Dr. Klein. "I am deeply honored and grateful to be appointed to this new role and to embark on the next chapter of my journey with Duke Anesthesiology. I’m looking forward to helping Duke execute an ambitious ambulatory surgery strategy that is coordinated, progressive and patient centric. As the department continues to expand ambulatory anesthesia services within the health system and beyond, I am excited to collaborate with our exceptional leadership and faculty to develop strategies that strengthen our department and propel our growth.”
Dr. Klein received his medical degree in 1992 from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and arrived at Duke in 1993, where he completed an anesthesiology residency and went on to join Duke Anesthesiology faculty. In 2005, he proudly received the Special Award for Excellence in the Advancement of Military Regional Anesthesia - a prestigious honor from the United States Army in recognition of his significant contributions within its health care system.
Since his appointment as division chief in 2006, Dr. Klein has played a pivotal role in developing and mentoring new leaders within our department. With his guidance, the division's faculty size has doubled, which has fostered increased collaboration and expertise within our team, in turn, enabling the division to expand to multiple locations, ultimately extending our reach and impact in the community. Notably, under Dr. Klein's leadership, the division successfully designed and launched the Duke Ambulatory Surgery Center Arringdon, marking a historic milestone as the first new Duke Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) in more than 25 years. Throughout his tenure as division chief, he assumed additional leadership roles, including director of the Regional Anesthesiology and Acute Pain Medicine Fellowship (2007-2009) and medical director of the Duke ASC (2006-2019); During those 13 years, he was instrumental in the oversight of our premier outpatient facility, which encompasses nine operating rooms, approximately 90 surgeons, performing approximately 7,000 cases per year. In 2015, he was appointed as the assistant manager for ambulatory services in the operating room, and four years later, he transitioned to the role of chief of ambulatory anesthesia for the Duke University Health System, a position he currently holds.
Dr. Klein's research in regional anesthesia and outpatient care at a national level has significantly advanced the field by focusing on improved analgesia and innovative technology development. His work on paravertebral somatic nerve blocks as an alternative to general anesthesia for breast and hernia surgeries has led to enhanced pain management and reduced opioid-related side effects. Throughout his career, Dr. Klein has not only expanded pain relief options but also contributed to the adoption of new care pathways at various health care centers globally. Moreover, the pioneering efforts of Dr. Klein and the Duke team in developing ambulatory continuous peripheral nerve infusion equipment and techniques have transformed pain management for patients undergoing complex surgeries. This innovative approach has greatly impacted ambulatory surgery practices and positioned Duke as a leading institution in ambulatory care, with their research and techniques being widely adopted worldwide.
Please join us in extending Dr. Klein congratulations on his new leadership role in our department and thank him for his commitment to Duke Anesthesiology and the ambulatory anesthesiology specialty.