Announcing the 2026 FAER-Helrich Research Lecturer

April 3, 2026

FAER is pleased to announce Hugh C. Hemmings Jr., MD, PhD, FRCA, Professor and Chair of the Department of Anesthesiology at Weill Cornell Medicine, as this year’s FAER-Helrich Research Lecturer. Dr. Hemmings will present his lecture, titled “The Prepared Mind,” on Saturday, October 17, at ANESTHESIOLOGY^® 2026 in San Diego. The lecture will be followed by a panel expanding upon the concepts discussed.

“It is an honor to be selected to present the 2026 FAER-Helrich Research Lecture. I received my first research funding from FAER in 1992, an Anesthesiology Young Investigator Award, which launched me on my research career in anesthesiology. This was critical affirmation of the importance of research to the advancement of anesthesiology as a specialty, as well as of my decision to pursue laboratory research in clinical specialty. The importance of such early support for developing physician-scientists has never been greater.”
 - Hugh C. Hemmings Jr., MD, PhD, FRCA, Professor and Chair, Department of Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medicine

In 2001, FAER held the first FAER Honorary Research Lecture as a means of recognizing outstanding scholarship by a scientist in an effort to encourage young anesthesiologists to consider careers in research and teaching. This is crucial if anesthesiology is to maintain its reputation as a medical specialty continuously striving for excellence in patient care. In 2014, the Board of Directors voted to name the lecture after Martin Helrich, MD, FAER’s first Executive Director who passed away in 2013. It is now called the FAER-Helrich Research Lecture.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Hemmings on his selection as the FAER-Helrich Research Lecturer and thanking him for his many contributions to anesthesiology, research, and medicine. To follow are words of support from Drs. Hannah Wunsch and Kane Pryor, who nominated Dr. Hemmings as lecturer.

"Dr. Hemmings personally embodies the highest ideals of academic medicine—intellectual rigor, innovation, mentorship, and leadership. His ability to translate complex molecular findings into clinically relevant paradigms fits perfectly with the FAER-Helrich Research Lecture with its focus on the intersection of rigorous research and meaningful clinical impact.

“Honoring him with the Lectureship not only recognizes his exceptional achievements but will also inspire future generations of physician-scientists to pursue excellence in anesthesiology research.”
 - Hannah Wunsch, MD, MSc, Professor and Vice Chair for Research, Department of Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medicine; Kane Pryor, MD, Professor and Executive Vice Chair for Academic Affairs, Department of Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medicine

We encourage those attending ANESTHESIOLOGY 2026 to join Dr. Hemmings and FAER for this year’s Helrich Lecture. Stay tuned for more information, including an article highlighting Dr. Hemmings in the September 2026 issue of the ASA Monitor.

For a list of previous FAER-Helrich Research Lecturers, click here.

THE FOUNDATION FOR ANESTHESIA EDUCATION AND RESEARCH (FAER)
FAER is a related foundation of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA). For 40 years, FAER has been dedicated to developing the next generation of physician-investigators in anesthesiology. Charitable contributions and support to FAER help fuel the future of anesthesiology through scientific discovery. Funding priorities include: Research, Education, and Training. At the time of this article's publication, FAER has awarded more than $61 million in research grants and programs since 1986. To donate to FAER, visit FAER.org/donate.