The Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine recently welcomed Linda Zhang, D.O., Ph.D., as an assistant professor.
Linda Zhang, D.O., Ph.D.
Zhang holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of British Columbia and a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry from Simon Fraser University. She attended medical school at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in New York before completing residency training at the UAB Heersink School of Medicine. Zhang completed both a research fellowship and obstetric anesthesiology fellowship at UAB before joining the department as a faculty member in July 2026.
Zhang shares more about what inspired her to choose a career in anesthesiology, what excited her most about her new role, and the ways in which she hopes to make an impact at UAB.
What inspired you to pursue a career in this field?
Zhang: I was drawn to anesthesiology because it combines procedural skills and real-time clinical decision-making. I enjoy the balance between intellectual challenges and hands-on patient care, as well as the opportunity to make an immediate difference in patient safety and outcomes.
What aspects of your new role here are you most excited about?
Zhang: Having trained at UAB for the past six years, I am excited to continue working with the colleagues and mentors who have played such an important role in my professional development. I particularly look forward to taking on greater responsibilities in expanding research and contributing to our anesthesia team as a faculty member.
What is your primary area of expertise within your field, and what sparked your passion for it?
Zhang: My primary clinical focus is obstetric anesthesiology, particularly the management of high-risk obstetric patients. I enjoy the unique physiological challenges of pregnancy and the multidisciplinary approach required to provide safe maternal care.
What are your goals for making an impact through both your teaching and patient care in this role?
Zhang: I hope to provide safe, compassionate, evidence-based care while helping residents develop strong clinical reasoning and confidence in managing complex cases. I also aim to bridge clinical practice and research to improve patient outcomes, particularly in obstetric anesthesia and perioperative care.