Jeffrey J. Pasternak MD, MS

Jeffrey J. Pasternak, M.D., M.S., is a board-certified anesthesiologist and neuroanesthesiologist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He serves as Professor of Anesthesiology at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science and is internationally recognized for his expertise in neuroanesthesia, perioperative neuroscience, and medical education. His clinical and research interests include neuroanesthesia, the effects of central nervous system diseases on systemic physiology, the impact of systemic physiology on brain health, glycemic control in neurosurgical patients, and the use of nitrous oxide during neurosurgical procedures.

Dr. Pasternak earned a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from Rutgers University and a Master of Science in Physical Chemistry from the University of Michigan before receiving his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey–New Jersey Medical School. He completed an internship in Internal Medicine, followed by an Anesthesiology residency and a Neuroanesthesiology fellowship at Mayo Clinic, where he also served as Chief Resident. He is certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology.

At Mayo Clinic, Dr. Pasternak provides specialized anesthetic care for patients undergoing complex neurosurgical procedures. His work focuses on optimizing neurologic outcomes through advanced perioperative management, neurophysiologic monitoring, and evidence-based anesthetic techniques. He has played a key role in developing best practices for the care of patients with neurological diseases undergoing surgery.

In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Pasternak is an accomplished educator and leader. He has served as President of the Society for Neuroscience in Anesthesiology and Critical Care (SNACC), Chair of its Neuroanesthesia Fellowship Committee, and an Oral Board Examiner for the American Board of Anesthesiology. At Mayo Clinic, he has led fellowship and residency education initiatives and mentored numerous trainees in anesthesiology and neuroanesthesia.

Dr. Pasternak has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications, textbook chapters, and review articles on neuroanesthesia, perioperative neurologic care, brain injury, cognitive outcomes after surgery, and anesthetic management of neurosurgical patients. His research has contributed significantly to advancing evidence-based neuroanesthesia and improving perioperative care for patients with neurologic disorders.