Dr. Alain Borgeat, MD

Alain Borgeat, MD is an anesthesiologist based at University of Zurich and Balgrist University Hospital in Zurich, Switzerland, recognised internationally for work in regional anesthesia, intravenous anesthesia and pain management. He holds the position of Professor Emeritus of Regional Anesthesia, University of Zurich.

Dr. Alain Borgeat led the Department of Anesthesiology at Balgrist University Hospital for about 20 years and now holds emeritus status at the University of Zurich.

Anesthesiologists are physicians who keep patients safe, comfortable and stable before, during and after surgery or another procedure. Within that specialty, Dr. Alain Borgeat is best known for regional anesthesia, intravenous anesthesia and pain management.

Dr. Alain Borgeat Specialty And Affiliation Summary

• Full Name And Credentials: Alain Borgeat, MD
• Specialty: Anesthesiology
• Subspecialty Focus: Regional anesthesia, intravenous anesthesia and pain management
• Current Position: Professor Emeritus of Regional Anesthesia, University of Zurich
• Institution: University of Zurich and Balgrist University Hospital
• Location: Zurich, Switzerland
• Previous Appointments: Led the Department of Anesthesiology at Balgrist University Hospital for about 20 years and now holds emeritus status at the University of Zurich

Training Pathway Of Dr. Alain Borgeat

The training record below is drawn from the institutional and society sources listed at the end of this profile.

• Medical Degree: Federal Diploma in medicine, Medical School of the University of Lausanne, 1980
• Further Certification: ECFMG certificate, Geneva, 1981
• Residency: Anesthesiology and intensive care training at the University Hospitals of Lausanne and Geneva
• Doctorate: Doctor title, University of Lausanne, 1985
• Specialist Certification: Diploma of the Swiss Association of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, 1988, and European Diploma for Intensive Care, 1989

Main Areas Of Expertise For Dr. Alain Borgeat

Published professional sources describe the clinical and academic work of Dr. Alain Borgeat as centred on:

• Interscalene brachial plexus block and shoulder surgery
• Continuous perineural catheter techniques
• Neurologic complications of peripheral nerve blocks
• Regional anesthesia in patients with pre-existing neurological disease
• Local anesthetic systemic toxicity

Dr. Alain Borgeat Academic And Professional Appointments

• Professor Emeritus, University of Zurich, appointed full Professor for Regional Anesthesia in 2006
• Former Head, Department of Anesthesiology, Orthopedic University Hospital Balgrist, Zurich
• Visiting Clinical Professor of Anesthesiology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, since 2009
• Associate Professor at the University of Geneva Medical School from 1994 and at the University of Zurich from 1995 to 2001
• Editorial board member of leading journals including Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine

Distinctions Held By Dr. Alain Borgeat

• Gaston Labat Award, American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, 2018
• Author of more than 138 peer-reviewed publications and 40 book chapters
• Delivered more than 950 invited lectures worldwide
• Built an internationally recognised regional anesthesia department for orthopaedic surgery

Clinical Base Of Dr. Alain Borgeat

University of Zurich and Balgrist University Hospital

Zurich, Switzerland. Clinical commitments at this institution are arranged through its departments and preoperative services. Confirm the current street address, department and telephone number with the institution before travelling, because academic appointments and clinic sites change.

Regional Anesthesia Explained

Regional anesthesia uses targeted injections of local anaesthetic near nerves to numb a specific part of the body, often instead of or alongside general anaesthesia. Ultrasound guidance lets the anesthesiologist see the nerve and the needle in real time, which has made these blocks more precise. For patients this can mean less pain after surgery, lower opioid requirements, less nausea and in many cases a faster return home.

Specialists With Expertise Comparable To Dr. Alain Borgeat

If you are comparing specialists, these anesthesiologists work in closely related areas:

• Dr. Ban Tsui, regional anesthesia at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen; Adjunct Clinical Professor at Stanford University
• Dr. Edward Mariano, regional anesthesia at Stanford University School of Medicine and VA Palo Alto Health Care System
• Dr. Joseph Neal, regional anesthesia at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health
• Dr. Sugantha Ganapathy, regional anesthesia at Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, and London Health Sciences Centre

Browse the full anesthesiologist directory for more specialists.

Booking And Insurance Information For Dr. Alain Borgeat

Anesthesiologists are usually brought into a patient’s care by a surgeon, a hospital preoperative clinic or a pain service rather than through direct booking. Insurance participation varies by hospital and by plan, and it changes over time. Check coverage with both the institution and your insurer before scheduling, and ask whether the named anesthesiologist will personally be involved in your care.

Quick Answers About Dr. Alain Borgeat

Is Dr. Alain Borgeat board certified?

ECFMG certificate, Geneva, 1981. Patients and referring clinicians should confirm current licensure and certification status directly with the relevant medical board or hospital.

What position does Dr. Alain Borgeat hold?

Dr. Alain Borgeat is Professor Emeritus of Regional Anesthesia, University of Zurich, based at University of Zurich and Balgrist University Hospital.

What does an anesthesiologist do?

An anesthesiologist is a physician who plans and manages anaesthesia and pain control, and who monitors breathing, heart function, circulation and comfort during surgery and recovery. The role also covers preoperative assessment and critical care.

What is regional anesthesia?

Regional Anesthesia is the area of anesthesiology concerned with regional anesthesia, intravenous anesthesia and pain management. Clinicians working in this area, including Dr. Alain Borgeat, aim to make surgery and recovery safer and more comfortable.

Has Dr. Alain Borgeat received professional recognition?

Yes. Gaston Labat Award, American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, 2018. Further awards and distinctions are listed above.

Does Dr. Alain Borgeat hold leadership roles in the specialty?

Yes. Professor Emeritus, University of Zurich, appointed full Professor for Regional Anesthesia in 2006. A fuller list of appointments appears above.

Where The Information About Dr. Alain Borgeat Comes From

• Balgrist University Hospital, Department of Anaesthesiology
• University of Zurich faculty directory
• ASRA Pain Medicine Gaston Labat Award announcement

How This Profile Of Dr. Alain Borgeat Was Compiled

This profile was compiled from the public professional sources listed above, including institutional faculty pages, hospital provider directories and specialty society records. Credentials, appointments and awards were checked against at least two independent sources where available. Last reviewed on 30 October 2026.

Update note: Led the Department of Anesthesiology at Balgrist University Hospital for about 20 years and now holds emeritus status at the University of Zurich.

Found something out of date? Contact the Find MD Health editorial team and we will review the entry.

Disclaimer For This Regional Anesthesia Listing

Information only, not medical advice. Location, specialty, insurance and availability change, so confirm details with University of Zurich and Balgrist University Hospital.