The Department of Anesthesia at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario has the responsibility of providing leadership in the discipline of anesthesia. This is achieved through the conduct of fundamental and applied research, as well as through a commitment to the highest level of teaching for students, colleagues, and the public. An integral aspect of these goals is the organization and provision of safe and effective services in anesthesia by competent and caring physicians. The major strength of the department is the people. The faculty and staff of the Department of Anesthesia at McMaster are committed to the training of excellent clinicians. This commitment extends beyond the Faculty of Health Sciences to the University community, our hospital partners in Hamilton and the surrounding region, as well as through international outreach relationships in Haiti, Uganda, Guyana, and Shanghai. The DeGroote Institute for Pain Research and Care, the DeGroote National Pain Centre, and the Pain Medicine Residency Program are collaborating through research and education to provide the tools and resources for the management of chronic pain, with the clinical services provided at both hospital sites, St. Joseph's Healthcare (SJH) and Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS), and the DeGroote Pain Clinic at HHS. Our collaborations with HEI, Psychology, Engineering, other clinical departments, and the affiliated teaching hospital departments present excellent academic opportunities. The pre-eminence of the Population Health Research Institute in the field of peri-operative research creates the opportunity for our faculty members to participate in and lead trials in this field, a natural home for our members. Our goals are to continue to expand our involvement and output in research and education through the implementation of a supportive infrastructure and recruitment of residents with a commitment to these areas.