Retirement Celebration Honoring Drs. Kiai, Olcese, Ottolia, Rosenbaum, and Ruffalo

Retirement Celebration Honoring Drs. Kiai, Olcese, Ottolia, Rosenbaum, and Ruffalo

On Friday, July 18, 2025, UCLA Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine colleagues and family members gathered at the Luskin Conference Center and Hotel to celebrate the retirement of five esteemed clinical and basic science faculty members: Kianusch Kiai, MD, Ricardo Olcese, PhD, Michela Ottolia, PhD, Harvey Rosenbaum, MD, and Richard Ruffalo, MD. The evening was filled with stories of gratitude, laughter, and recognition of excellence in research and patient care. After enjoying food and drinks, Maxime Cannesson, MD, PhD, Professor and Department Chair, and Michael Sopher, MD, Vice Chair for Clinical Affairs, shared opening remarks. Mansoureh Eghbali, PhD—who worked in the lab next door to Dr. Olcese for three decades—and Thomas Vondriska, PhD, Vice Chair for Research, delivered special tributes. 

Each of these retirees leaves behind a legacy of scholarship, service, and collegiality that has supported and shaped the department. Drs. Ottolia and Olcese were recognized for their groundbreaking scientific contributions, Dr. Rosenbaum for his mentorship, Dr. Kiai for his dedication to clinical excellence and education, and Dr. Ruffalo for his long-standing commitment to patient care. The evening closed with the presentation of UCLA Bruin statues and photographs, honoring an outstanding group whose impact will continue to be felt throughout our department, the UCLA Health system, the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, and the scientific community for years to come.