Vesna Jevtovic-Todorovic, MD, PhD, MBA
SmartTots
Scientific Advisory Board, Member
University of Virginia Health System
Endowed Harold Carron Professor of Anesthesiology and Neuroscience
Education
University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Yugoslavia - MD (1985)
University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois - PhD (1990)
University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia - MBA (2010)
Scientific Profile
Areas of Specialty: Dr. Jevtovic-Todorovic specializes in anesthesiology and neuroscience. She holds board certifications in the State of Missouri (1992) and the Commonwealth of Virginia (2001), and is certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology as a Diplomat in Anesthesiology. Dr. Jevtovic-Todorovic has held teaching positions and hospital appointments for the past two decades.Research Activities: Dr. Jevtovic-Todorovic's primary research interests include developmental neurotoxicity and chronic pain pathophysiology and treatment. Most recently, her research has been focused on mechanisms by which anesthetic drugs interact with neurotransmitter systems in the central nervous system (CNS) to produce both pharmacological and toxicological effects. Her initial studies relating to the neurotoxicity of anesthetics in the developing brain influenced further investigations into anesthetic-induced neurotoxicity. Dr. Jevtovic-Todorovic is primarily interested in identifying and classifying the neurotoxic properties of key inhaled and intravenous anesthetics with an emphasis on the NMDA antagonist and GABA agonist class of general anesthetics. Dr. Jevtovic-Todorovic's experience and expertise greatly contribute to the SmartTots Scientific Advisory Board.
When and why did you become interested in your field?
I became interested in this area of concentration in 1995 because the issues concerning neurotoxicity of clinically used anesthetics are important to the safety of our practice.
What goals would you like to see SmartTots accomplish?
I would like to see SmartTots assess the neurotoxic potential of commonly used anesthetics in the pediatric population, and to devise protective strategies to enable safe use of anesthetics.
How can the public support SmartTots?
The public can support SmartTots through general awareness and donations, which will help fund the research needed to ensure the safe use of anesthetics in children.
Recent Research Funding
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Anesthesia-induced developmental neurodegeneration
R01 Grant, NIH/National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (2011-2014)
Principal Investigator -
Anesthesia-induced developmental neuroapoptosisRecovery Act Grant, NIH/National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (2009-2011)Principal Investigator
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The role of neurotrophins in anesthesia-induced developmental neuro-apoptosisFogarty International Research Award, Fogarty Foundation/NIH (2006-2010)Principal Investigator
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Validation of voltage-dependent T-channel blockers in treatment of neuropathic painR21 Grant, NIH/National Institute of Drug Abuse (2010-2012)Principal Investigator
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Use of rho kinase for treatment of peripheral diabetic neuropathyLaunchPad Grant, University of Virginia School of Medicine (2010-2011)Principal Investigator
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The role of T-type calcium channels in painful diabetic neuropathyAmerican Diabetes Association (2010-2013)Co-Investigator
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Anesthetic action: channel substrates & molecular mechanismsR01 Grant, NIH/National Institute of General Medical Sciences (2006-2010)Consultant
Professional Affiliations
- American Society of Anesthesiologists (1992 –present)
- Missouri Society of Anesthesiologists (1992-present)
- Society for Neuroscience (1995-present)
- Association of University Anesthesiologists (2000-present)
- Virginia Society of Anesthesiology (2001-present)
- Neurotoxicity Research Society (2003-present)
- Italian Society of Intensive Care Medicine, Honorary Member (2003-present)
