Filip Polenakovik, M.D., joined the UAB Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine as an assistant professor in the Division of Cardiothoracic Anesthesia in August. A familiar face within the department, Polenakovik completed both his anesthesiology residency and cardiothoracic anesthesiology fellowship at UAB before transitioning into his new faculty role.
Polenakovik earned his undergraduate degree in biological sciences from Wright State University in Fairborn, Ohio, and went on to receive his medical degree from the Boonshoft School of Medicine at Wright State University. Before pursuing a career in medicine, he worked as a patient care technician in an outpatient ophthalmology practice and later served as a tutor for undergraduate and medical students during medical school.
Now returning to the institution where he completed his specialty training, Polenakovik brings a strong commitment to clinical excellence, medical education and patient-centered care.
Learn more about his journey and what inspires his work.
What inspired you to pursue a career in this field?
Polenakovik: Anesthesiology appealed to me for several reasons. Physiology and pharmacology always strongly appealed to me, and I was drawn to the opportunity to apply these principles in a practical, hands-on setting. I also enjoyed the collaborative and fast-paced nature of the operating room, where critical thinking and procedural skills go hand in hand. Above all, I found meaning in the opportunity to care for patients during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. The combination of intellectual challenge, technical skill, teamwork, and meaningful patient interaction made anesthesiology a natural fit for me.
What is your primary area of expertise within your field, and what sparked your passion for it?
Polenakovik: My primary area of expertise is cardiothoracic anesthesiology. My interest in the field initially grew out of a desire to deepen my understanding of cardiovascular and pulmonary physiology, which are fundamental to the practice of anesthesiology. I was particularly drawn to the high-acuity, fast-paced environment of the cardiac operating room, where complex physiology, critical decision-making, and teamwork intersect. I also developed a strong interest in transesophageal echocardiography and its ability to provide real-time insight into cardiac function, guide clinical management and contribute directly to surgical decision-making.
What aspects of your new role here are you most excited about?
Polenakovik: I'm most excited about the opportunity to continue growing as a clinician while working alongside the exceptional colleagues and mentors who have played such an important role in my training. Having completed both my residency and fellowship at UAB, I'm grateful for the opportunity to transition into a faculty role and contribute to the institution that has given me so much. I'm equally excited to take on a greater role in educating and mentoring the next generation of anesthesiologists, just as so many others have done for me.
What are your goals for making an impact through both your teaching and patient care in this role?
Polenakovik: My goal is to make a meaningful impact on both the patients I care for and the trainees I have the privilege of teaching. One perspective I try to maintain, and hope to instill in others, is to approach every patient as though they were a member of our own family. I believe this simple mindset helps put into perspective the tremendous responsibility we carry as physicians and reminds us that behind every procedure is a person placing their trust in us. Ultimately, I want patients to feel safe, respected, and reassured during an incredibly vulnerable time in their lives, and I hope to help cultivate that same philosophy in the next generation of anesthesiologists.
Anything else you'd like to add?
Polenakovik: UAB has played a tremendous role in my professional development, and I am grateful for the opportunity to remain part of this community as a faculty member. I look forward to continuing to learn from my colleagues, serving our patients and helping train future anesthesiologists in an environment that has had such a meaningful impact on my own career.