Derek J. Sakata
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Derek J. Sakata, MD

Languages spoken: English

Clinical Locations

Huntsman Mental Health Institute (formerly UNI)

Salt Lake City
801-583-2500

University of Utah Hospital

Anesthesiology
Salt Lake City
801-581-6393

  • Current

    Derek Sakata is a practicing anesthesiologist, Professor and Vice Chair of Perioperative Innovations in the Department of Anesthesiology and Executive Medical Director / Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for 25+ medical specialties for the University of Utah Healthcare’s Ambulatory Southern Service Delivery Area (U of U SSDA). He holds adjunct appointments in the Departments of Bioengineering and Ophthalmology. He has authored 14 publications that have resulted in 8 patents, two nationally and internationally marketed medical devices and two companies. He currently serves as the medical director for Dynasthetics (www.dynasthetics.com) and CEO for Majelco Medical (www.majelcomedical.com).

    Historical

    Dr. Sakata’s undergraduate training was in computer and electrical engineering at the University of California, Irvine. Then, while in medical school at Loma Linda University, he successfully bridged the gap between the science of engineering and the science/practice of medicine through medical innovation. During his last year of residency training, he developed a deep physiologic understanding that translated into his first medical device that is still on the market (www.anecare.com). In a parallel path, he was founder and director of the University of Utah’s first unified Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist group and Director of Anesthesiology at the John Moran Eye Center. This taught him leadership, communication and negotiation skills on behalf of groups. From here, he took on more responsibilities as both vice chair in the Department of Anesthesiology and the Executive Medical Director / CMO for the U of U SSDA. This taught him systems level skills. During this final executive step, Dr. Sakata was also successfully able to launch a second device, VaporClean, and VitalsBridge through his company (www.dynasthetics.com). In his dedication to medical innovation, a fourth device was just approved by the FDA December of 2022. This taught him the interrelatedness, differences and necessities of bright academic minds collaborating with industry.

    Personal

    In his free time, Dr. Sakata loves to spend time and travel to all parts of the globe with his beautiful wife and two energetic young sons. He loves to read scientific fiction, biographies and articles on innovation in science and operations. On Fridays during the winter, he loves to meet his son after school and take the 20-minute drive up the Canyon to ski the ”Best Snow on Earth”. He also loves to swim multiple laps, jog in his neighborhood and work out in his home gym.

    Specialties

    • Anesthesiology

  • Current

    Derek Sakata is a practicing anesthesiologist, Professor and Vice Chair of Perioperative Innovations in the Department of Anesthesiology and Executive Medical Director / Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for 25+ medical specialties for the University of Utah Healthcare’s Ambulatory Southern Service Delivery Area (U of U SSDA). He holds adjunct appointments in the Departments of Bioengineering and Ophthalmology. He has authored 14 publications that have resulted in 8 patents, two nationally and internationally marketed medical devices and two companies. He currently serves as the medical director for Dynasthetics (http://www.dynasthetics.com) and CEO for Majelco Medical (http://www.majelcomedical.com).

    Historical

    Dr. Sakata’s undergraduate training was in computer and electrical engineering at the University of California, Irvine. Then, while in medical school at Loma Linda University, he successfully bridged the gap between the science of engineering and the science/practice of medicine through medical innovation. During his last year of residency training, he developed a deep physiologic understanding that translated into his first medical device that is still on the market (http://www.anecare.com). In a parallel path, he was founder and director of the University of Utah’s first unified Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist group and Director of Anesthesiology at the John Moran Eye Center. This taught him leadership, communication and negotiation skills on behalf of groups. From here, he took on more responsibilities as both vice chair in the Department of Anesthesiology and the Executive Medical Director / CMO for the U of U SSDA. This taught him systems level skills. During this final executive step, Dr. Sakata was also successfully able to launch a second device, VaporClean, and VitalsBridge through his company (http://www.dynasthetics.com). In his dedication to medical innovation, a fourth device was just approved by the FDA December of 2022. This taught him the interrelatedness, differences and necessities of bright academic minds collaborating with industry.

    Personal

    In his free time, Dr. Sakata loves to spend time and travel to all parts of the globe with his beautiful wife and two energetic young sons. He loves to read scientific fiction, biographies and articles on innovation in science and operations. On Fridays during the winter, he loves to meet his son after school and take the 20-minute drive up the Canyon to ski the ”Best Snow on Earth”. He also loves to swim multiple laps, jog in his neighborhood and work out in his home gym.

    Board Certification and Academic Information

    Academic Departments Anesthesiology -Primary
    Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences -Adjunct

    Education history

    Chief Resident Anesthesiology - University of Utah School of Medicine Chief Resident
    Anesthesiology - University of Utah School of Medicine Resident
    Internship Arrowhead Regional Medical Center Intern
    Medicine - Loma Linda University M.D.
    Undergraduate Electrical & Computer Engineering - University of California - Irvine B.S.

    Selected Publications

    Journal Article

    1. Burk KM, Sakata DJ, Kuck K, Orr JA (1/8/19). Comparing Nasal End-Tidal Carbon Dioxide Measurement Variation and Agreement While Delivering Pulsed and Continuous Flow Oxygen in Volunteers and Patients. Anesth Analg.
    2. Mickey BJ, White AT, Arp AM, Leonardi K, Torres MM, Larson AL, Odell DH, Whittingham SA, Beck MM, Jessop JE, Sakata DJ, Bushnell LA, Pierson MD, Solzbacher D, Kendrick EJ, Weeks HR 3rd, Light AR, Light KC, Tadler SC (12/1/2018). Propofol for Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Pilot Study. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol, 21(12), 1079-1089.
    3. Bevans-Warren TS, Clegg DO Jr, Sakata DJ, Reilly CA (2018). Remifentanil Stability.LID - 10.1213/ANE.0000000000003600 [doi]. Anesth Analg, 127(3), e51-e52. (Read full article)

    Patent

    1. Cherian G, Sakata D (2013). Imag1 eyes magnetics (There is one publication that cites this product.). U.S. Patent No. 20130231520. Washington, D.C.:U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
    2. Orr J, Westenskow D, Sakata D (2012). Anesthesia Reversal Methods and Systems. U.S. Patent No. 20120055481. Washington, D.C.:U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
    3. Orr J, Westenskow D, Sakata D (2009). System, method and apparatus for removal of volatile anesthetics for malignant hyperthermia (There are 3 publications that cite this product.). U.S. Patent No. 8485187. Washington, D.C.:U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
    4. Orr J, Westenskow D, Sakata D (2009). Method for reducing the effects of General Anesthetics. U.S. Patent No. 20080041385. Washington, D.C.:U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
    5. Sakata, DJ (2008). Apparatus and Techniques for Reducing the Effects of General Anesthesia (There are 3 puclications that cite this product.). U.S. Patent No. 7,353,825 B2. Washington, D.C.:U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.