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June 2005
Volume 69 |
Number 6
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Leading the Way With
Your Support
Thomas M. Bruckman, Executive Director
Foundation for Anesthesia Education and Research
 hanks
to the generosity of our many contributors, including
ASA and its supportive members, the Foundation for Anesthesia
Education and Research (FAER) contributes significantly
to scientific progress in anesthesiology. The all-volunteer
FAER Board of Directors spends a considerable amount
of time and energy deciding how best to invest your
funds to enhance our specialty. As part of the board’s
leadership strategy, FAER revamped existing programs
and created new ones in 2004.
The FAER Board understands and appreciates the fact
that anesthesiology has changed considerably in recent
years. Between corporate and hospital mergers, changes
in reimbursement, blurring of service lines between
specialists and new products coming online, anesthesiologists
and other providers, suppliers and supporters are working
in a new environment.
In meeting current needs and anticipating future ones,
FAER has incorporated a Research Mentor Stipend for
FAER/ASA Mentored Research Training Grants, launched
the Medical Student Anesthesia Research Fellowship Program,
increased the level of financial support for Research
in Education Grants and launched four new Research Councils
to spur investigation into specific areas of anesthesiology.
Incorporating improvements in these programs has been
both expensive and labor-intensive. We strongly believe,
however, that the ultimate benefit will be a stronger
specialty of anesthesiology and perioperative medicine
within the growing health care sector.
To accomplish this amount of change, FAER has added
considerably to the capacity of the main office, including
hiring additional full-time staff. FAER also plans to
add significant capacity to our database as we grow
our fund development and outreach activities.
From an overall financial perspective, FAER achieved
a new milestone as of December 31, 2004, with total
assets exceeding $18 million for the first time. This
milestone, however, was reached in a year that saw dramatic
growth in research and educational program expenses,
resulting in a net operating loss in excess of $800,000.
In keeping with its strategic plan, FAER has invested
heavily in a fund-development program in which the results
are yet to be realized. This type of commitment is required
for FAER to obtain the resources necessary to stay competitive
in the development of physician scientists and the advancement
of quality research in a specialty critical to the health
care of millions of patients annually.
FAER’s Research and Educational grant commitment
rose from $400,000 in 2001 to $1.6 million in 2004.
This rise reflects both the expanded opportunities for
anesthesiology researchers and the increase in quality
of applications. The 2005 budget includes $2 million
for the FAER/ASA Anesthesia Research and Education programs,
continuing the trend of increasing expenses for our
most important programs.
FAER has remained true to our mission to deliver the
highest quality programs and remains focused on the
needs and safety of the patients whose medical care
anesthesiologists provide. We are glad to meet the new
challenges head-on, pleased to be part of the dynamic
profession of anesthesiology and perioperative medicine
and proud to have a leadership position and the support
of our colleagues. We believe unequivocally that by
supporting these proven programs, together we can improve
the safety and quality of anesthesia and all aspects
of perioperative medicine.
As we celebrate ASA’s Centennial Anniversary,
the FAER Board is pleased to be in a leadership position
thanks to your continued consideration, generosity and
support. Working together, we will advance the scope,
impact and appreciation of the specialty of anesthesiology.
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Thomas M. Bruckman became FAER Executive Director
in 2003. Previously he was Executive Director
and CEO of the American Foundation for Urologic
Disease. |
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