Society for Education in Anesthesia: 20 Years and Going Strong

ast year the Society for Education in Anesthesia (SEA) celebrated its 20th year of existence. As a fledgling society, it was established to provide a forum for academic anesthesiologists who were interested and involved in teaching residents and medical students. Its goal, unchanged 20 years later, was to provide resources and a network to improve the quality of education activities in departments of anesthesia and a vehicle for faculty development in the important arena of education. Today residency program directors and others involved in medical student, resident and fellow education are challenged with increasing requirements from accrediting bodies such as the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), and SEA has offered educational opportunities to assist with this important work.

The Society’s principal work is accomplished through its semiannual meetings. One meeting precedes the ASA Annual Meeting, and the other is a weekend meeting in the spring. In addition, the Society promotes a weeklong intensive Workshop on Teaching and Learning, which has been highly regarded by its participants. A hallmark of the Society offerings is a focus on interactive, small-group activities, which promote effective learning and also foster networking between Society members. Members have access to a variety of resources to assist with curriculum planning, faculty development, and developing and assessing the six General Competencies required by the ACGME. As reported before in this newsletter, SEA has been heavily involved with the ACGME Residency Review Committee for Anesthesiology in the development of the General Competencies.^1,2

As the Society has matured, it has developed relationships with other organizations and groups. A large number of SEA members serve as moderators of Problem-Based Learning Discussions at the ASA Annual Meeting, and SEA hosts a breakfast panel at the Annual Meeting each year. Last year we inaugurated a partnership with the Foundation for Anesthesia Education and Research (FAER), with joint sponsorship of more than 20 FAER resident scholars who attended the SEA Annual Fall Meeting. Alan D. Sessler, M.D., and Berend Mets, M.B., Ch.B., Ph.D., were instrumental in establishing this program, which will continue this year. This activity allows residents who are potential academic faculty to receive exposure to the education activities in academic anesthesia.

Another successful partnership is one between Health Volunteers Overseas (HVO) and SEA. For many years, Ronald L. Katz, M.D., has sponsored residents for a Traveling Fellowship, which is a month-long experience in a developing country under the auspices of Anesthesia Overseas, a division of HVO. Three years ago, SEA partnered with HVO and Dr. Katz to advertise the award and assist in the selection process. This experience provides a unique opportunity for residents to teach anesthesia skills and material in a developing country. Thus far 10 residents have been selected for the award, and they have all had outstanding experiences. In addition they have developed a commitment to continuing this work after they complete their residency training. Gary E. Loyd, M.D., has decided to sponsor a resident this year in addition to Dr. Katz’s sponsored residents. We welcome the growth in these opportunities for residents. Anyone interested in participating in sponsorship of additional residents for the SEA-Ronald L. Katz Traveling Fellowship is encouraged to contact Lena E. Dohlman, M.D., chair of the SEA Committee on Outreach/Developing World.

The Society for Education in Anesthesia is proud of its growth over the 20 years of its existence. We look forward to the challenges in anesthesia education the specialty faces and welcome other anesthesiologists with education interests to participate in the activities of the Society.

References:
1. Mets B. ACGME outcomes project: A challenge to enhance patient care. ASA Newsl. 2003; 67:(9)38-39.
2. Mets B, Kimatian SJ. ACGME outcomes project: Developments at SEA. ASA Newsl. 2004; 68(12):34-35.

Catherine K. Lineberger, M.D., is Associate Professor of Anesthesiology and Residency Program Director, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina.