FAER Pediatrics Research Council Gaining Momentum

n May 2004, the Foundation for Anesthesia Education and Research (FAER) Board of Directors voted to create the FAER Pediatrics Research Council. The council is one of four new research initiatives focusing on developing new relationships and increasing fund development efforts to assist in the career development of young investigators in anesthesiology. FAER funding provides bridging grants to young investigators that, through the juried review and funding process, will help them to successfully compete for National Institutes of Health funding of future studies. The council’s mission is to facilitate involvement and expansion of the pediatric anesthesiology community to include practitioners, academicians and governmental and lay organizations. The council promotes opportunities for funding worthy science, facilitating new discoveries and assisting in the development and growth of future scientists whose research is oriented within pediatrics. The goal of the council’s efforts is to enable anesthesiologists to evaluate and improve patient care.

FAER Board members actively participate on the councils and use their strengths and influence to increase funding and attention to the research and education needs in pediatric medicine. The Pediatrics Research Council membership consists of FAER directors Steven C. Hall, M.D., Chair, D. David Glass, M.D., and Joanne Jene, M.D. Also serving on the council as adjunct members are Charles D. Kurth, M.D., Francis X. McGowan, M.D., and Lena S. Sun, M.D. Ex-officio members include Board Chair Joanne M. Conroy, M.D., FAER President Alan D. Sessler, M.D., FAER Treasurer Suzanne T. Anderson, FAER Executive Director Thomas M. Bruckman, FAER Director Glenn W. Johnson, and FAER Associate Executive Director Mary M. Schrandt.

The FAER Pediatrics Research Council is currently working to identify the key research questions in pediatrics that will spur an interest in areas that are important for the fundamental advancement of the care of children. These areas include exploration of issues relative to growth and development, pediatric pharmacology, neurologic/psychiatric outcomes, and sedation techniques and approaches, to name a few.

FAER has a history of supporting research in various areas. The council will complement this work by generating an interest in subjects of priority, collaborating with subspecialties to jointly promote research ideas and opportunities, determining the best ways to study the key research questions and seeking funding — all in support of advancing the care of pediatric patients. The council is looking to industry, other foundations with similar missions and governmental partnerships to expand and enhance the research programs and resources available for research in pediatric medicine.

For more information on the FAER Pediatrics Research Council or other councils, please visit <faer.org/councils.php> or contact FAER at (507) 266-6866.

ASA Centennial Gala Update

he members and boards of directors of FAER, the Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation, the Wood Library-Museum of Anesthesiology and the Anesthesia Foundation, as well as the Ad Hoc Committee on ASA’s 100th Anniversary, would like to thank ASA members for their overwhelming interest in participating in the ASA Centennial Gala Dinner and Dessert Reception. The gala committee had a great evening planned but understands the need to move the occasion to the 2006 Annual Meeting in Chicago next year.

The ASA membership responded to the gala invitation with amazing support, including ordering more than 1,600 tickets, which sold out the event, with another 100-plus on a waiting list. We are further pleased to announce that as of the deadline for this NEWSLETTER, more than 90 percent of the ticket holders wish to continue their reservations for next year.

In that regard, we are in discussions with various Chicago venues, including Navy Pier, the Field Museum and McCormick Place as the site for next year’s Gala. These new venues will allow adequate space to accommodate the current ticket holders as well as those on the waiting list.

At this point, we have offered ticket holders the following choices:

• Leave the funds to purchase tickets for the 2006 gala. This option secures a place in line for the 2006 event as well as a possible upgrade if others request refunds.

• Cancel the ticket order and receive a refund.

• Donate the funds to the Committee on ASA’s 100th Anniversary, which will divide the funds between the four ASA Foundations.

Instructions and a form to request refunds or to authorize donations can be obtained on the FAER Web site at <faer.org/galaupdate.php>. FAER will keep ASA members up to date on the gala plans for next year as they develop.

Thank you again for your patience, support and understanding as we work through the many changes necessitated by these unusual circumstances.