ver several decades, the Foundation for Anesthesia Education and Research (FAER) has partnered with individuals, medical institutions, societies, subspecialty groups, private foundations and industry to identify and train talented individuals committed to research and education in anesthesiology and perioperative medicine. Through these collaborations, FAER has provided research grants to build the environment for training in clinical, basic science and translational research. These efforts are designed to meet the needs of young investigators as they struggle to excel in an exceedingly competitive environment. FAER recognizes the hard work of grant recipients and the departments that sustain them as they work to advance the spectrum of research in anesthesiology.

In addition to funding research grants, FAER conducts programs to address many of the issues facing the specialty. While spending $2 million annually to fund research grants, FAER also spends $500,000 for education programs. We visualize a step-wise increase to $2.5 million to $3 million in grants and to $750,000 to $1 million in programs over the next three to five years. Providing individuals the means to enhance their careers in research and education is an essential role for FAER as is the inherent responsibility to provide the specialty with resources to encourage the pursuit of excellence. FAER also offers programs that provide ASA members with opportunities to advocate for issues germane to all anesthesiologists.

Medical Student Anesthesia Research Fellowship: In an attempt to entice top medical students to anesthesiology and perioperative medicine as the next step in their career, FAER, in collaboration with academic departments, offers medical students the experience of eight to 12 weeks in an anesthesiology research environment. During the first two years of the program, 123 students applied, and 32 were selected to participate. This year 65 medical students have submitted applications for positions offered in 33 anesthesiology departments. Financial support from Merck, Inc. and the Ronald L. Katz, M.D., Family Foundation provided FAER partial funding for the program, which included a research symposium at the ASA 2006 Annual Meeting, giving the medical students an opportunity to present their research results at a national meeting.

FAER/Abbott-Volwiler and Tabern Resident Scholar Program: Since 1989, 750 anesthesiology residents have participated in the FAER Resident Scholar Program. By attending this program, residents experience the ASA Annual Meeting early in their career and benefit by learning of the educational, scientific and political issues facing their specialty. Starting in 2002, Abbott Laboratories has partnered with FAER to support this program. In 2005 the name of the program was changed to the FAER/Abbott-Volwiler and Tabern Resident Scholar Program, named in honor of Ernest H. Volwiler and Donalee L. Tabern, scientists who, while at Abbott Laboratories, discovered the anesthetic Pentothal.

Celebration of Research: Each year during the ASA Annual Meeting, the journal Anesthesiology and FAER co-host the Celebration of Research, providing lunch and educational programs. This year James C. Eisenach, M.D., will succeed Michael M. Todd, M.D., as host of the Celebration of Research, Award for Excellence in Research Presentations and the Residents’ Research Essay Contest winners presentations. FAER and Anesthesia Business Consultants, LLC provide the lunch and conduct the FAER Honorary Research Lecture and the FAER Panel. The FAER Honorary Research Lecture recognizes outstanding scholarship by a distinguished scientist in an effort to encourage young anesthesiologists to consider careers in research and teaching. The FAER Panel brings together experts who provide an overview of timely topics in anesthesiology education and research.

Academy of Research Mentors for Anesthesiology: The FAER Board of Directors views mentoring as integral to the professional development of anesthesiology residents and faculty. This commitment is reflected in the establishment in 2004 of the Academy of Research Mentors for Anesthesiology to recognize career investigators who have advanced academic anesthesiology by training young scientists. During the 2007 ASA Annual Meeting, the academy will present a workshop on “Selecting a Quality Mentor.” The program will be led by Alex S. Evers, M.D., and Paul D. Allen, M.D., Ph.D.

FAER Retreats: Since 2003, FAER has facilitated an annual retreat attended by leadership from ASA and various subspecialties. Topics have included “The Future Growth and Prosperity of Academic Anesthesiology,” “The Present and Immediate Future of Academic Anesthesiology,” “Anesthesia Leadership” and “The Subspecialties and Societies Finding New Ways to Advance the Science and Train More Physician-Scientists in Anesthesiology.” The 2007 retreat in April will consider “Centers of Excellence” in the subspecialties. The retreats are catalysts for new initiatives and inject energy and the cooperative spirit needed to address the complex and challenging issues ahead.

FAER Research Councils: In 2004, FAER established four councils to identify research needs and seek funding in geriatrics, pain medicine, pediatrics and critical care. Each council has sent out a request for proposals in its field of research. In response to the request by the ASA House of Delegates, FAER issued a request for proposal to study the effectiveness of brain function monitoring in reducing the incidence of intraoperative awareness.

Collaboration/Partnerships: The aforementioned programs and initiatives are different ways FAER serves the specialty. We are grateful to all who direct their time, talent and financial support to strengthening the anesthesiology community. Without these relationships, FAER would be unable to grow and fulfill its research and education mission.

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