he scope and safety of anesthesiology would not exist as it does today without the commitment of researchers and educators in anesthesiology, past and present. Because of their tenacity and dedication, we practice in an environment that is a wealth of knowledge, technology and clinical expertise. Every anesthesiologist practicing today has gained from recent discoveries in science and technology based on the education and innovative research that has taken place in our country’s medical institutions. Whether in private practice or academia, anesthesiologists, their patients and their practices benefit from these efforts.

We live in an age of sophisticated technology and rapidly advancing science. We must embrace change or the world of medicine will move to eclipse us. Complacency is unacceptable in a flat world. For a decade or longer, the editors of Anesthesiology and Anesthesia & Analgesia have observed the shift of scientific work and authorship to international departments. To compete more effectively, anesthesiology departments must maintain a strong work ethic and achieve academic excellence. Ultimately only pre-eminence in the clinical sciences will ensure the success of our private practices. To guarantee this outcome, we must sustain a growing investment in research and education.

Mark A. Gerhardt, M.D., Ph.D., a recent Foundation for Anesthesia Education and Research (FAER) award recipient from Ohio State University, makes the case succinctly. His report to FAER states, “The FAER/SCA Award has been critically important with respect to my career development. It has allowed me to establish a publication record and acquire data to support a hypothesis-driven NIH RO1 application. Despite the current trend in NIH funding, as a first-time RO1 award applicant I feel that the data and research program that I was able to build under FAER support allows me to be competitive. The grant provided a measure of credibility as an independent investigator and protected research time within my department/institution, a benefit that cannot be overstated given the workforce shortage clinically. Novel research pathways have been generated from the FAER-funding observations. Continued support of FAER research grants for young independent investigators is imperative for the success of academic anesthesiology.”

At the February 2007 deadline, we received 31 grant applications looking to FAER for the professional development of young scientists who demonstrate a keen interest in a research career in anesthesiology. Research funding in anesthesiology and perioperative medicine offers great opportunities to build a dynamic, state-of-the-art specialty. The number of grants funded each year depends, however, in large measure upon your personal advocacy and financial support. By giving back, individuals, departments, private practices and subspecialty groups join in a united effort that ultimately benefits their colleagues, practices and patients.

Alan D. Sessler, M.D., is President, Foundation for Anesthesia Education and Research, and Professor and Chair Emeritus, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.

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