AUA: Remaining True to Its Heritage of Advancing Academic Anesthesiology

he Association of University Anesthesiologists (AUA) — — originally called the Association of University Anesthetists — was founded in 1953 by four individuals with a vision and passion for developing a vehicle for “exchanging information regarding research.” The founding members included such luminaries as Drs. Papper, Beecher, Dripps and Lamont. As originally conceived, “this would be a small and informal group, comprised of the anesthetists in some of the universities.” Today with a membership of more than 800, AUA continues to champion the values put forth by our founders. A look at AUA’s current mission statement exemplifies the Association’s important role in providing a venue specifically devoted to highlighting the missions of academic anesthesiology. “The object of the Association shall be the advancement of the Art and Science of Anesthesiology by 1) the encouragement of its members to pursue original investigations in the clinic and the laboratory; and 2) the development of methods of teaching (anesthesia) and 3) free and informal exchange of ideas.”

The AUA Annual Meeting remains the principal vehicle for stimulating academic discussions and providing unique cultural programs.

This year’s annual meeting will be held in Durham, North Carolina, from May 15-18, 2008. The meeting will be hosted by the Duke University Department of Anesthesiology. Mark F. Newman, M.D., and his faculty have worked in conjunction with the AUA Council to create a meeting that has broad scientific and cultural appeal for both members and their guests. One of the highlights of the annual meeting is the plenary scientific session. C. Michael Crowder, M.D., Ph.D., Chair of the Scientific Advisory Board, has assembled an innovative scientific program highlighting the basic, translational and clinical research efforts of our specialty. Dr. Crowder has put together a variety of oral as well as scientific poster presentations. This year, Debra A. Schwin, M.D., Professor and Chair of the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Washington, will present “Passion and Fire: Building the Foundation for an Academic Department of the Future.”

Robert E. Shangraw, M.D., Ph.D., from Oregon Health and Science University, has recently assumed the chairmanship of the Education Advisory Board (EAB). For its part of the program, the EAB will host two panels. The first focuses on the topic of acquiring additional graduate degree training for faculty as an effective avenue for bolstering their academic careers. The second panel is titled “How to Create a Better Anesthesiologist.” I am confident these presentations will engender passionate and energized discussions.

Realizing that the success of the academic enterprise is linked to our ability to recruit, develop and nurture our future physician scientists, AUA is actively involved in initiatives focused upon engaging these individuals. For the past several years, there has been a concerted effort to include residents and fellows in the AUA annual scientific meeting program and social activities. Each year, two residents are selected (based upon the scientific merit of their submissions) as “resident scholars.” These individuals receive special recognition at the annual meeting and are given a travel award to help defray the cost of their meeting expenses. At last year’s meeting, the resident/fellows program was expanded to include a luncheon attended by both residents and members of their sponsoring institutions. Residents and faculty sponsors engaged in informal and energetic discussions centered on various strategies for embarking upon a career in academic anesthesia.

In keeping with the tradition of their founders and the desire to further the “exchange of information,” this year’s President’s Panel will focus on ways in which anesthesiology has played and can continue to play a vital role in developing health policy and ensuring the health of our nation. In this election year, the topic is one that is both timely and provocative.

It has been my distinct honor and privilege to serve as president of AUA for the past two years. Working with the AUA Council and members of the ASA staff has been a pleasure. It is their dedication and commitment that truly exemplifies the spirit of AUA. I would like to thank them for their wisdom, councel and guidance. Christine Dionne, from the ASA headquarters office in Park Ridge, Illinois, deserves a special note of thanks and gratitude for her expert administrative support.

At this year’s annual meeting in Durham, I will be turning the presidency over to Ronald G. Pearl, M.D., Ph.D., Professor and Chair, Department of Anesthesia, Stanford University. I am confident that Dr. Pearl and the AUA Council will continue to challenge us in productive and rewarding ways.

Roberta L. Hines, M.D., is Nicholas M. Greene Professor and Chair, Department of Anesthesiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.