MHAUS to Offer Two Writing Awards

The Malignant Hyperthermia Association of the United States (MHAUS) is pleased to announce the availability of awards in the amount of $2000 and $1500 to the first place and second place authors, respectively, of manuscripts related to malignant hyperthermia (MH).

MH is an inherited disorder of muscle, which is "triggered" by commonly used anesthetic agents and may lead to death or disability. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment is the key to reducing morbidity and mortality related to MH. MH may occur at any time during an anesthetic whether in a hospital, ambulatory surgery center or an office-based setting. A large variety of programs have been developed by the scientific panel at MHAUS in order to increase awareness of the syndrome and its manifestations. These include procedure manuals for recognizing and treating MH applicable to the Hospital or to the Ambulatory Surgery Center, a CME-accredited slide show, and a variety of publications.

In order to promote awareness of MH and its various manifestations and to encourage continued study of the syndrome, Mr. George Massik, a founding member of MHAUS, has graciously offered to support two writers’ awards. The Daniel Massik Fund at The Foundation for Jewish Philanthropies in Buffalo, NY was established by Mr. Massik in memory of his son who died from MH. These Awards will provide a stipend of $2,000 for First Place and $1,500 for Second Place to an anesthesia resident/fellow or an anesthesiologist who is within five years of ending his/her training to attend the annual meeting of the American Society of Anesthesiologists Meeting or, in special circumstances, another meeting of similar merit.

Award Details

The Awards will be given to the primary author of the best manuscript concerning, malignant hyperthermia. The format may be a case report, literature review or original study.

• The document should address a significant issue related to the problem of malignant hyperthermia.

• Those participating must currently be a resident/ fellow in anesthesiologyor ananesthesiologist who is within five years of ending his/her training.

• The paper must be a minimum of 3 double-spaced typed pages and a maximum of 10 pages.

Author’s CV should be included.

• Deadline for receipt of the manuscript in the MHAUS office is August 2, 2004

The award will be presented at the annual MHAUS Recognition Reception at the annual meeting of the American Society of Anesthesiologists Meeting in Las Vegas, NV in October 2004.

Winners will be notified by August 20, 2004 to allow for coordination of travel plans.

For further information regarding the application process for this Award, please contact the Malignant Hyperthermia Association of the United States (MHAUS), attention Gloria Artist, either via regular mail at 11 East State Street, P. O. Box 1069, Sherburne, NY 13460, via fax at 607-674-7910 or email at gloria@mhaus.org.