The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA®) today presented John Neeld, M.D., with its 2013 Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his contributions to dramatically advance the safety of anesthesia. The award is the highest honor ASA bestows and is presented annually to a member who has transformed the specialty of anesthesiology.
Dr. John Neeld is chair emeritus of the Department of Anesthesiology at Northside Anesthesiology Consultants in Atlanta. He has held several leadership roles at the ASA, culminating with his presidency in 1999. Dr. Neeld also has held leadership roles in other organizations including president of the Greater Atlanta Society of Anesthesiologists and currently is a member of the Board of Trustees for the Wood Library-Museum of Anesthesiology.
“On behalf of ASA, I thank Dr. Neeld for his tireless dedication to the specialty of anesthesiology,” said ASA President Jane C. K. Fitch, M.D. “His leadership throughout his tenure at the ASA continued the Society’s never-ending pursuit of patient safety and improvements to the highest quality physician-led care for every patient.”
Dr. Neeld completed his medical degree at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, an internship in surgery at Vanderbilt University Hospital and his residency training in anesthesiology at Emory University Hospitals in Atlanta. Prior to his residency, he was a major in the U.S. Army Medical Corps from 1967-1970, receiving several honors including a Purple Heart, a Bronze Star, a Vietnam Service Medal and an Army Commendation Medal.
Dr. Neeld is the author of multiple articles and has lectured across the country on such topics as cardiac rate and rhythm changes with atropine and methscopolamine, medical-legal aspects of anesthesiology and private sector health reform.