Society for Pediatric Anesthesia
We make anesthesia for children safer

Encouraging research, education, and scientific progress in the field of pediatric anesthesia

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Call for Applications – Mission Driven Mentoring Program

The Society for Pediatric Anesthesia’s Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is pleased to announce the Mission Driven Mentoring Program (MDMP).

Informed by member responses to the 2020 SPA diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) survey, the MDMP aims to advance DE&I work in pediatric anesthesiology by supporting the growth and advancement of individuals who participate in these efforts. MDMP provides DE&I training through a structured curriculum and skills building through practical work. It also provides opportunities for mentees to network with DE&I faculty at the national level.

Grants will fund SPA member (including SPA trainee members)-initiated efforts that aim to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion at a variety of levels within pediatric anesthesiology.  We invite proposals that can be completed during a 1-year funding period. Reflecting current opportunities, we are open to a variety of approaches to advancing DEI, e.g. quality improvement, dissemination and implementation science, advocacy, research, workforce pipeline, representation within SPA membership.

Application Submission Deadline is February 1, 2022.

Click here for more information and application criteria.

In Memoriam: Theodore W. ‘Ted’ Striker, MD

Written By: Myron Yaster MD, Paul Samuels MD, and Juan Gutierrez-Mazorra, MD, FAAP

Dr. Theodore W. ‘Ted’ Striker, Professor of Anesthesiology and Pediatrics at the University of Cincinnati passed away at home in his sleep this weekend.  Ted played a pioneering role in the development of pediatric anesthesiology in the United States. As a model educator, clinician, and administrator, he shaped the careers of hundreds of physicians-in-training and imbued them with his core values of honesty, integrity, and responsibility.

During his anesthesiology residency at the University of Pennsylvania, Ted rotated at CHOP, where “an air of excitement and innovation immediately captivated him. As he put it, something just clicked”.  He became the first pediatric anesthesia and critical care fellow in Jack Downes’ legendary fellowship program.  After completing his training and a stint at NIH he became the first full time, academic anesthesiologist at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital where he built, brick by brick, one of the most progressive departments of pediatric anesthesiology in the United States. Along with his colleagues and best friends, Drs. Juan Gutierrez-Mazzora (University of Alabama Birmingham) who I (Myron) asked to help write this, and Al Hackel (Stanford University), promulgated policies and procedures on a national level for the improvement of pediatric perioperative child care. Ted, along with Drs. Steve Hall, Mark Rockoff, and Frank McGowan was also instrumental in developing the Sub-Board in Pediatric Anesthesiology and defining “what is a pediatric anesthesiologist”.  When the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia was founded in 1986, Ted was on its initial board of directors and he became a lifelong, ardent supporter of the Society. He was a beloved leader, mentor, colleague, and friend who lived his life with integrity, honesty, and curiosity. He built a diverse and talented department that will carry on his legacy of hard work, joyful practice, and respect for all. He will be missed by all who knew him.

For those who would like to know more about Ted and his many contributions see the History of Pediatric Anesthesia paper: Zulfiqar Ahmed et al. The development of pediatric anesthesiology and critical care medicine at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital: an interview with Dr. Theodore Striker. Pediatric Anesthesia, 2015, Vol.25(8), p.764-769  PMID: 25989362

Support for Joint Statement from ABP, ABFM and ABIM

Recently, the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM), the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM), and the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) issued a statement saying that providing misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccine contradicts physicians’ ethical and professional responsibilities. The Society for Pediatric Anesthesia (SPA) is in strong support of this statement.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the delta variant is affecting pediatric patients to a greater extent than has been previously seen. The evidence that vaccines are safe and effective is extremely well-supported. While children under 12 years of age are still not eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, encouraging all individuals who are able to get it will help to decrease the spread of this disease to children. As physicians, providing the most accurate information to our patients and their families is imperative to ensure their continued safety.

Health & Safety – SPA 35th Annual Meeting

As the SPA 35th Annual Meeting in San Diego approaches, I am thrilled to finally see many of you in person in October.  The safety of all our members is the top priority of the SPA Board of Directors and me.  We are very aware of the continued impact of COVID-19, and our team is working hard behind the scenes to be sure that we are providing the safest environment possible for those who will be attending.

With this in mind, SPA will require proof of full vaccination for all in-person meeting attendees, exhibitors and staff.  For anyone unable to meet the vaccination requirement, a negative COVID-19 test result within three days of arrival will be needed.  Masks will be required in all indoor areas, and other safety measures, such as contactless badge pickup and increased disinfection of the meeting areas will be in place.  While we hope that people will be able to travel to San Diego, we know this will not be possible for everyone.   Therefore, the entirety of the meeting content will be available virtually as well (advanced registration required).

Health & Safety Protocols

Between now and the meeting, we will continue to monitor the evolving public health guidance and update everyone with measures that we are taking to make this a safe and enjoyable meeting.  Program Chair Dr. Jamie Peyton and his team have an incredible conference planned for us, and I look forward to seeing you in person or virtually soon.


Nina Deutsch, MD
President
Society for Pediatric Anesthesia

Upcoming Meeting Information

SPA-AAP Pediatric Anesthesiology
March 31 - April 2, 2023
Austin, TX

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