Society for Pediatric Anesthesia
We make anesthesia for children safer

Are you a resident or student? This unique scholarship is provided by the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia (SPA). It is designed for students and residents. The goals are to assist in travel/lodging costs to attend the SPA-AAP Conference and to increase mentorship during the meeting.

Apply here: https://forms.office.com/r/QgmEwGVWjx 

12 applicants will be selected. Recipients will:

• Receive $1,000 to attend the meeting.
• Get to know a SPA member and learn more about careers in pediatric anesthesiology!
• Attend at least one trainee educational event during the conference.
• Attend the SPEARs social event.

To be considered for this scholarship, you need to meet all of the following 4 criteria:

1. Submit an abstract to SPA in the usual fashion. All abstracts are acceptable (case reports, research projects). 
2. Be the presenting author of the poster.
3. Attend the SPA-AAP Pediatric Anesthesiology 2026 meeting in person.
4. Be or become a SPA member (free for trainees!).

Scholarship application will be judged based on the alignment of application to goals of SPAERs. All eligible (see above) applicants will have a chance at scholarship unless they win another scholarship to the conference.

Apply here: https://forms.office.com/r/QgmEwGVWjx 

Submit your abstract: https://pedsanesthesia.org/call-for-2026-abstracts/  

The Society for Pediatric Anesthesia (SPA) and the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) are aware of recent reports from the Society of Anesthesiology of Chile, the Venezuelan Society of Anesthesiology, and the Colombian Society of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation regarding severe neurological damage in five previously healthy Venezuelan children, including the death of four of them, following elective surgeries under general anesthesia. The SPA Board of Directors and the ASA Committee on Pediatric Anesthesia thoughtfully considered what is known about this situation and currently believe there is insufficient data to make any specific recommendations concerning the anesthetic care of Venezuelan children. However, it is imperative that pediatric anesthesiologists report any suspected cases for further investigation. After consultation with ASA leadership, members are strongly encouraged to report any concerning cases to the Anesthesia Incident Reporting System (AIRS) hosted by the Anesthesia Quality Institute (AQI) at https://qualityportal.aqihq.org/AIRSMain/AIRSCaseEntry.

Do you have an idea for a Workshop, Seminar, Lecture, or Roundtable that would benefit the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia membership? If so, please see the requirements and submission information below for the SPA-AAP Pediatric Anesthesiology 2026 meeting.

CLICK HERE for more information!

The Society for Pediatric Anesthesia is thrilled to announce the recipient of the inaugural SPA-FAER Mentored Research Training Grant recipient. Congratulations to Laura Tetri, MD, PhD of Stanford University! Dr. Tetri will receive $250,000 in funding over a two-year period.

Laura Tetri, MD, PhD
Impact of Pediatric Perioperative Fasting on Mitochondrial Dynamics and Function
Stanford University
Mentors: Bereketeab Haileselassie, MD, MHSc; Daria Mochly-Rosen, PhD; Eric Gross, MD, PhD

“I am honored to celebrate the announcement of Dr. Laura Tetri as the inaugural recipient of the SPA-FAER Mentored Research Training Grant. This partnership between SPA and FAER reflects our shared commitment to supporting the next generation of clinician-scientists who will lead the way in advancing pediatric anesthesiology. Dr. Tetri’s innovative research on pediatric perioperative fasting and mitochondrial function embodies the spirit of this initiative—pioneering science with the potential to meaningfully improve the perioperative care of children. We look forward to the discoveries this support will enable and to continuing our investment in future leaders in our field.” – Peggy P. McNaull MD, SPA President

SPA-FAER Mentored Research Training Grants aim to help anesthesiologists develop the skills and preliminary data they need to become independent investigators in the field of pediatric anesthesiology advancing the health and well-being of children. These grants are eligible to anesthesiologist faculty members who are within 10 years of their first faculty appointment and comprise $250,000 in funding over two years.

Deadline: Monday, April 28, 2025

Are you passionate about advancing pediatric anesthesiology education? Would you like to help shape the content of SPA’s national meetings while deepening your involvement with the Society? Do you aspire to Chair a meeting?

The SPA Education Executive Committee invites applications for Program Shadows to support the planning of SPA’s two flagship educational events:

• SPA-AAP Pediatric Anesthesiology Meeting (Winter/Spring)
• SPA Annual Meeting (Fall)

Program Shadows work closely with the Meeting Program Chairs and Co-Chairs to develop outstanding educational content and gain valuable insight into national meeting planning.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meeting the following criteria:

• Able to participate in Zoom planning meetings and maintain regular email communication with the planning team.
• A current SPA member in good standing (trainee members are not eligible).
• Have demonstrated prior involvement in SPA activities, such as:
  • Workshop faculty
  • PBLD moderator
  • Committee or Special Interest Group (SIG) membership
• Receive approval from your department leadership to participate (due to time commitments involved).

How to Apply

Submit the following materials to Kim Battle at [email protected] by Monday, April 28, 2025:

• A one-page statement describing:
  • Your interest in the Program Shadow role
  • Relevant experience or service within SPA (or other organizations)
• Your current CV

Additional Notes

• If you applied last year and are no longer interested in being considered, please notify us.
• If not selected this cycle, your materials may be retained for future consideration.
• Please share this opportunity with colleagues who might be interested in contributing to SPA’s mission.

For questions, contact Kim Battle at [email protected].