AANA Pres. Izlar and Members of the AANA Delegation Met With Legislators And Healthcare Policy Leaders

AANA Pres. Izlar and members of the AANA delegation met with legislators and healthcare policy leaders, AANA member CRNAs and students at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, FL from August 27-30, 2012. Highlighting the value that CRNAs offer U.S. healthcare today and tomorrow, the AANA co-sponsored (with AARP, Walgreens, the American Podiatric Medical Association, and Health Diagnostic Laboratory Inc.) a health policy forum, “Innovative Ideas for a Healthy Future” and a live webcast on TheHill.com . Pictured with President Izlar is Barry University nurse anesthesiology student Israel Hernandez.

Sheridan Healthcare, Inc. Awards Two Scholarships to Local Students

Weston and Hollywood residents awarded $10,000 scholarships

SUNRISE, Fla. (August 7, 2012) Sheridan Healthcare, Inc., a hospital-based, multispecialty practice management company based in Sunrise and the leading anesthesia services provider in the country, has announced the local recipients of its Sheridan Regional Allied Health Scholarships for student registered nurse anesthetists.

Hollywood resident Kristi Savage, a student in the Florida International University College of Nursing and Health Sciences Anesthesiology Nursing Program, along with Weston resident Ashly Breuil, a student in the Barry University Master of Science Program in Anesthesiology, will each receive a $10,000 scholarship. They also will receive a job offer as a certified registered nurse anesthetist at Sheridan’s affiliated hospitals upon their graduations.

On receiving the scholarships, Breuil commented that “The scholarship will jump start my career within an organization that is one of the most well-known among anesthesia providers,” while Savage noted “After obtaining experience at the highly-respected company, I will eventually pursue a doctorate degree.”

Established in 1953, Sheridan’s anesthesia division now has more than 1,342 anesthesia providers in more than 116 programs in 15 states. Sheridan performs more than 794,000 procedures annually.

Sheridan also awarded its National Allied Health Scholarship to Rose Wechter, a Marina del Rey, Calif. resident and student at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, Department of Anesthesiology, Program of Nurse Anesthesia.

For more information about Sheridan’s scholarship programs, please visit the Career Center at www.sheridanhealthcare.com.

Vital Signs
Barry Hosts 5th Annual Anesthesia andPain Management Symposium on May 21

On May 21, 2012, Barry University hosted the 5th Annual Anesthesia and Pain Management Symposium in cooperation with Sheridan Healthcorp. Inc. and Mercy Hospital. There were almost 200 attendees at the Symposium, which was held at the main campus of Barry University in Miami Shores. Attendees included faculty and SRNAs from Florida International University, the University of Miami, and Barry University, as well as physicians, registered nurses, and anesthesia technicians from Mercy Hospital. Dr. Pegge Bell, Dean of the College of Health Sciences opened the symposium and welcomed the attendees to our campus. The renowned speakers were multidisciplinary experts who discussed a range of areas such as radiology, surgery, pain management, regional anesthesia, trauma and patient safety, as well as special topics that included malignant hyperthermia, stem cell therapy and wound healing. Our very own Dr. Ronald Dick, Professor of Anesthesiology, provided an informative talk on Local Anesthetic Mechanisms: What We Think We Know. In addition, Jaidee Saavedra, MS, CRNA, Barry alumna (2008) and clinical coordinator for Mercy Hospital, presented a case study on Anaphylaxis. Almost 20 exhibitors were also present to provide attendees with information on current services, products and advanced technology in anesthesia.

“For 5 years now, this gathering has served as an excellent forum for promoting scientific discourse, disseminating new knowledge, and sharing best practices among anesthesia professionals in South Florida. We appreciate this commitment to life-long learning – a concept that is highly regarded at Barry University,” said Dr. John McFadden. The symposium was followed by an evening cocktail reception. Dr. Umadhay recognized the continued support of Sheridan to the advancement of nurse anesthesia education at Barry University. Currently, Barry has clinical affiliations with Sheridan at eight medical facilities. The function was attended by Sheridan Anesthesiology Division Leadership Team headed by Dr. Gilbert Drozdow (President) and Dr. Andrew Greenfield (Vice-President).

Hollywood, Florida, New Home to Anesthesiology Program - Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

AANA Pres. Izlar and members of the AANA delegation met with legislators and healthcare policy leaders, AANA member CRNAs and students at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, FL from August 27-30, 2012. Highlighting the value that CRNAs offer U.S. healthcare today and tomorrow, the AANA co-sponsored (with AARP, Walgreens, the American Podiatric Medical Association, and Health Diagnostic Laboratory Inc.) a health policy forum, “Innovative Ideas for a Healthy Future” and a live webcast on TheHill.com . Pictured with President Izlar is Barry University nurse anesthesiology student Israel Hernandez.

Class of 2014 Orientation and Cook Out

We welcomed 72 new students this January for program orientation which was shortened this year from two full weeks to seven days. In addition to Barry University and Program orientation, students began classes and got introduced to Live Meeting and Blackboard. As part of orientation, we had our annual ‘Meet & Greet’ session where families met faculty and got answers to their questions. Students enjoyed our annual cook out with family, staff, faculty, and friends! There was great food, a bounce house, a DJ, great weather, and good spirits. We're excited to have our class of 2014 start off on the right foot!

Anesthesiology Students Participate in Orlando Community Service Project

On Sunday, December 4th, David Hodge, CRNA Barry Clinical Coordinator, and his wife, Michelle Hodge, MSN, RN, Parish Nurse, joined graduate anesthesiology students at the Health Ministry program for St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Winter Park. The Health Ministry project included a blood drive and blood pressure screenings. Class of 2012 students, Genevieve Galutera, Matthew Mulholland, Tony Reed, and Class of 2013 students, John Ayoub, Charlene Reynolds, Brendon Rose, and Momin Zafarullah, registered and screened over twenty parishioners who donated blood. In addition, the students consulted with fifty-four parishioners to determine blood pressure, diet and lifestyle modifications, medication management and referrals as needed to their primary care provider for further evaluation. Program Director, Dr. Tony Umadhay stated, “I firmly believe in the value of engaging our students in service-oriented activities. Volunteering in the blood drive and blood pressure screenings provides them with a much broader and sensible view of the world. I am sure the students found these experiences truly enriching and meaningful.”

“It is wonderful to see students engage in community service activities. I truly feel the students felt a sense of appreciation during this busy time of the season. I [hope] to collaborate with [Barry’s anesthesiology graduate students] again on future blood drives and blood pressure screenings” said Michelle Hodge.

Anesthesiology Students Participate in Community Outreach Project for the Homeless

As a testament to Barry University's core commitments of social justice and collaborative service, Anesthesiology graduate students Corey Gabric (Class of 2013), Jennifer Anderson, Kimberly Hands, Mariya Kogan and Tanika Pardo (Class of 2012) with program director Dr. Tony Umadhay participated in the Breaking Bread, Breaking Barriers community outreach program on Sunday, November 13th. Breaking Bread, Breaking Barriers provide financial support for the Food Services Program at the Broward Partnership for the Homeless Inc. (BPHI). BPHI is committed to reducing homelessness by promoting independence and self-worth through advocacy, housing and comprehensive services.

The Anesthesiology group raised money to sponsor a meal for 200 men, women and children at BPHI. They also volunteered to prepare and serve lunch. For the homeless, the simple act of finding a meal can be insurmountable. For many families and individuals, a communal meal serves as a source of healing and connecting with others. This project raises awareness to the increasing problem of homelessness in Broward County.

Sheridan Scholarship Awarded to Anesthesiology Graduate Student

Barry University Anesthesiology graduate student Deanna Dupont (Class of 2012) is the recipient the 2011 Titinan Sawetawan CRNA Memorial Scholarship Award. The $2,000.00 scholarship is awarded by Sheridan Health Care to a second year nurse anesthetist student in good academic standing. The scholarship is to honor the memory of Mr. Sawetawan, a nurse anesthetist from Palm Beach County committed to the advancement of nurse anesthesia education in Florida. In her essay, Deanna wrote “My journey to anesthesia has been guided by a desire to seek the highest level of excellence in my profession. Providing intensive care that exercises my critical thinking abilities in a dynamic and challenging work environment motivates me”. Ms. Dupont also referred to her clinical instructors as professional role models that challenge her in a most critical health care environment.

Barry University Anesthesiology Program at the FANA Annual Meeting

The Florida Association of Nurse Anesthetists Annual Meeting was held at the Walt Disney Swan & Dolphin Resort in Lake Buena Vista, FL, October 21-23. Barry University students and faculty members attended this event. The following Barry faculty members were speakers: Dr. John McFadden, CRNA (AANA Update); Dr. Ronald Dick, RPh (Pharmacokinetics & Pharmacodynamics of Inhaled Anesthetic Agents in the Clinical Setting); and Professor Rosann Spiegel, JD, CRNA (Anesthetic Care and Complications of Patients with Abuse & Misuse). Class of 2013 students, Kathleen Hughes and Erin Thilmony, also presented on the topic of Post-Dural Puncture Headaches in the Obstetric Patient. For more information, please visit: http://www.fana.org.

Anesthesiology Students Give Back On Halloween

Ten Barry University Anesthesiology graduate students took time out of their busy class schedules to make Halloween an enjoyable event for patients at Shriners Hospitals for Children in Tampa. On Thursday, November 24th, the students decorated the OR Department to facilitate the hospital-wide Trick or Treat Event. Additionally, they volunteered at the Monster Mash Bash, a party that enables sick children who cannot participate in traditional Halloween neighborhood activities. Class of 2013 student, Israel Hernandez says, "It feels good to give back to the Tampa Bay community and see the smiles on the children's faces!" The students' involvement in this community service project is one of many Anesthesiology program initiatives that embrace Barry University's core commitments of inclusive community, social justice and collaborative service.

Clinical Preceptor's Workshop in Orlando

On Saturday, September 24th, 2011, 28 Barry University CRNA clinical instructors representing multiple clinical sites participated in an interactive Clinical Preceptor’s Workshop held in the Anesthesiology Classroom in Orlando, FL. The workshop was facilitated by Debbie Malina, DNSc, MBA, CRNA & Rosann Spiegel, JD, CRNA. Topics included Legal & Ethical Issues in the Student Clinical Evaluation Process (Spiegel) and Human Factors & Crucial Conversation Techniques in Delivering Student Clinical Evaluations (Malina). Mr. Steve Clarke, MA, CRNA (Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology) also gave the attendees first-hand experiences in assisting student nurse anesthetists in their journey from a novice to an expert anesthesia provider in his lecture on CRNA as a Teacher. In the afternoon, the participants engaged in a series of group activities that involved problem solving and role playing of specific clinical scenarios with student / instructor interactions. “Every student encounter is an opportunity for us to positively influence our profession. As educators, we sincerely want our students to succeed” says Danelle Galt-McBean, MS, CRNA (Adjunct Assistant Professor).

“We all share a common thread; we are all committed to educating tomorrow’s CRNA. Our clinical instructors need to have the essential tools to effectively assist our student’s transition into the nurse anesthetist role. This workshop is our way of providing them with these tools to become empowered clinical instructors” says Tony Umadhay, PhD, CRNA (Program Director).

Class of 2012 Barry Anesthesiology Students Attend an Ultrasound Guidance in Anesthesia Practice Workshop

Fifty-two Barry University Anesthesiology graduate students participated in the “Current Ultrasound Guidance for the Anesthesia Provider” workshop facilitated by Jonathan Kline, CRNA, MSNA from Twin Oaks Anesthesia. The one-day workshop was held on two consecutive Sundays, August 21st and 28th, 2011 at the Anesthesiology Classroom in Orlando, FL.

The students learned essential principles, reviewed current literature and applied innovative techniques related to the use of ultrasound in anesthesia practice. The workshop also provided an opportunity for the student nurse anesthetists to identify anatomical structures relevant to ultrasound guidance, apply the science of ultrasound guidance for nerve blocks and vascular punctures, and perform hands-on scanning and ultrasound guided needle placement on live volunteers.

“In congruence with our on-going commitment to provide high-quality nurse anesthesia education, the ultrasound guidance workshop taught our nurse anesthesiology residents the basic knowledge and skills to apply the emerging and novel technology of sonography in anesthesia clinical practice” says Dr. Tony Umadhay, Anesthesiology Program Director.

Anesthesiology Faculty and Students Attend the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) 78th Annual Meeting in Boston, MA

Twenty-one Class of 2012 Anesthesiology graduate students from Barry University attended the AANA Annual Meeting, held August 6-10 in Boston, MA. In addition to networking with CRNAs and fellow student nurse anesthetists, students familiarized themselves with the latest technology and pharmacological products in anesthesia. The Annual Meeting provides organized learning experiences and serves as a forum for current research pertinent to the practice of nurse anesthesia. Moreover, twelve CRNA faculty members attended the Assembly of School Faculty, participated in several workshops and took part in the business meeting of AANA. This year was a special event for Barry University because Dr. Debbie Malina, an alumni (1997) and Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology, was installed as the new AANA President at the Annual Banquet.

Debra Malina, DNSc, MBA, CRNA, Assistant Professor, takes the helm as president of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA)

Dr. Debra Malina, Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology and a graduate of Barry's Master of Science Program in Anesthesiology (Class of 1997), has assumed the responsibilities of the 2011-12 president of the AANA. She will serve a one-year term.

The closing ceremonies of the AANA Annual Meeting, held in Boston this month, officially began Dr. Malina's term as president, a role for which she has been preparing since her appointment to the Executive Board several years ago. "I'm excited to lead the AANA at this pivotal time in the national discussion on healthcare", said Dr. Malina.

Dr. Tony Umadhay, program director, and the faculty and staff of the Anesthesiology Program are proud of Dr. Malina's achievement and wish her well in the coming year. "It is an honor for Barry University to have Debbie positively impact the national healthcare arena" says Dr. Umadhay.

Anesthesiology Students Volunteer at the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) Annual Meeting Blood Drive

FANA holds its annual spring meeting to promote the continual professional growth of its membership and to provide an opportunity for CRNAs to meet their professional responsibility for continuing education. On June 10-12, over 40 current Barry students and faculty attended the spring 2011 FANA meeting at the Marriott Tampa Waterside Hotel. In addition to a presentation by our very own students Eric Clark, Evan Jones, and Amanda Schmigdall (see separate article below), participants attended presentations on topics such as the business of anesthesia, difficult airway management, anesthetic considerations for robotic surgery, and neuro-muscular blockade. Our students were happy to feel part of the nurse anesthetists network, many of them are planning to attend the Boston AANA annual meeting this August!

Florida Association of Nurse Anesthetists (FANA) Welcomes Over 40 Current Barry Students and Faculty at 2011 Spring Meeting

Fifty-two Barry University Anesthesiology graduate students participated in the “Current Ultrasound Guidance for the Anesthesia Provider” workshop facilitated by Jonathan Kline, CRNA, MSNA from Twin Oaks Anesthesia. The one-day workshop was held on two consecutive Sundays, August 21st and 28th, 2011 at the Anesthesiology Classroom in Orlando, FL.

The students learned essential principles, reviewed current literature and applied innovative techniques related to the use of ultrasound in anesthesia practice. The workshop also provided an opportunity for the student nurse anesthetists to identify anatomical structures relevant to ultrasound guidance, apply the science of ultrasound guidance for nerve blocks and vascular punctures, and perform hands-on scanning and ultrasound guided needle placement on live volunteers.

“In congruence with our on-going commitment to provide high-quality nurse anesthesia education, the ultrasound guidance workshop taught our nurse anesthesiology residents the basic knowledge and skills to apply the emerging and novel technology of sonography in anesthesia clinical practice” says Dr. Tony Umadhay, Anesthesiology Program Director.

Anesthesiology Students Give Presentation at the Florida Association of Nurse Anesthetists (FANA) 2011 Spring Meeting

Three Barry student registered nurse anesthetists (SRNAs) gave a podium presentation entitled Pheochromocytoma to approximately 380 Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) and SRNAs in attendance at the FANA Spring Meeting held at the Marriott Tampa Waterside Hotel last June 10-12. Eric Clark, RN, Evan Jones, RN, and Amanda Schmigdall, RN, all second-year graduate students in the Barry University Master of Science Program in Anesthesiology, spoke about the pathophysiology of pheochromocytoma, presented a peri-operative anesthetic plan of patient care for the excision of this tumor, and reviewed current research evidence on the anesthetic management of this procedure.

FANA holds its annual spring meeting to promote the continual professional growth of its membership. “Our students’ scientific presentation at the FANA conference is one of the many initiatives that support professional leadership and encourage scholarly activities in the Anesthesiology Program”, says Dr. Tony Umadhay, Program Director.

South Florida Class of 2013 students attended the 4th Annual Anesthesia and Pain Management Symposium held at Florida International University on May 16, 2011

South Florida Class of 2013 students attended the 4th Annual Anesthesia and Pain Management Symposium held at Florida International University on May 16, 2011. The conference was also attended by students and faculty from the University of Miami and Florida International University nurse anesthesia programs. The participants learned from a variety of lectures in risk management, drug shortages and safety, scleroderma, antithrombin III deficiency, and other interesting topics. A Barry University alumni, Elly Miedes, M.S., CRNA (Class of 2009) gave a presentation on Robotic Anesthesia and Considerations. Dr. Tony Umadhay, Program Director, and faculty members Rosann Spiegel, Danelle Galt-McBean, and Dr. Debbie Malina joined the Barry students.

Class of 2011 Attends Graduation Party

Sixty-six students graduated from the Program on Saturday, May 7th. On May 6th, the majority of them attended the graduation party at the Biscayne Bay Marriott in Miami. The following pictures attest to their joy in completing the Program, their sadness in leaving classmates and the University behind, and their excitement in starting a new career as nurse anesthetists. We wish all of them success as soon-to-be CRNAs.

AANA 2011 Assembly of School Faculty, Orlando, Florida

Members of the didactic and clinical faculty of Barry University’s Master of Science Program in Anesthesiology attended the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) 2011 Assembly of School Faculty, which was held in Orlando, Florida on February 24-26, 2011. The AANA Assembly of School Faculty is an annual meeting which is designed to enhance the development of nurse anesthesiology educators through interaction with peers and other professionals concerning issues relevant to the practice of anesthesia.

More than 450 attendees from 44 states, including Hawaii and Alaska, gathered to hear presentations on a wide range of topics. Such topics included methods for increasing critical thinking and scholarship in curriculum design, the role of nurse anesthetists in our changing healthcare system, models for transition to the practice doctorate, wellness, accreditation, workshop strategies for clinical preceptors, and models for remediation. At the end of each presentation, many attendees asked questions and shared knowledge and experiences in the spirit of open discourse among peers.

In addition to attending the general sessions, Barry faculty members participated in leadership activities. Dr. Tony Umadhay, attended a special session for program directors and also participated as a mentor in the student mentorship program. Dr. Debra Malina who presently serves as AANA President-Elect attended AANA business meetings which are held annually during the Assembly. And, Assistant Professor Rosann Spiegel, JD, presented a lecture to the Assembly titled “Due Process in Higher Education.” Of special note, Barry University anesthesiology student Giovanna Llanes, SRNA, was also one of only 11 students chosen to participate in the student mentorship program.

FANA 2011 Winter Meeting

On January 29, 2011, Barry Anesthesiology students attended the Florida Association of Nurse Anesthetists (FANA) 2011 Winter Meeting, which was held in Altamonte Springs, Florida. The FANA Meeting not only provided a wide range of opportunities for students to learn about issues relating to CRNA practice, it also provided students many opportunities to interact with nurse anesthesiology practitioners, educators, and leaders as well as fellow anesthesiology students from all regions of the state.

Throughout the day, students attended lectures on a variety of topics ranging from issues concerning Medicare to the prevention of hypothermia, which also included a special session dedicated to student attendees. Students also viewed many exhibits, which included a research poster presentation and a student research project, and met with representatives from anesthesia equipment manufacturers, hospitals, and the U.S. Navy. And, Anesthesiology students were invited to the FANA Luncheon and Business Meeting, which was held during the day's events.

The Barry Anesthesiology students were very positive about their attendance at the FANA Winter Meeting as the experience greatly enhanced their understanding of what it means to be a CRNA.

Barry Celebrates 2011 National Nurse Anesthetists Week!

Again this year, Barry University celebrated National Nurse Anesthetists Week by providing two information sessions to prospective students on January 24th and January 27th, 2011. Faculty and staff were available to answer questions. We welcomed over 50 prospective anesthesiology students to the sessions.

Class of 2013 Cook Out

We welcomed 90 new students this January, our biggest class ever! As part of orientation, we enjoyed our annual cook out with family, staff, faculty, friends, and little doggies! There was lots of food, a bounce house, a DJ, great weather, and good spirits. We're excited to have our class of 2013 start off on the right foot!

Program Welcomes Two New Faculty Members

Debra Pecka Malina, DNSc, MBA, CRNA, and Rosann Marie Spiegel, JD, CRNA, joined Barry University as Assistant Professors of Anesthesiology for the Master of Science Program in Anesthesiology.

Dr. Malina is originally from Cleveland, Ohio. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Florida International University, her Master of Science in Anesthesiology from Barry University, a Master of Science in Business Administration from Madison University, and a Doctorate in Nursing Science from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Prior to joining the Barry faculty, Dr. Malina was a clinician in the Memphis, TN area. She also was a guest lecturer at the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry and clinical instructor of nurse anesthesia students. She was an Advanced Practice Nurse member of the Tennessee Board of Nursing. Dr. Malina has served on numerous committees of both her state and national associations. She served as President of the Tennessee Association of Nurse Anesthetists, and as a Regional Director and Treasurer of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA). She recently was voted the 2010-2011 president-elect of AANA, and will assume the presidency in August 2011. Dr. Malina's interests include policy and politics in nursing and healthcare, professional advocacy and advancement, simulation and patient safety-event reporting mechanisms.

Professor Spiegel is originally from Pittsburgh and holds a Diploma in Nursing from the St. Francis General Hospital School of Professional Nursing, a Diploma in Nurse Anesthesia from the Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital School of Nurse Anesthesia at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, a BSN from Florida International University, and a JD, magna cum laude, from the Florida International University College of Law. Prof. Spiegel is admitted to the practice of law in the State of Florida and the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. Prior to joining the faculty of Barry University in January 2011, Prof. Spiegel actively practiced both as an attorney and as a CRNA. Upon finishing law school, she entered public service as an Assistant Public Defender for the Law Offices of the Public Defender for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida and subsequently entered private practice as a trial lawyer in 2006. Since 1986, Prof. Spiegel has been engaged in clinical practice as a CRNA, most recently at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach where she was also a clinical instructor for the FIU Anesthesiology Nursing Program.

Breaking Bread, Breaking Barriers

For the second year in a row, in a concrete gesture to live up to its core commitment of social justice, the Master of Science Program in Anesthesiology got involved in a community outreach program called "Breaking Bread, Breaking Barriers."

On Sunday, November 7th, nine Barry Anesthesiology students, faculty, and staff prepared and served brunch for 200 homeless men, women and children at the Broward Partnership for the Homeless (BPHI) facility in Fort Lauderdale. Founded in 1997 in response to the burgeoning number of homeless in Broward County, BPHI provides comprehensive services to assist homeless adults and families in promoting self-sufficiency and independence, and in supporting their dignity and self worth in the community's efforts to reduce homelessness.

"We need to remember that temporary homelessness can happen to anyone, especially during present financial hardships. The Breaking Bread, Breaking Barriers project was an uplifting experience for our students, staff and me" says Tony Umadhay, PhD, CRNA, Anesthesiology Program Director, as he referred to collaborative community service as an integral part of learning.

Program Granted Maximum Re-accreditation Status

The Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) has granted the Master of Science Program in Anesthesiology at Barry University continued accreditation until the year 2020. In its November 5th letter, the COA stated that it “is especially pleased with the program’s endeavors to strive for excellence, (…) that receiving no citations during the program’s on-site review process is a tremendous accomplishment derived from focused attention to program details, continuous quality, and quality enhancement”. The Anesthesiology program was first established in 1993 and has received continued accreditation since then. Dr. Tony Umadhay, CRNA, states that “achieving maximum ten-year accreditation status is an honor for Barry University and reflects the collective hard work and commitment of students, faculty, and staff to the tremendous success of the Program”.

Elected to FANA Board of Directors

Don Slone, MS, CRNA (Barry Class of 2005) and Laura Martin, MS, CRNA (Barry Class of 2009) were recently elected to serve on the Board of Directors of the Florida Association of Nurse Anesthetists (FANA) for the 2010 to 2012 term. Among other responsibilities, the Board of Directors conducts the general business of FANA between meetings.

Don and Laura are both Barry University Anesthesiology Program Clinical Coordinators in Orlando. Don is currently a staff nurse anesthetist with Anesthesiologists of Greater Orlando and he specializes in obstetric anesthesiology. Laura is a staff nurse anesthetist with Wolverine Anesthesia Consultants.

Cary Carter, MS, CRNA (also an alumni of the Barry Class of 2009) is currently serving on the FANA Board of Directors until 2011.

Newest Statistics in the Master of Science Program in Anesthesiology

There is much to brag about this month in the Master of Science Program in Anesthesiology. First of all, our newest statistics are impressive:

• 100% of our Class of May 2010 graduates passed the National Certification Examination administered by the NBCRNA. The mean score nationally was 495.1; Barry graduates achieved a mean score of 516.8. Barry graduates exceeded the national mean in all subcategories. For example, the national mean score for Anesthesiology Technology and Equipment was 517.8; Barry graduates achieved a mean score of 566.6.
• Of the 55 May 2010 graduates, 100% are currently employed as CRNAs. 49% of them (27 of 55) were hired by one of the Program’s clinical education affiliates. This shows a high satisfaction rate of our current sites by our student body.
• Employer evaluations of our Class of 2009 graduates show a 100% satisfaction rate after one year of employment. Our graduates were rated on how well they create a safe environment; how they demonstrate knowledge and skill in anesthesia management; their ability to make decisions, consider alternatives, and problem-solve a situation; their effective and respectful communication skills; and how they demonstrate professionalism.
• We have a record number of admitted and deposited applicants for January 2011. We will be enrolling 94 new students in our Class of 2013 (73 in January 2010 and 80 in January 2009).
• We also have a record enrollment in our Head Start Plan (HSP) this year. 13 students enrolled in ANE 627A Advanced Research and Evidence-Based Practice this summer (7 in summer 2009); 61 students enrolled in ANE 525A Professional Aspects of Anesthesiology this fall (26 in fall 2009); and 65 students enrolled in ANE 560 Chemistry & Physics for Anesthesia this fall (24 in fall 2009).

For the second year in a row, in a concrete gesture to live up to its mission, the Master of Science Program in Anesthesiology is getting involved in a community outreach project. On November 7th, Anesthesiology faculty and staff will spend their Saturday volunteering for the Broward Coalition for the Homeless.

Dr. John McFadden, Ph.D., CRNA, Associate Dean and Chair of the Division of Graduate Clinical Sciences and Health Management Programs for the Barry College of Health Sciences, was the co-author with Lisa J. Thiemann, CRNA, of the AANA Journal Guest Editorial, entitled Advancing Evidence-Based Nurse Anesthesia Practice (August 2010 issue, Volume 78, Number 4).

AANA recently appointed Dr. McFadden as the Director of Region 7 of the AANA Board of Directors. Region 7 comprises the states of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. Among other responsibilities, Dr. McFadden develops and maintains relationships with state leaders in AANA Region 7, is a conduit for the flow of information from members and state leaders to the Board of Directors, and develops relationships with nurse anesthesia educational programs in Region 7.

Michael Steighner, CRNA, Clinical Coordinator for the Anesthesiology Program at Moffitt Cancer Research Center, Tampa, FL, was named Principal Investigator of a AANA Foundation Grant for a research entitled Patient Safety Assessment and Economic Outcomes after Implementation of a Surgical Safety Checklist in a National Cancer Institute. This grant, funded for $13,217 was awarded at the AANA 77th Annual Meeting held August 7-11, 2010 in Seattle, WA.

Faculty and Students at the 2010 AANA Conference in Seattle, WA.

August 7th, 2010 marked an important milestone in my career. As an SRNA I was granted the opportunity to attend my first AANA meeting. After traveling over three thousand miles I arrived in Seattle tired, but ready to learn. The orientation session on Saturday morning was enlightening and informative. Who would have thought that Wanda Wilson, CRNA, PhD, and AANA Executive Director has previously inseminated cows? The Student Session was a good time to meet other SRNAs from all over the nation and to vote for our next student representative to the AANA Education Committee. That evening there was a Student Focus session. The issues discussed were pertinent to our lives and it came as no surprise that financial funding, or lack thereof, was a hot issue. Another topic of interest was the public awareness of CRNAs – who we are and what we do. There was a question about why the AANA did not spend more funds on educating the public. One speaker put it quite eloquently when she said, “We are the PSA every day. You need to act like it.”

The morning session on Sunday about uncommon diseases was very educational and very fast paced which made it easy to concentrate at such an early hour. Monday had many fine topics to choose from and I decided to go with my true passion, trauma. Both lectures were interesting and the speakers were right when they said, “things go better when you have a definite plan.” Tuesday was frustrating from a student standpoint as the majority of the sessions were limited to CRNAs for the ultrasound and difficult airway hands on sessions.

In my opinion, Wednesday was the crowning event of the conference. The morning kicked off with a general session with five ten-minute lectures on different topics. I heard many things that were new to me, such as that hetastarch 10-15cc/kg is more effective than LR in preventing hypotension when administered to an obstetric patient before a spinal. I also learned that there is evidence that 150 mls of water before surgery results in decreased gastric volumes and increased patient satisfaction. Finally, I was fascinated to realize that when an LMA is removed in a fully awake patient that follows commands without a history of GERD, an increased pH in the oropharynx from passive reflux was reported as compared to pulling the LMA in a deeply anesthetized patient.

There were so many things that I learned from this meeting. I realized that I knew more people than I thought and it was good to make new contacts. I realized that even after I became a CRNA that remaining active in the AANA was vital to my continuing success as a CRNA and that contributing to the PAC would assist in assuring that our practice rights remain strong and unlimited. I also realized that I can do things I never thought possible, such as running my very first 5K – and watching my Program Director finish fifteen minutes ahead of me. (In all fairness, I believe the last time I ran was about three years ago and it involved a code blue.) Overall, this AANA meeting has proven to be a catalyst for me. It has ignited my interest in becoming involved at the national level and lit a fire under me to start studying for boards; after all there are only 257 days until graduation.

Sarah Welsh, SRNA
Class of 2011

Dr. John McFadden, Associate Dean and Chair, Division of Graduate Clinical Sciences and Health Management Programs, and Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology, and Dr. Ronald Dick, Professor of Anesthesiology, contributed to a recently published book entitled Pharmacology for Nurse Anesthesiology, edited by R.G. Ouellette and J.A. Joyce, Jones & Bartlett Learning. Dr. Dick authored the first two chapters, entitled Pharmacokinetics: The Study of Drug Disposition, and Pharmacodynamics: Study of Drug Action, while Dr. McFadden authored chapter three, entitled Cultural, Environmental, and Genetic Influences on Drug Therapy. This book, which the publishers describe as “the perfect resource for both practicing professionals and students in CRNA programs”, will now be used as a pharmacology textbook in Barry’s Master of Science Program in Anesthesiology.