Barry University professor, new president of American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA)

Miami Shores, Fla. – 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 in August, officially began 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 health care,” said Malina.

AANA is the professional organization for more than 40,000 Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs).  As advanced practice nurses, CRNAs administer approximately 32 million of the anesthetics delivered in the United States each year.  CRNAs practice in every setting where anesthesia is available and are the sole anesthesia providers in more than two-thirds of all rural hospitals.

“It is an honor for Barry University to have Debbie positively impact the national health care arena,” said Dr. Tony Umadhay, Master of Science program director in Anesthesiology. “I am proud of her achievement and wish her well in the coming year.”

Barry University is a private, Catholic institution with a history of academic excellence in the Adrian Dominican tradition. Founded in 1940 in Miami, Florida, the University enrolls nearly 9,000 students and offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs through its nine academic schools and colleges, including Adult & Continuing Education, Business, Education, Human Performance & Leisure Science, Law, Podiatric Medicine, Social Work, Arts & Sciences, and Health Sciences.