In recognition of his leadership and professionalism in the field of nurse anesthesiology, Dr. Tony Umadhay, PhD, CRNA, APRN, and Dean of the School of Nursing at Barry University, has been named a Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (FAANA).
As one of just 58 inductees for 2023, Dr. Umadhay was honored at the annual induction ceremony in Seattle on August 19. It was a high moment in a storied career. Dr. Umadhay has been a registered nurse for over 30 years and a CRNA for 20 years. Drawn to the mission of advancing patient safety and the CRNA profession, he joined the AANA in 2001 and has grown into one of the organization’s most esteemed members, earning professional acclaim for his international leadership in academic nursing. Notably, he collaborated with CRNA colleagues from the Philippine Nurses Association of America and the Philippine Department of Health to create and implement the Anesthesia Care Nurse certificate curriculum to expand anesthesia care services in his home country. This work has been recognized as transformational for the healthcare system in the Philippines.
The FAANA designation is the AANA’s most elite professional achievement, recognizing an exceptional level of expertise, service, and commitment to transforming the nurse anesthesia profession. Earning the distinction is no easy task. Along with 10 consecutive years of both membership in the AANA and full-time practice as a CRNA, Fellows must demonstrate continued achievement, innovation, and respect in their field. As Barry faculty, staff, students, and alumni are privileged to know, Dr. Umadhay’s career embodies each of these qualities and more.
Speaking on behalf of the AANA, Lorraine Jordan, PhD, CRNA, CAE, FAAN, Chief Advocacy Officer of AANA and CEO of the AANA Foundation, said: “We recognize Dr. Umadhay as a leader who has demonstrated a depth of expertise that is critical to shaping the future of anesthesia care. Earning this distinction signifies a commitment of excellence and dedication to making impactful changes for our profession.”
For Dr. Umadhay, whose pace never slows, the Fellowship distinction signals new opportunities to continue contributing to his professional network and leading the way toward the future of nurse anesthesiology.