Editor's Note: To celebrate the American Society of Anesthesiologist's Physician Anesthesiologist Week, January 26 – February 1, we will examine the recent leadership of our physicians to shape patient care, education and research in our institution.
Physicians in the cardiothoracic division have far-reaching impacts in fields including echocardiography, innovative education, healthcare logistics, global health, physician wellness, and gender equity.
Multiple division members contributed to publications that further the knowledge of how echocardiography positively impacts patients and healthcare facilities. Sasha Shillcutt, M.D., continued to lead on the topics of physician resilience, gender equity and echocardiography. She does so through publications, and as an invited guest speaker across the nation. A complete list of physician publications can be found at the back of this report.
"Our division members produce an exceptional amount of scholarly activity, and our successes are diverse," said Tara Brakke, M.D., division chief and cardiothoracic fellowship director. "We have impressive leaders and educators that make big impacts in our institution and nation-wide."
Nick Markin, M.D., received a $5 thousand grant for his ongoing work that utilizes a 3D printer to create educational simulation models, allowing physicians to gain experience obtaining vascular access in critically ill patients.
Dr. Markin is also working with members of the team to revamp the very popular echocardiography training program that started here in 2009. He is excited to adapt the learning opportunity to practicing physicians and make it more available to everyone by providing much of the didactics online. This training program will serve a largely unmet need in physicians hoping to fill the gap in echocardiography knowledge.
The team made a big impact at the Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists (SCA) annual meeting in May with 13 department members in attendance, holding leadership roles in 10 scientific sessions and presenting six abstracts on department work. Dr. Shillcutt is a member of the SCA’s board of directors, as well as the vice chair of the Scientific Program Committee. She has worked diligently for the past three years to help provide a top notch meeting for cardiac anesthesiologists around the world. She will continue in this role for one more year and become chair of the committee in 2020 for the following two years. Dr. Brakke is the co-chair of the SCA’s fellow and resident track at the annual meeting.
Jeff Songster, M.D., presented at Super Echo Panel where he was one of eight new faculty chosen to present an interesting echocardiography case. Drs. Megan Chacon, Austin Adams, Brakke, and Shillcutt also participated as lecturers and moderators throughout the meeting, and multiple faculty, fellows, and residents presented abstracts and challenging cases.
Lastly, the division saw significant growth with the addition of physicians Rebecca Aron, M.D., Kristi Lorenzen, M.D., James Mulvoy, M.D., Andrew Maresch, M.D., and Jeffrey Songster, M.D.