Dr. Shillcutt leads record-breaking international meeting

Sasha Shillcutt, MD, vice chair of strategy in the UNMC Department of Anesthesiology, was nominated to lead the Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologist’s 2021 annual meeting on April 23-27.

It’s a responsibility that has been more than a decade in the making. During this time, Dr. Shillcutt served on the SCA’s Scientific Program Committee in multiple capacities, growing her responsibilities and expertise through the years. She has created, moderated, reviewed and organized countless educational sessions, hands-on workshops, abstracts and more. She was nominated by her peers to chair the annual meetings in 2021 and 2022.

“Dr. Shillcutt brought the same innovation to the SCA meeting that she brings to everything she is passionate about,” said Steven J. Lisco, MD, chair of the department of anesthesiology. “I am proud that she helped create such a large stage for colleagues around the world to further their expertise and build community, even in this age of social distancing and virtual gatherings.

“This year at SCA, like many of the years preceding it, we had an outstanding showing from UNMC faculty who are leading their colleagues in their various areas of expertise. Thanks to their hard work and dedication, work done at UNMC is having impact around the world.”

Nearly 1,300 people from multiple states and countries registered for the conference, setting a new attendance record. The meeting featured contributions from 155 faculty, and more than 450 abstracts from faculty and trainees. Participants could choose from 37 sessions, 30 problem-based learning discussions and seven workshops to further their cardiac anesthesiology knowledge. The annual meeting offered more than 83 hours of continuing medical education content for those in attendance, another record-breaking feat.

“Leading in the SCA has been an incredible opportunity,” Dr. Shillcutt said. “As an international organization, it helped me form incredible relationships with colleagues from around the world. The collaborations have not only resulted in published research, but also have helped me grow and develop as a speaker and leader. My hope is that I have helped advance my specialty as well as aided in the career development of many incredible members of our division at UNMC. I believe they gained a well-deserved experience in the national spotlight.”

UNMC had outstanding representation from the meeting with 10 anesthesiology faculty contributing in leadership roles. Additionally, Michael Moulton, MD, division chief of cardiothoracic surgery, led a presentation. Tara Brakke, MD, division chief of cardiothoracic anesthesiology, is the SCA’s fellow and resident program coordinator. Megan Chacon, MD, is the PoCUS liaison.