The American Society of Anesthesiology’s (ASA) annual meeting draws anesthesiologists from all over the globe, and the UNMC Department of Anesthesiology turned out in force for a weekend of presentations, panels, research and networking.
Faculty, fellows and residents from the department attended the October 18-21 annual meeting held this year in Philadelphia.
The conference provides an opportunity for UNMC’s up-and-coming researchers and new investigators to represent the institution and share their academic accomplishments.
Senior anesthesiology resident Lauren Costello, MD, was named this year’s Foundation for Anesthesia Education and Research Scholar at the Day for New Researchers event.
Mentored by associate professor Jeffrey Songster, MD, Dr. Costello investigated how often patent foramen ovales (PFOs) are found during left ventricular assist device placement – a mechanical pump that helps the heart pump blood to the body – and what effect the presence of a PFO may have on outcomes.
“We found a statistically significant, longer bypass time – a little over 30 minutes – and what looks like an increased likelihood of stroke in participants with a PFO,” Dr. Songster said.
The department was strongly represented in ASA leadership activities, including Noah Svec, MD, and Lauren Costello, MD, serving as representatives in the Resident House of Delegates.
Mohanad Shukry, MD, PhD interim chair of the department said the annual anesthesiology meeting is the biggest meeting in the specialty and one of the highlights is connecting with medical students interested in anesthesiology. “Our education leadership and residents did a fantastic job talking to future residents,” Dr. Shukry said. “I’m proud of this team and our educational programs.”
The department hosted a table staffed by residents, fellows, faculty and education leadership members at the Residency Program Open House. Residency program director Andrea Dutoit, MD, said this annual event provides the opportunity for interested attendees to learn more about anesthesia residency programs.
“We showcased our diverse clinical exposure and broad range of fellowships and educational opportunities at UNMC,” Dr. Dutoit said. “Many students from across the US engage with residents and faculty to get a sense of what the training will potentially be like and how they might fit with the community and culture of the program.”
“The program is historically so popular that attendance this year was limited to two, sold out, ticketed events, she said, meeting our residents can be the highlight of the session for many of the students in attendance.”
Dr. Dutoit thanked representative faculty and residents including:
- Amanda Arnzen, MD
- Brittany Clifton, MD
- Lauren Costello, MD
- Amy Duhachek-Stapelman, MD
- Rafael Arsky Lombardi, MD
- Jeremy Payne, MD
- Shawn Nelson, MD
- Alexander Scheiber, MD
- Mohanad Shukry, MD, PhD
- Jeffrey Songster, MD
- Noah Svec, MD
Megan Chacon, MD and Nicholas Markin, MD, served as ASA faculty for the diagnostic point-of-care ultrasound certification program, providing hands-on training for participants working towards certification. Drs. Chacon and Markin then reviewed and provided approval and feedback on images.
“Leading a national certification program is a testament to the dedication of our faculty to providing the highest level of education,” Dr. Shukry said.
The department cohosted a Friends and Alumni Reception with the University of Iowa Health Care and the Medical College of Wisconsin on Saturday evening. The event was an opportunity for attendees to connect with colleagues and network with new friends from the Midwest region in an informal setting.
A complete list of presentations and activities can be found here.