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2025 | Summer IssuePresident's Messageby Dolores B. Njoku, MD It finally arrived! Our second back to the university meeting for the Association of University Anesthesiologists (AUA) is in the books! Our theme was “Collaboration, Construction and Focus” Hence, together with Harvard University, Harvard Medical School and the Harvard Anesthesia Executive Committee, we formulated a collaborative, constructive and focused meeting that we sincerely hope will continue to inspire both our academic and non-academic colleagues. AUA Annual Meeting 2025 – MEB Awardsby Ameeka Pannu, MD The Membership Engagement Advisory Board (MEB) hosted the Member Reception at the historic Harvard Club, a fitting end to a meeting day where we celebrated the presentation of the MEB awards by Co-Chairs Drs. Valerie Armstead and Michael Aziz following the morning meeting session. These awards recognize the commitment of AUA members to the field of anesthesiology, their colleagues and the progression of academic medicine. The awards are similarly a reflection of the mission of the MEB by highlighting the many ways an AUA membership richly contributes to both individual careers and the growth of our specialty. Recollection of words by Dr. Valerie E. Armstead introducing the AUA Distinguished Service Aware to Dr. Maya Hastie (in absentia):by Valerie E. Armstead, MD, DABA, FASA Dr. Maya Hastie is a distinguished anesthesiologist, educator, and leader who has made significant contributions to the field of anesthesiology, particularly in medical education, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and professional organizations. Her work with the Association of University Anesthesiologists (AUA) and Columbia University highlights her impact on academic anesthesiology. Challenges Currently Facing University Anesthesiologistsby Valerie E. Armstead, MD, DABA, FASA University anesthesiologists encounter a variety of challenges that can hinder their professional effectiveness and overall satisfaction within their roles. One significant challenge is the increasing demands for academic productivity alongside clinical responsibilities. The shrinkage of our work force mean faculty members often find themselves balancing the need to produce research, teach medical students and residents, and provide high-quality patient care. This multifaceted role can lead to burnout, making it essential for institutions to create supportive environments that prioritize wellness and provide resources for managing these competing demands. AUA 2025 Meeting – LAB Recapby Tetsuro Sakai, MD, PhD, MHA, FASA At the 2025 Association of University Anesthesiologists (AUA) Annual Meeting, a compelling Leadership Advisory Board (LAB) panel discussion titled "Rediscovering Joy in Academic Anesthesiology: Strategies for Professional Fulfillment" took center stage, offering practical insights into combatting burnout and reigniting meaning and purpose in academic medicine. Moderated by Dr. Ted Sakai (LAB Chair), the session brought together three national thought leaders across anesthesiology and psychiatry, each offering evidence-based strategies to help clinicians thrive. SAB's Current and Future Role for Science within our Specialtyby Christina Pabelick, MD The 2025 AUA Annual Meeting in Boston was a fantastic highlight for members of the SAB team thanks to all the people who attended and the great feedback we received from the audience. Attendees were especially appreciative of the mock grant review/study section, panel discussions, poster sessions and moderation. In fact, the SAB team was so excited that we started planning other panel discussion topics for 2026 right at the meeting. Attendance and engagement at the mock study section was really encouraging, especially given the additional option of virtual attendance. We have sent out a survey to attendees and others and will share the results soon. Precision Medical Education: Cutting Edge Teaching and Learningby John Mitchell, MD The AMA defines Precision Medical Education (PME) as education “focused on individualized learning that aligns with learner needs as well as the needs of current and future patients.” In medical education, PME represents the next frontier in teaching and learning. By providing timely educational opportunities that meet learners' needs and adapt to their learning styles, PME promises to enhance educational efficiency and potentiate the acquisition of competencies necessary to become skilled physicians by providing timely educational opportunities that meet learners' needs and adapt to their learning styles. In Remembrance: Dr. William E. OwensWilliam Don Owens, 85, of St Louis, Missouri passed away on January 3, 2025. Bill was born December 12, 1939, to Don and Caroline (Raaf) Owens. He was raised in Gerald, Missouri, where he learned the values of family, faith, service and hard work. He went on to become a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, as well as a beloved physician, mentor, and educator. He was a warm, humble, and gracious man who was loved by all who knew him. In Remembrance: Dr. Ronald D. MillerWe are sad to announce that Dr. Ronald D. Miller passed away on February 27, 2025. He served as chair of the UCSF Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care from 1984 until 2009, and was one of the most successful physician-scientist-leaders in the field’s history.
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