Membership Engagement Advisory Board (MEB) Report

We are honored to provide an update from the recent Association of University Anesthesiologists (AUA) council meeting on October 15, 2023, where several important initiatives and updates were discussed that directly impact membership engagement and guidelines.

During the meeting, the MEB members in attendance in person and virtually, presented the council various ideas for increasing membership and the membership experience.  As the meeting occurred less than a month before the observance of Veterans Day (November 11, 2023), there was a focus on welcoming anesthesiologists who are members of the military. Dr. James Rathmell from Brigham and Women’s Hospital (an affiliate of Harvard Medical School), gave a background to the status and activities of anesthesiologists serving in the military of the United States. The AUA leadership aims to create a supportive environment for military members within the anesthesiology community and to facilitate their seamless integration into the AUA. Membership of the MEB and others in attendance indicated their dedication to this initiative. Furthermore, the council emphasized the importance of recognizing Veterans Day, demonstrating the AUA's commitment to honoring and supporting veterans within the field of anesthesiology.

James P. Rathmell, MD
Chair, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine
Leroy D. Vandam Professor of Anesthesia, Harvard Medical School

Additionally, Dr. Valerie Armstead proposed the creation of a user app exclusively for AUA members to assist with various forms of engagement available to members at all levels of membership in the organization. The intent is to enhance communication, networking, and perform tasks to allow access to resources.

In the realm of membership guidelines, the council was provided an update on the nomination checklist for active and associate members.

The MEB is pleased to announce that in the 2023 round two of membership nominations, 28 candidates were approved for AUA membership. Among the newly approved members, 16 were categorized as active members, 11 as associate members, and one is an affiliate member.

Looking ahead, the nominations for the 2024 round one are now open, beginning from December 15th, 2023, and extending until April 15th, 2024. This extended nomination period aims to provide ample time for the identification and consideration of potential members who embody the values and expertise sought by the AUA.

Finally, nominations were received for three MEB awards and those winners will be announced shortly.

Please feel free to reach out if you have any further questions or require additional information.

Authors

Valerie E. Armstead, MD, DABA, FASA

AUA, Co-chair, Membership Engagement Advisory Board

Professor of Anesthesiology, Clinician Educator

Department of Anesthesiology

Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Michael Aziz, MD

AUA, Co-chair, Membership Engagement Advisory Board

Professor & Vice Chair for Clinical Affairs

Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine

Oregon Health & Science University

Portland, Oregon