By Laura Lesley
University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing students and faculty of the Nurse Anesthesia DNP Pathway made the most of their time at the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) 2019 Annual Congress in Chicago. Twenty-three UAB students and the entire Nurse Anesthesia DNP Pathway faculty were able to attend and participate in numerous events, including campaigning for national office, presenting nationally on NIH-funded research, leading the winning college bowl team and earning multiple scholarships.
“Participating in the AANA Annual Congress at the highest level is a priority for our students and faculty,” said UAB School of Nursing Nurse Anesthesia DNP Pathway Coordinator Susan McMullan, PhD, CRNA. “It provides innovative learning opportunities and the ability to network with nurse anesthetists from across the country.”
A top highlight for student Preston Broadhead was campaigning for the only elected student role in the AANA: Student Representative to the AANA Education Committee.
“Preston prepared a video for student review prior to the Congress and worked diligently to represent UAB and nurse anesthesia students across the country,” said Todd Hicks, DNP, CRNA, UAB School of Nursing Assistant Professor and Nurse Anesthesia DNP Pathway Associate Coordinator. “Although another student won the election, we are incredibly proud of Mr. Broadhead and eager to watch his development as a future leader of our profession.”
Two other students, Erin Burnham and Jeffrey Dupre, made competed in the AANA College Bowl with students from more than 30 other nurse anesthesia programs across the country. Burnham led her team to victory over all other student teams and also won the championship matchup against an expert team made up of experienced nurse anesthetists.
“For decades, the AANA College Bowl has spotlighted the top nurse anesthesia programs in the country. I am exceedingly proud of our students for representing UAB so well and for achieving such an exciting victory,” said McMullan.
Also recognized for excellence by the AANA Foundation were students Hunter Speeg and Elliot Barnwell. Speeg was selected to receive the Alabama Association of Nurse Anesthetists Scholarship designated for a high-performing second-year student who has a proven record of extracurricular or political involvement. Barnwell received the GALA Scholarship, designated for a student attending an accredited nurse anesthesia educational program that respects and supports gay and lesbian people.
UAB School of Nursing faculty also shined at the AANA Annual Congress, including Assistant Professor Edwin Aroke, PhD, CRNA, who presented “Beyond Genetics: The Emerging Role of Epigenetics in Chronic Pain,” which discussed potential epigenetic causes for the radical disparities in chronic pain. His research is supported by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, the National Institute for Health and the AANA Foundation.
