By Frank Couch
University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing Assistant Professor Edwin Aroke, PhD, CRNA has received the Didactic Instructor of the Year award for 2020 from the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists.
Established in 1991, the award recognizes, “commitment of individuals to the profession of nurse anesthesia and to the advancement of educational standards that further the art and science of anesthesiology and result in high quality patient care,” and is presented to an individual who “has made a significant contribution to the education of student nurse anesthetists in the classroom,” according to AANA.
A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists and leader in anesthesia education, Aroke teaches the scientific underpinnings of anesthesia practice that provides a solid foundation for students. He incorporates his research in pain and genomics to advance the science of anesthesiology. Aroke is actively involved in local, national and international professional groups, including the Alabama Association of Nurse Anesthetists, Nursing Honors Society Sigma Theta Tau International and the International Society of Nurses in Genetics.
“It is a tremendous honor to be selected for this recognition,” said Aroke. “What makes this award especially gratifying is the fact that my students initiated the nomination process. Having some good news during these challenging moments is very fulfilling.”
Aroke will receive the award at the Annual Opening Ceremonies of the AANA Virtual Annual Congress on August 15, 2020. He also will be recognized in person at the 2021 Annual Congress. AANA is a professional organization for nearly 54,000 certified registered nurse anesthetists, and Aroke is one of only 28 members to receive this honor.
“I am always looking for innovative ways to simplify the concepts, and I would like to thank my students because their questions/feedback over the years have made me a better teacher,” Aroke said.
