A Message from the President

Colleagues, 

Welcome to the Association of Anesthesiology Program Administrators and Educators (AAPAE). This “community of practice” serves as a forum to share best practices, answer questions, and collaborate on initiatives and projects. We hope this group serves to support all the administrators and educators within anesthesiology training programs.

A History of the AAPAE

Administrators and educators of anesthesiology training programs petitioned for a group of our own for several years and on April 24, 2015, the SAAAPM Council agreed to support the formation of AAPAE for a three-year trial period. Our initial proposal for the formation of our association included a set of goals jointly established by SAAAPM Council and the new leadership of AAPAE. All these goals were met before January 2018. In April 2018, AAPAE was approved as a full-member association of the SAAAPM. We are deeply grateful to the SAAAPM Council for allowing us an opportunity to create such an association and hope to continue to support both administrators and educators toward our goal of training the next generation of anesthesiologists.

What projects has AAPAE pursued for the benefit of its members?

Current and past projects and initiatives include:

  1. The continuation (and rebranding) of a peer mentoring program for program administrators and educators (Do you have a buddy yet?). This program allows for members to support each other in their professional development. Please log into this website to view the Mentorship Program Page under News & Resources.

  2. Our vibrant virtual community through our Community Forum, private Facebook group, and listserv: We are able to connect with our community outside of the Annual Meeting to ask questions, engage in meaningful conversations, offer advice, or reach out to others who understand our work. To join our Facebook group, simply search for “Association of Anesthesiology Program Administrators/Educators (AAPAE)” on Facebook, click join, and answer a brief question. All new members will be added to the listserv.

  3. The launch of the SNAP TALK sessions during our Annual Meeting: This is an opportunity for AAPAE members to promote their work, exchange ideas, gain some experience in public speaking and build their CV. The talks last approximately 10 minutes each with flexible formats (PowerPoint-referred talk, a stand-up show, a TED talk, etc).

  4. The creation of our monthly Professional Development Series: This series promotes professional development, growth, and continued education for both new and experienced administrators and educators. It also provides an opportunity to connect, network, and share ideas within our community. Join us every fourth Thursday of the month on Zoom.

  5. Planning of the SAAAPM/AAPAE Annual Meeting: The program of our Annual Meeting is designed to present areas of topical interest to attendees in keeping with our collective attempt to improve academic anesthesiology departments’ structures, functions, and the educational programs. The purpose of the Annual Meeting is to educate and share information that will enable academic anesthesiology departments to improve management and care. The AAPAE Annual Meeting provides a forum for anesthesiology administrators and educators to obtain information from and interact with fellow GME professionals and leaders as well as from the ACGME, ABA, and other organizations. The Annual Meeting also serves as a forum to showcase and highlight innovations within our educational programs, and most importantly, an opportunity to learn and grow as professionals in a supportive, collaborative, and inclusive environment.

How to become a member?

Membership to AAPAE is based on your department’s membership to SAAAPM. When your department submits paperwork for membership each year, your name may be added to the list as a member of AAPAE at no additional cost. Members may also be added to SAAAPM by your department’s key contact through the website.

How can we better serve you?

We strive to continually develop and build a sense of community. We want this community to be one in which we feel comfortable talking to and collaborating with peers.

Please take a few minutes to look at our website, visit our resources page, contribute to our community forum, and learn more about the council members who are eager to make this new organization successful.

We look forward to working together to continue to shape the future of our association!

Sincerely,
Lucine Torosian, BS
President, AAPAE 2023-2025