National Nurse Anesthetist Week is an annual celebration recognizing the valuable role of the anesthetist. Each year, 43 million patients place their trust in more than 50,000 anesthetists and student anesthetists across the country. In honor of the MEDNAX family of more 1,800 anesthetists in 15 states, we are excited to profile several CRNAs whose dedication to their work inspire us.
Ken is Chief CRNA at American Anesthesiology of Maryland at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center in Baltimore. He has been a CRNA for 13 years.
“I graduated with honors from the University of Maryland with my bachelor of nursing. In 2003, I completed my anesthesia training at UNCG/Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center nurse anesthesia program. I also completed the Elective Pediatric Program at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.”
“I was interested in becoming a CRNA when I first decided to apply to my nursing undergraduate program. After graduation, I had the great fortune to meet some amazing CRNAs while working in the intensive care unit at Johns Hopkins Hospital and Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. After meeting them — and seeing the level of skill and competence they demonstrated every day — I knew I wanted to be one of them.”
Learn more about the role of an anesthetist
“It has always been important to me to maintain the role of a compassionate caregiver, even when faced with stressful or critical situations. My greatest reward has been the relieved look on a worried parent’s face or getting an anxious child to laugh during induction.”
“We have an amazing team of talented CRNAs. I couldn’t ask for better colleagues who work so well with our anesthesiologists, surgeons and hospital staff. I always feel valued when someone asks my opinion about a case or an issue, and am so fortunate to have colleagues with whom I feel comfortable doing the same.”
“Spend some time with a CRNA! We love to teach and share about our profession.”