CHCS - Perspectives Summer/Fall 2017

College of Health Care Sciences 19 Within one year of practice, however, Swink was the first mid-level anesthesia provider to become part of the pediatric cardiovascular anesthesia team. His patient population ranges from newborns to those in their 50s. His case portfolio includes cardiac catheterization, cardiac bypass, and cardiac transplantation. Before starting the AA program at NSU, Couto had a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s degree in biomedical science. He worked as a researcher in Florida International University’s Aquatic Ecology Lab at Everglades National Park and taught biology at Doral Middle School. It goes without saying that Couto shined didactically and clinically at NSU. He does, however, have a unique niche—becoming chief anesthe- tist. Couto graduated in 2010 when the AA profession was in its infancy in Florida. His first job was at Boca Raton Regional Hospital, where he was one of the pioneering CAAs to work in that facility. Within several years, he became chief anesthetist at Boca Regional, overseeing numerous mid-level anesthesia providers. Two years ago, Couto became the first CAA to practice at Baptist Health South Florida in Miami. Today, Baptist employs close to 30 CAAs, and Couto serves as the chief anesthetist at the facility. In addition to his normal duties as an anesthesia provider, he manages the hiring, firing, scheduling, and any other matters related to CAAs. Moreover, Couto is involved in training AA students and was instrumental in starting the clinical rotation at Baptist, which will be training 50 to 60 students per year from various AA programs. Swink and Couto are two examples of superb anesthesia providers. They are also true representatives of NSU AA alumni. Vigilance is a must in anesthesia practice, which explains why the word is inscribed on the American Society of Anesthesiologist and the NSU anesthesiologist assistant seals. For NSU CAAs, vigilance is coupled with professionalism, leadership, and trailblazing. ● Jonathan Swink Ron Couto