CHCS - Perspectives Summer/Fall 2017

College of Health Care Sciences 21 of Anesthesiologist Assistants (AAAA) representatives. All students in the class can run for any of these positions, and they take their responsibilities seriously. While leading the class in one of these elected positions, the students simultaneously must do well in their classes and in their clinical rotations to set an example for their classmates. In addition to the roles the students have within the student government, they are encouraged to become committee members and/or committee chairs of the various committees within the national organization, the state-level organizations, and even the national organization of the anesthesiologists— the American Society of Anesthesiologists. The national organization and the individual state organiza- tions are very involved in the legislative aspects of the profession thanks to Wagner, who introduced the AA students to the legislative process. The American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants advocates for patient safety and improved access to care through grassroots lobbying. Member engagement is key to the success of AAAA advocacy efforts. Many students who come to the NSU Tampa or Fort Lauderdale programs do not come from a state where CAAs can practice, but they would like to end up back home. Consequently, students are encouraged to help allow CAAs to practice in a state by contacting the appropriate elected officials and fund-raising for the campaign, which will help provide knowledgeable leaders and advocates to speak to legislators on behalf of the AA profession. Students are welcome to participate in these legislative events at the state capitals to show support for that state. There are numerous ways NSU helps its students grow into strong leaders, as well as strong anesthesia providers. According to Joey Parish, class of 2017 president of the AA Tampa Program, “Not only did NSU prepare me to become a competent anesthetist, it also showed me how to face adversity as a leader both inside and outside the operating room.” ● From left: Robert Wagner, Joey Parish, Sidney Samford, and Jerry Matsumura, M.D.