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100 Years of Pediatric Anesthesia With Anesthesia & Analgesia: Growing Together
Melissa L Coleman1, David B Waisel2
1From the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania.
Insights
Anesthesia & Analgesia (A&A) has been a vital resource for pediatric anesthesiology for 100 years. The International Anesthesia Research Society (IARS) continues to advance pediatric anesthesia research and practice.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Anesthesiology
- Medical History
- Anesthesia Research
Background:
- Anesthesia & Analgesia (A&A) emerged as a key resource for pediatric anesthesia fundamentals in the early 20th century.
- The journal's focus evolved with the subspecialty, addressing complex cases and serving as a forum for dedicated pediatric anesthesiologists.
- The International Anesthesia Research Society (IARS) has been instrumental in addressing contemporary challenges in pediatric anesthesia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To reflect on the 100-year evolution of pediatric anesthesiology.
- To examine the impact of the IARS and A&A on the scholarship and practice of pediatric anesthesia.
- To highlight the role of A&A and IARS in the professionalization of pediatric anesthesiology.
Main Methods:
- Historical review of Anesthesia & Analgesia (A&A) journal and International Anesthesia Research Society (IARS) activities.
- Analysis of the journal's content evolution in relation to pediatric anesthesiology practice.
- Examination of IARS initiatives, such as SmartTots, addressing current research questions.
Main Results:
- A&A has consistently provided essential knowledge for general anesthesiologists and later for specialists in pediatric anesthesia.
- The IARS and A&A have significantly contributed to advancing pediatric anesthesia research, clinical practice, and professional development.
- The SmartTots initiative exemplifies the IARS's commitment to investigating critical issues like anesthetic neurotoxicity in children.
Conclusions:
- Anesthesia & Analgesia and the IARS have played a pivotal role in the maturation and professionalization of pediatric anesthesiology over the past century.
- Continued collaboration and research through A&A and IARS are crucial for addressing future challenges in pediatric anesthesia.
- The historical trajectory underscores the enduring importance of scholarly resources and research societies in medical subspecialties.
Abstract:
As the practice of pediatric anesthesiology grew in the early 20th century, Anesthesia & Analgesia (A&A) became the most important practical resource of pediatric fundamentals for general anesthesiologists. With continued growth in the mid-20th century, focus then shifted to complex cases performed by dedicated pediatric anesthesiologists. To this day, A&A continues to serve as a crucial forum for our subspecialty as it matures. The International Anesthesia Research Society (IARS) also remains pivotal in addressing the crucial questions of modern practice, such as the recent founding of the SmartTots initiative to investigate the potential neurotoxicity of anesthetics in children. While A&A celebrates 100 years of publication, we reflect upon pediatric anesthesiology's evolution and the impact of the IARS and A&A on pediatric anesthesiology's scholarship, clinical practice, and professionalization.
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