The 10th Anniversary of the Congenital Cardiac Anesthesia Society
By Gregory Latham, MD
University of Washington School of Medicine
Seattle Children’s Hospital
This year, our society turns 10 years old. Over a decade ago, the CCAS concept began as cardiac anesthesia directors and other key leaders at major congenital heart disease programs understood there was a need for a new society because of the rapid advancement of highly specialized knowledge in the field of congenital heart disease. On October 19, 2005, the Society of Pediatric Anesthesia (SPA) formally approved and incorporated the CCAS as a new society organized within the SPA.
Numerous people have been integral in designing, building, and maintaining the CCAS from a small, fledgling society to the CCAS we know today. This growth would not have been possible without the considerable efforts of those serving on the CCAS Board of Directors, those who have organized and participated in the national meetings, people involved on various subcommittees and educational efforts, the support staff at the SPA/CCAS headquarters, and to each and everyone of our members and conference attendees who directly and indirectly support the CCAS. As our society has grown, so to has the ability to build upon the original seven missions of the society:
- Education
- Collaboration
- Coordination
- Research
- Database
- Training
- Advocacy
The CCAS meeting in Phoenix this winter gave an opportunity for the society members present to celebrate this exciting milestone and reflect on the incredible growth and enthusiasm of the CCAS and its membership. Approximately 225 registered members were in attendance for the CCAS conference in Phoenix, including visitors from Australia, Brazil, Finland, Lebanon, Mexico, Norway, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom.
Two special events were held to celebrate the anniversary. During the afternoon session, two pioneers of the field, Drs. Robert Friesen and Paul Hickey, treated the audience with their perspectives of the past, present, and future of the field of congenital cardiac anesthesia (Please see the CCAS meeting review in this newsletter for details of the presentation). When the formal sessions were finished, a special 10-year anniversary celebration was held. Attendance was exceptional, and all enjoyed wonderful food, drink, and company throughout an evening blessed with perfect weather (Click HERE for a slideshow).
With all that the CCAS has been able to accomplish in its first decade, its achievements over the next decade will assuredly be impressive. Certainly, ongoing advancement of the original seven missions of the CCAS will be benefitted by the continued ideas and participation of all of its members.
