1991

William New, JR., MD

Founder of Nellcor Incorporated, whose mission was to develop, manufacture and market pulse oximeters which contributed significantly to a decrease in anesthesia morbidity and mortality.

1992

Harry M. Zutz, MD

Primary motivator in the formation of Anesthesia Overseas (AO), an international humanitarian teaching and clinical mission in anesthesia. AO is a Division within Health Volunteers Overseas. Dr. Zutz was also instrumental in laying the groundwork with the CPIA for the establishment of Nurse Anesthesia Overseas.

1993

ASTM Committee F. 29 on Anesthetic and Respiratory Equipment

Creator of voluntary consensus standards for anesthetic and respiratory materials, products systems and services resulting in the reduction of anesthesia risks and improving overall patient safety.

1995

Edmond I. Eger, II, MD

Recognized for his contributions in the field of research on anesthetic agents and their safety for the patient, most specifically his research in the development of new anesthetics and in the uptake and distribution of inhaled anesthetics.

1996

Malignant Hyperthermia Association of the United States (MHAUS)

Recognized for their contributions in reducing morbidity and mortality of malignant hyperthermia

1997

Health Volunteers Overseas/Nurse Anesthesia Overseas (HVO/NAO)

Recognized for all of the many nurse anesthetists who have volunteered their time and talents to helping others

1998

Diana S. Quinlan, CRNA

Recognized for her tireless efforts and leadership in working with impaired professionals, colleagues and family members

1999

St. Paul Medical Services

Recognized for the outstanding contributions that it has made to the healthcare delivery system as the nation’s premier medical liability insurer

2000

Jeanette Tracy, DD, PhD

President and founder of AWARE, a nonprofit foundation dedicated to public education and support for research in the area of awareness during anesthesia

2001

William Clayton Petty, MD

Recognized for his outstanding contributions in the area of anesthesia patient safety; and, the promotion of quality anesthesia care as demonstrated through his many years of practice, teaching, publishing and lecturing in the field of anesthesia

2002

Doni Haas, RN, LHRM

Recognized for her outstanding advocacy for a patient and a family’s right to disclosure of medical errors in a truthful and compassionate manner

2003

Jeffrey B. Cooper, PhD

Recognized for his contributions in research and teaching in the area of anesthesia crisis resource management in the prevention of adverse events and patient injury

2004

Franklin Dexter, M.D., PhD

Recognized for his contribution in health care research, education and consultation in developing solutions aimed at improved efficiency, cost, and quality of care delivered in the anesthesia and periOperative services area

2005

Robert L. Helmreich, PhD

Recognized for his contributions in human factors research involving investigating the nature and effect of human error, specifically the effects of national, organizational and professional cultures on group dynamics in the aviation cockpit and operating room

2006

Agatha Hodgins, CRNA

Recognized, posthumously, during the 75th Anniversary meeting as a visionary who steadfastly maintained that nurse anesthesia was a "special field of endeavor requiring professional recognition and safeguards," and that a "skillful well trained nurse anesthetist can be responsible for great improvement in the practice of anesthesia," and further noted, "a nurse anesthetist organization be a contributing factor toward enhancing the value and safety of anesthesia." Ms. Hodgins was internationally known for her contribution, commitment, and advocacy for education and safety in promoting the nurse anesthesia profession.

2007

Archie Ian Jeremy Brain, MD

Designed the prototype laryngeal mask airway (LMA) as an effective and reliable airway management and rescue device. The LMA revolutionized anesthesia airway equipment and greatly expanded the anesthesia provider’s skills and airway techniques. Because of its success in difficult airway management, the LMA’s role in anesthesia has significantly impacted patient safety.

2008

Donald Berwick, MD, MPP

Recognized for his contribution to patient safety as one of the nation’s leading authorities on healthcare quality and improvement issues. As President and CEO of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), Dr. Berwick led the 100,000 Lives Campaign, whose success was followed by the 5 Million Lives Campaign. These national initiatives aim to protect patients from incidents of medical harm.

Ira P. Gunn, CRNA, MLN, FAAN   

Visionary work elevating the practice of nurse anesthesia to a professional level by spearheading the movement of  nurse anesthesia programs into university settings.  Her influence in the area of practice, education, research, and credentialing CRNAs serves as a cornerstone of patient safety through professional practice.