AANA Honors Excellence in Nurse Anesthesiology: Didactic Instructor of the Year Award Presented to Lee Ranalli

Rosemont, Ill. – The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) will present Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Lee Ranalli, DNP, CRNA, with the Didactic Instructor of the Year Award during its 2025 Annual Congress, August 9-13, in Nashville. 

The Didactic Instructor of the Year Award was established in 1991 to recognize individuals who have made a significant contribution to the teaching of Registered Resident Nurse Anesthetists (RRNAs), also known as student registered nurse anesthetists, in the classroom. The award recognizes the individual’s commitment to the profession of nurse anesthesiology and to the advancement of educational standards that further the art and science of anesthesiology and result in high-quality patient care. 

As a nurse anesthesia educator since 2015, Dr. Ranalli’s commitment to didactic learning is evident to both his colleagues and every student he teaches. His students describe him as more than just an instructor, noting that he is “a dedicated mentor who embodies the qualities of an outstanding educator,” and that his passion for teaching “is evident in every interaction, creating an engaging and inspiring learning environment.” 

Dr. Ranalli is dedicated to staying at the forefront of the nurse anesthesiology field and consistently incorporates the latest research into his teaching methods. His students regularly receive cutting-edge knowledge that prepares them for the dynamic landscape of healthcare. As such, his students are not just “passive recipients of information, but active participants in the ongoing dialogue” of the field. Dr. Ranalli’s leadership helps ensure the didactic curriculum keeps pace with the ever-evolving demands and innovations of nurse anesthesiology. 

“I am extremely humbled to receive this prestigious award and sincerely grateful for the opportunity to teach the next generation of CRNAs,” said Dr. Ranalli. “I consider it a great privilege to witness our RRNAs grow into compassionate, skilled anesthesia providers who will make a difference in countless lives. If I can be even half as effective as those who taught me, then I will consider my career truly fulfilling.”

According to one of his students, Dr. Ranalli’s innovative approach to education has “not only transformed the learning experience for students but has also elevated the standard of education.” His dynamic and forward-thinking teaching methods cater to diverse learning styles, benefiting every type of learner. His commitment to supporting students is “unparalleled,” with one student noting that his “unwavering support” creates a sense of belonging among the students he teaches, making it easy for them to seek guidance and mentorship from him. Another student remarks that his “commitment to instilling a sense of responsibility and integrity in his students is reflected not only in their academic achievements, but also in their ethical conduct as future providers.” 

Beyond his commitment to the classroom, Dr. Ranalli’s dedication to the nurse anesthesiology profession is evident through his active leadership. He is a strong advocate for the profession and has served multiple leadership roles within the Arizona Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AZANA), including as president and as a member of its Board of Directors. He has also been involved with the Arizona State Board of Nursing, having served on the Advanced Practice Advisory Committee. 

Dr. Ranalli received his Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He earned his Master of Science in Nursing from the Kaiser Permanente School of Anesthesia in Pasadena, California and his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Arizona State University in Phoenix, Arizona. 

To learn more about AANA Member Recognition awards, visit https://www.aana.com/membership/recognition/aana-awards/.