Newswise — San Francisco, CA – January 4, 2012 – The International Anesthesia Research Society (IARS), the oldest professional society for anesthesiologists, originally founded as the National Anesthesia Research Society, celebrates 90 years of support of medical research in 2012.
Since its founding in 1922, the IARS has maintained a mission to advance and support scientific research and education related to anesthesia, and to improve patient care through basic research. The IARS currently contributes nearly $1 million annually to fund anesthesia research; provides an annual forum for anesthesiology leaders to share information and ideas; maintains a worldwide membership of more than 16,000 physicians, physician residents, and others with doctoral degrees, as well as health professionals in anesthesia-related practice; sponsors the SmartTots initiative in partnership with the FDA; and publishes the monthly journal Anesthesia & Analgesia in print and online. In addition, the IARS sponsors the multi-modal online educational toolkit OpenAnesthesia containing open-access learning material for anesthesiology residents worldwide.
The IARS established its Awards and Grants Program in 1983 to further the scientific advancement of the anesthesiology specialty. Since then, the IARS has funded 125 projects, contributing more than $10 million to the anesthesia research community. The IARS Awards Program includes two categories of research awards and two categories of education awards. Information about these awards may be found at the IARS website. In addition, the IARS contributes $200,000 annually to the Foundation of the Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists to support cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesia research projects.
The goal of the SmartTots initiative, begun in 2008, is to address the critical public health issues associated with the safe use of anesthesia and sedatives in young children. The Food and Drug Administration and the IARS are partnering on this initiative, along with additional stakeholders – professional societies, academic research institutions, patient advocacy groups, industry and other government and nonprofit organizations – to address scientific and clinical gaps regarding the safe use of anesthetics and sedatives in children.
James G. Ramsay, MD, Chair of the IARS Board of Trustees, states: “The IARS continues to grow and evolve with the times. Our 90th anniversary represents several milestones for the Society: an increased focus on research funding through our grant programs and SmartTots, increased involvement in the ongoing education cycle of our members through enhanced education options, and increased investment in technology tools for our members. The Board, staff and stakeholders of the IARS continue to drive these changes, and we have high hopes that our new programs will delight our existing members and encourage potential members to join our organization.”
Steven L. Shafer, MD, Editor-in-Chief of Anesthesia & Analgesia, adds: “Our continued partnership with Wolters Kluwer Health as the publisher of A&A positions us at the forefront of publishing technology. The next decade will see A&A move into the leading position as the top information source for all anesthesiologists, regardless of the modes of access to our content. I am confident that the Wolters Kluwer leadership will help us get there.”
About the IARSThe International Anesthesia Research Society is a nonpolitical, not-for-profit medical society that advances and supports scientific research and education related to anesthesia. Additional information about the IARS may be found at www.iars.org.
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