A simple Child,
That lightly draws its breath,
And feels its life in every limb,
What should it know of death?
– (‘We are Seven’ – William Wordsworth, 1770-1850)
On a balmy Las Vegas day in October 1986, curious about the invitation from a young Dr. Myron Yaster from John’s Hopkins, a few hundred pediatric anesthesiologists showed up to discuss the formation of a new, inclusive society dedicated to advancing the perioperative care of children. Thus, the SPA was born, and the inaugural meeting was attended by approximately 200 members a year later in Atlanta.
Thirty-two years and 3,300 members later, SPA is flourishing. It encompasses three Sections (Congenital Cardiac Anesthesia Society, Society for Pediatric Pain Management, Pediatric Anesthesia Leadership Council), partner organizations like Wake Up Safe and the Pediatric Regional Anesthesia Network, the Pediatric Anesthesia Program Directors Association, as well as Significant Interest Groups, Committees and Councils. As the...
