SAAAPM: Elevating Academic Anesthesiology Nationwide

The Society of Academic Associations of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine (SAAAPM) serves as the umbrella organization for four key groups: the Association of Academic Anesthesia Chairs (AAAC), the Association of Anesthesiology Core Program Directors (AACPD), the Association of Anesthesiology Subspecialty Program Directors (AASPD), and the Association of Anesthesiology Program Administrators and Educators (AAPAE). Originally established in 2007 following the restructuring of SAAC and AAPD into the Society of Academic Associations of Anesthesiology (SAAA), the organization has since evolved into SAAAPM and expanded significantly in scope and impact.AAPAE members discuss how to build a successful team at an interactive roundtable at the SAAAPM Annual Meeting.SAAAPM represents, advocates for, and educates on issues central to academic anesthesiology. Governance is provided by an elected council with representation from each of the four constituent organizations. The society hosts an annual in-person meeting featuring both joint and specialty-specific programming. The most recent meeting, held following the Society for Education in Anesthesia (SEA) meeting, drew 753 attendees – second only to the 2020 virtual meeting. Programming highlighted the breadth of academic anesthesiology, and for the first time included dedicated breakout sessions for medical clerkship directors, which will continue at the 2026 meeting. AAAC The AAAC convenes academic anesthesiology department chairs committed to leadership, collaboration, and advancement of the specialty. It provides a forum for candid discussion, shared problem-solving, and peer support as leaders navigate the complexities of managing academic departments. The scope of AAAC engagement spans education, research, clinical care, quality improvement, and financial stewardship, alongside oversight of residency and fellowship programs. Given the increasingly complex institutional, political, and economic landscape, AAAC maintains active relationships with national organizations such as ASA and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). These partnerships support advocacy efforts, leadership development, and strategic alignment to strengthen academic anesthesiology and improve patient care. A cornerstone of AAAC programming is the virtual New Chairs series, designed for individuals early in their leadership roles. These sessions provide opportunities for reflection, discussion, and mentorship, and will expand from two to three sessions this year in response to growing interest. Monthly virtual meetings for women chairs continue to foster community and sustained dialogue. The annual salary and practice survey remains a critical benchmarking resource for departments nationwide. This year, the survey timeline has been adjusted to allow results to be presented at the annual meeting. Participation remains strong, with 86 of 180 invited institutions (47.8%) contributing data. Findings inform national discussions around departmental funding and institutional support. A follow-up webinar will provide detailed analysis and invite feedback to guide future iterations. AAPAE The AAPAE supports anesthesiology program administrators and educators, advancing collaboration and professional development across residency and fellowship training programs. Since its founding in 2015, AAPAE has grown to more than 300 members focused on enhancing education, operational effectiveness, and policy understanding. Programming addresses practical and evolving challenges in graduate medical education. Recent initiatives have included aligning ACGME milestones with meaningful evaluation practices, clarifying accreditation and institutional policies, and preparing members for complex conversations with trainees, faculty, and leadership. These efforts aim to translate regulatory requirements into actionable strategies that improve program performance and learner outcomes. The AAPAE leadership council, consisting of eight elected members overseeing areas such as assessment, communications, membership, and mentorship, ensures alignment with member priorities. The annual meeting serves as a platform for sharing innovations and best practices. Ongoing offerings include a monthly Professional Development Series and a structured mentorship, advising, and coaching program supporting members at all career stages. Through collaboration with peer organizations, AAPAE continues to strengthen the administrative and educational infrastructure essential to training future anesthesiologists. AACPD The AACPD is dedicated to supporting anesthesiology residency programs through education, mentorship, advocacy, and community engagement. The 2026 application cycle underscores the specialty's continued competitiveness: 3,749 applicants applied through the Electronic Residency Application Service for 1,865 PGY-1, 306 PGY-2, and 119 reserved positions, resulting in a 61% match rate. Residency expansion continues, with eight new ACGME-accredited programs introduced during the 2025–2026 cycle. A major advancement in recent years has been the implementation of program signaling, introduced in 2022 to improve application equity and efficiency. Applicants currently submit 15 signals – five “gold” signals indicating highest interest and ten “silver” signals reflecting strong interest – along with three preferred geographic regions. Evidence shows that signaling significantly increases the likelihood of interview invitations, while geographic preferences play a lesser role. This signaling model will continue for the 2026–2027 cycle. AACPD initiatives also include a mentorship program for new program directors and associate program directors, as well as collaboration with the Society for Education in Anesthesia on faculty development workshops. Additional efforts include publications and webinars offering application guidance, developed in partnership with the Organization of Program Director Associations and the Association of American Medical Colleges. AASPD The AASPD represents leaders in anesthesiology fellowship and subspecialty education. Its mission is to advance training, support learners, and promote excellence in academic anesthesiology. The section provides a collaborative environment for program leaders to share strategies related to innovation in education, recruitment, mentorship, and program development. This year, AASPD has focused on initiatives that enhance both educational delivery and faculty development. A key effort is the launch of a new webinar series addressing contemporary challenges in graduate medical education. Topics include optimizing use of educational technology, modern interviewing practices, innovative teaching methods beyond traditional lectures, interpretation and application of milestones, and strategies for effective feedback and scholarly productivity. In parallel, the section is placing increased emphasis on faculty development, recognizing that skilled educators and mentors are essential for sustaining high-quality training programs and advancing academic careers. These initiatives reflect a broader commitment within SAAAPM to foster innovation, collaboration, and excellence across all levels of anesthesiology education. Disclosure: Dr. Tollinche is a consultant for C8, General Electric, and Merck.Cynthia A. Lien, MD, FASA, ASA Committee on Academic Anesthesiology, and John P. Kampine Professor and Chair, Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.Erin M. Wood, MS, C-TAGME, President, AAPAE, and Manager, Medical Education Programs, WashU Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri.Andrea P. Dutoit, MD, President, AACPD, and Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Children's Nebraska, Omaha, Nebraska.Lynn Kohan, MD, ASA Committee on Academic Anesthesiology, and Professor of Anesthesiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia. @kohanlynnLuis Tollinche, MD, MPH, FASA, Chair, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, MetroHealth Medical System of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio.