Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland facts for kids
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| Founded | 1932 |
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| Founder | Dr Henry W. Featherstone, Sir Ivan Magill |
| Focus | Anaesthesia |
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President
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Dr Kathleen Ferguson |
| Website | http://www.anaesthetists.org |
The Association of Anaesthetists, also known as the Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland (AAGBI), is a special group for doctors who give anaesthetics. These doctors are called anaesthetists. The Association helps anaesthetists in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Dr. Henry Featherstone started this group in 1932. Back then, many general doctors (GPs) gave anaesthetics as a side job. Anaesthetists were not always respected or paid well by other medical specialists. Surgeons often controlled their patient referrals and payments. The AAGBI worked hard to change this. Before the NHS began in 1948, the AAGBI made sure anaesthetists were seen as important medical experts, called consultants. They also helped create special colleges for anaesthetists, like the Royal College of Anaesthetists in England (1947) and the College of Anaesthesiologists of Ireland (1959).
In 1945, King George VI gave the AAGBI the right to have its own special symbol. At that time, they chose the motto "in somno securitas", which means "safe in sleep". The AAGBI's main office is in the heart of London.
Contents
Who Leads the Association?
The Association of Anaesthetists has had many leaders, called presidents, since it started in 1932. These leaders help guide the Association and support anaesthetists.
Learning and Events
The Association of Anaesthetists holds many events to help anaesthetists learn new things.
Big Meetings
The Association has two main big meetings each year:
- Winter Scientific Meeting (WSM): This is the Association's biggest yearly event. It happens in London and brings together about 800 anaesthetists from many countries. They talk about the latest topics in anaesthesia. Many companies that make anaesthetic equipment also attend. This meeting helps anaesthetists continue their professional learning.
- Annual Congress: This is another very important event. It moves to different places across the UK and Ireland. Around 800 to 1000 anaesthetists attend. Like the WSM, it has a trade show with over 40 companies. Both new and experienced anaesthetists can learn a lot here. It also counts for their CPD points.
Smaller Events
The Association also hosts smaller events:
- Trainee Conference: This is a top meeting for anaesthetists who are still training. About 400 trainees attend each year to learn and share ideas.
- Educational Seminars: These are special workshops. They help anaesthetists learn about new ideas and treatments in anaesthesia, critical care (looking after very sick patients), and pain medicine.
Anaesthesia Heritage Centre
The Anaesthesia Heritage Centre is a special place open to everyone. It holds the Association's old records and a collection of rare books.
The centre has a museum with over 4,500 items. These items show the history of anaesthesia, with some dating back to 1774! The Association's own history records go back to 1932. There is also a library for research. The museum is part of The London Museums of Health & Medicine.
Supporting Research
The Association encourages new ideas and research in anaesthesia.
Wylie Medal for Students
The Wylie Medal is an award for medical students. Students write an essay on a topic related to anaesthesia, which changes each year. The best three essays win prizes of money. The top winner also gets the Wylie Medal. This award remembers Dr. W. Derek Wylie, who was a president of the Association.
Awards for SAS Doctors
The Association offers special prizes for SAS doctors. SAS stands for Specialists, Associate Specialists, and Specialty doctors. These awards encourage them to do research and improve patient care.
Helping New Ideas (Innovation)
The Association wants to help new ideas in anaesthesia and intensive care. Their goals include:
- Helping people turn their ideas into real products.
- Connecting inventors with companies that make medical equipment.
- Helping to test new equipment or ideas.
- Helping to share new products or ideas with others.
They do this by holding workshops and sharing stories about new ideas in their news.
Helping Anaesthesia Professionals
The Association supports anaesthetists at every stage of their career.
Trainee Anaesthetists
The Trainee Committee represents anaesthetists who are still in training. About one-third of all Association members are trainees. Members of this committee are chosen by vote. They even have a say on the Association's main board. They also work with other groups, like the Intensive Care Society Trainee Committee.
SAS Doctors
SAS doctors (Specialists, Associate Specialists, and Specialty doctors) are very important in hospitals. They contribute a lot to anaesthesia. Doctors become SAS doctors for different reasons. This path offers a secure job and another way to have a medical career. The Association has special grants and awards just for SAS doctors.
Consultant Anaesthetists
Most of the Association's around 10,000 members are consultant anaesthetists. These are experienced doctors who have completed their training.
Awards and Honours
The Association gives out several awards to recognize important work in anaesthesia. Honorary Membership has been given since the Association started in 1932. Other awards include:
- John Snow Silver Medal (started in 1946): This award honours John Snow, a famous physician.
- The Pask Certificate of Honour (1977): This award was created after a major underground train disaster.
- Sir Ivan Magill Gold Medal (1988): This medal celebrates the birth of Ivan Magill, a pioneer in anaesthesia.
- The Evelyn Baker Medal (1998): This is for excellent patient care.
- The Featherstone Certificate (2001): This award remembers Dr. Henry Featherstone, who founded the Association.
- The Anniversary Medal (2007): This was given for the Association's 75th birthday.
Images for kids
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A blue plaque in London marks a place important to the Association of Anaesthetists.
