Newswise — The International Anesthesia Research Society (IARS) announces Jonathan Benumof, MD, Professor of Anesthesiology at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, as its 2010 Teaching Recognition Award Recipient for Achievement in Education. The award annually honors one educator who has made significant, longstanding contributions to anesthesia education and clinical practice. In recognition of Dr. Benumof’s commitment and contributions to education, the IARS awarded $10,000 to UCSD School of Medicine, which will be used to further the school’s airway management education program. In addition, all anesthesia residents at UCSD will receive complimentary memberships to the IARS, including full-year subscriptions to the society’s acclaimed journal, Anesthesia & Analgesia.

“Dr. Benumof puts his heart and soul into providing hands-on workshops that fully prepare residents before they attempt techniques in the OR,” says Gerard R. Manecke, Jr., MD, Chair of UCSD’s Department of Anesthesiology. “He can take credit for the department’s clinical readiness for, and avoidance of, airway emergencies.”

Adds James Ramsay, MD, Chair of the IARS Board of Trustees: “Dr. Benumof is a world renowned expert on airway management. He literally wrote the book on the subject, and we are pleased to honor his lifetime of work.”

Dr. Benumof has dedicated his career to improving one of the highest priorities in clinical care – airway management. Airway management ensures the flow of oxygen to the lungs, a procedure required to perform almost all clinical treatments. For 25 years, Dr. Benumof has personally passed along his expertise with an airway program that allows each UCSD anesthesia resident one-on-one instruction. His program begins with a mandatory workshop intended to ensure that every student’s transition into the operating room is both safe and successful.

About the IARSThe International Anesthesia Research Society is a nonpolitical, not-for-profit medical society founded in 1922 to advance and support scientific research and education related to anesthesia, and to improve patient care through basic research. The IARS contributes nearly $1 million annually to fund anesthesia research; sponsors an annual forum for anesthesiology leaders to share information and ideas; maintains a worldwide membership of more than 15,000 health professionals in anesthesia-related practice; sponsors the SmartTots initiative in conjunction with the FDA; and publishes the journal Anesthesia & Analgesia. Additional information about the society may be found at www.iars.org and www.anesthesia-analgesia.org.