Researchers. Physicians. Anesthesiologists.
​
THE FOUNDATION UNDERLYING EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE

Many physician anesthesiologists are researchers and innovators in the field of medicine. The NYSSA is proud to highlight distinguished physician anesthesiologists, who have made significant contributions. 

Virginia Apgar, M.D.

​Virginia Apgar, M.D.
Apgar score for neonatal resuscitation

Dr. Virginia Apgar was a pioneering figure in anesthesiology and is best known for her creation of the Apgar Score for neonatal resuscitation. After studying medicine as one of only a few female students at Columbia University’s medical school, she chose to specialize in the emerging medical specialty of anesthesiology. In 1938, she became the first director of the new Division of Anesthesia at Presbyterian Hospital where she recognized the neglect of obstetric anesthesia and the persistent high rates of infant mortality in America. Recognizing the need for better newborn care, she developed the Apgar Score in 1952. This standardized assessment quickly evaluates a newborn's condition using the mnemonic "Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, Respiration," corresponding to Apgar's name. Today, this scoring system is a fundamental tool for ensuring the well-being of newborns, emphasizing Dr. Apgar's enduring legacy in the field of anesthesiology and neonatology. 

John Severinghaus, M.D.
Blood gas analysis with combined electrodes
 
Dr. John Severinghaus was a pioneer in anesthesiology who is best known for his innovative research and inventions, including the blood-gas analyzer. Originally trained as a physicist, he designed practical applications for radar technology during World War II before transitioning to become a medical doctor. He subsequently completed his medical studies at Columbia University and anesthesiology residency at the University of Pennsylvania. His most famous invention, the blood gas analyzer, combined electrodes for measuring blood oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH. This innovation allowed for the rapid assessment of patients' vital parameters, revolutionizing critical care medicine. Today, his invention stands as a cornerstone of medical practice, enabling precise monitoring of high-risk patients in operating rooms and intensive care units. His legacy extends beyond devices, as his work laid the foundations of modern anesthesiology, respiratory physiology, and critical care medicine

John Severinghaus, M.D.

M.T. Jenkins, M.D.

M.T. Jenkins, M.D.
Lactated Ringer’s for Resuscitation
 
Dr. Marion Thomas "Pepper" Jenkins was a renowned anesthesiologist who is celebrated for his groundbreaking work in resuscitation using balanced salt solutions, notably Ringer's Lactate. A Texas native, Dr. Jenkins received his medical education at the University of Texas and subsequently completed residencies in general surgery and anesthesiology. In the 1950s, he challenged the conventional belief that salt solutions were contraindicated in surgical patients. Dr. Jenkins’s research demonstrated the significant benefits of administering Ringer's Lactate alongside blood during resuscitation, which reduced complications like “congestive atelectasis” that occurred when administering only dextrose solutions and blood. This work revolutionized surgical fluid therapy and the treatment of shock and has saved millions of lives globally. 

Vernon H. Ross, M.D.
Diversity, equity and inclusion
 
Dr. Vernon H. Ross is an obstetric anesthesiologist who has advanced diversity, equity, and inclusion within the specialty. After graduating from Meharry Medical College, he completed anesthesiology residency at Howard University and obstetric anesthesia fellowship at Virginia Commonwealth University. He has conducted research examining the underrepresentation of women and minorities in anesthesiology leadership and has called for increased efforts to increase diversity and reduce overall anesthesia workforce disparities. His dedication to addressing health inequities extends globally, having worked in Ghana to advance neuraxial anesthesia training to improve obstetric anesthesia and maternal health in under-resourced settings. Dr. Ross is a professor emeritus at Wake Forest University and his efforts have been instrumental in fostering a more inclusive and diverse landscape in anesthesiology.

Vernon Ross, M.D.

Ralph Waters, M.D.

Ralph Waters, M.D.
Carbon dioxide absorption
 
Dr. Ralph Waters's dedication to research and teaching was instrumental in establishing the field of anesthesiology. His pioneering work in 1923 introduced the carbon dioxide absorber, which revolutionized anesthesia by filtering exhaled gases and allowing patients to rebreathe anesthetics safely. This innovation remains integral in modern anesthesia machines. Furthermore, Waters advocated for the use of inflatable cuffs on endotracheal tubes, explored intravenous drug administration, and advanced many more important topics in the physiology and pharmacology of anesthesia. Notably, Waters established the first anesthesiology residency program in 1927 at the University of Wisconsin, a pivotal event defining anesthesiology as a specialized field. Dozens of his trainees went on to become leaders of new academic anesthesia programs, including Dr. Virginia Apgar. Today, his legacy endures in the spirit of scientific inquiry and the higher standards of clinical practice in anesthesiology.

Robert Stoelting, M.D.
Pharmacology and Physiology in Anesthetic Practice
 
Dr. Robert K. Stoelting is a notable anesthesiologist who has contributed to the education of countless anesthesia trainees. He is best known for his authorship of several prestigious and widely used textbooks including Pharmacology and Physiology in Anesthetic Practice, Basics of Anesthesia, and Anesthesia and Co-Existing Disease. Dr. Stoelting is also a renowned researcher and has authored or co-authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications. His foundational work in education and research is complemented by his leadership of several prominent organizations, including the American Board of Anesthesiology and the Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation. Dr. Stoelting is an eminent figure in anesthesiology whose expert leadership and contributions to education have left an indelible mark on the field. 

Robert Stoelting, M.D.

Thank you to Dr. Bryan Mahoney, Dr. Anjan Saha, and medical student Isabel Fan for putting together this research.

Sources:
https://www.vagelos.columbia.edu/departments-centers/faculty-initiatives/virginia-apgar-academy/virginia-apgar
https://profiles.nlm.nih.gov/spotlight/cp
https://collections.countway.harvard.edu/onview/exhibits/show/-painless-/item/26633 https://www.woodlibrarymuseum.org/asa-presidents/ralph-m-waters-m-d/
https://www.woodlibrarymuseum.org/museum/waters-co2-absorber/#:~:text=Ralph%20Waters%20(1883%2D1979),patient's%20exhaled%20air%20around%201919
https://www.apsf.org/article/apsf-president-robert-k-stoelting-md-a-tribute-to-19-years-of-steadfast-leadership/
https://honorsandawards.iu.edu/awards/honoree/5374.html
https://theanesthesiaconsultant.com/tag/robert-stoelting-md/
https://pubs.asahq.org/anesthesiology/article/105/4/864/6763/Pharmacology-amp-Physiology-in-Anesthetic-Practice
https://www.nytimes.com/1994/11/23/obituaries/m-t-jenkins-77-doctor-who-tried-to-revive-kennedy.html
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0531513102007665
https://www.woodlibrarymuseum.org/asa-presidents/m-t-pepper-jenkins-m-d/
https://anesthesia.ucsf.edu/news/john-severinghaus-pioneer-anesthesia-and-medicine-has-passed-away-may-6-1922-june-2-2021
https://pubs.asahq.org/anesthesiology/article/135/4/555/117106/John-W-Severinghaus-M-D-1922-to-2021
https://www.aacc.org/community/merit-awards/hall-of-fame/bios/a-to-k/john-severinghaus
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28277321/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25988637/
https://www.doximity.com/profiles/a705db2a-f279-4d5b-ad3c-d031cf2d6f49/view