NEWS AND EVENTS

MSA ANESTHESIA EDUCATIONAL SYMPOSIUM

Saturday, February 13, 2010
Embassy Suites Hotel
Bloomington, MN
952-884-4811
www.embassybloomington.com

Register online at: http://www.mnana.org/cde.cfm?event=292656

SANDRA J. KILDE SCHOLARSHIP

The Sandra J. Kilde Scholarship is awarded to a student, from the Minneapolis School of Anesthesia, who demonstrates academic excellence.

Recipients of the Sandra J. Kilde Scholarship include:
1997 Gretchen Lehmann
1998 Stephen Hargens
1999 Scott Harris
2000 Julie Shomin
2001 Eric Peterson
2002 Kami Varner
2003 Kathy Moller
2004 Ann Nelson
2005 Jessica Wilhelm
2006 Sarah Peterson
2007 Jennifer Hess
2008 Michael Bragge
2009 Tara Selby

2006 DIDACTIC INSTRUCTOR OF THE YEAR AWARD RECIPIENT
Michael O’Donnell, PhD

The Didactic Instructor of the Year Award, established in 1991, is presented to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the education of student nurse anesthetists in the classroom.

Michael O’Donnell is currently the didactic director at the Minneapolis School of Anesthesia in St. Louis Park, Minn., and an adjunct professor at St. Mary’s University in Winona, Minn. Although not a nurse anesthetist, O’Donnell has been involved with educating CRNAs for almost 25 years. He contributes to more than half of the courses taught at the Minneapolis School of Anesthesia. In addition, he is a past member of the Council on Certification of Nurse Anesthetists (CCNA) Self Evaluation Committee and has recently been asked to participate on the CCNA Certification Examination Item Writing Taskforce.

2007 PROGRAM DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR AWARD RECIPIENT
Rebecca L. M. Gombkoto, CRNA, MS

The Program Director of the Year Award, established in 1991, is presented to a CRNA who has made a significant contribution as a program director to the educational process of student nurse anesthetists. This award recognizes the commitment of an individual to the profession of nurse anesthesia and the advancement of educational standards that further the art and science of anesthesia and result in high-quality patient care. A strong advocate for nurse anesthesia education, Rebecca Gombkoto has served as the program director of Minneapolis School of Anesthesia for the past 10 years. Held in high regard by the Anesthesia School’s Board of Directors, Gombkoto has developed strong working relationships with the administrators and anesthesiologists in the hospitals used as clinical sites, which have resulted in her students receiving a wide range of experience during their clinical rotations. Gombkoto’s implementation of many checks and balances to ensure that her students graduate as outstanding nurse anesthetists has also earned her the respect of students and faculty. These checks and balances entail multiple and sequential review exams and monthly case reports to ensure students are abreast of the latest clinical knowledge.

IN MEMORIAM
Harry Edward Janky – 1936-2007
Harry passed away on February 28, 2007 after a sudden illness. He was born in Corning, Iowa on September 21, 1936. He is survived by his wife Kay of Holiday Island; son Steve Janky and his wife Allison, of Eagan Mn.; Daughter Sarah Kisti Stowell and her husband Dr. Jim Stowell of Lakeville, Mn.; and Grandchildren – Ally, Jonathan, and Jacob Stowell and Ella and Thomas Janky; Sisters Betty Shepherd and Donna Janky of Baton Rouge, La. Harry was a graduate of the University of Dubuque, the Minneapolis General Hospital School of Nursing and the Minneapolis School of Anesthesia.

He was chief nurse anesthetist at Divine Redeemer Hospital in St. Paul and later operated Janky Anesthesia Service in the Twin Cities and in rural Minnesota before retiring to Holiday Island. Additionally, Harry was active in many local, state and national nursing and anesthesia organizations. He served as president of the Minnesota Association of Nurse Anesthetists.

Harry lived in Faribault, MN for 32 years with his family. There, he was active in the Jaycees and the Congregational church. Harry was the medical advisor to the Explorer Scouts, a CPR instructor and the Co-president of the PTA. Harry was also a member of River Bend Nature Center in Faribault. In Holiday Island, Harry was a hospice volunteer, a member of the Homeowners Association, a neighborhood watch captain, a member of the Eureka Springs Area Dinner Club, a member of the Holiday Island Van steering committee and a volunteer van driver.

He had an unconditional love for his wife, children and grandchildren that will never be forgotten. Memorials may be sent to the charity of choice or to the Janky Foundation, care of Arvest Bank, 37 Woodsdale, Holiday Island, Ar. 72631. The Foundation provides scholarships to nursing and anesthesia students, including students in the Minneapolis School of Anesthesia.