26 November 2013 - KPSAN responds.

Got this from KPSAN in the self addressed envelope today; that was much quicker than anticipated. I also dropped off an additional reference letter from a CRNA I shadowed for a few hours who happens to be a KPSA alumni. Will follow up with that to make sure it's in my file this week.

I've also sent out the rest of my application packets to National University, Barry U, and the U of South Florida. Now its basically time to sit and wait until I hear back. And so my watch begins. 

The future is here: Robotic anesthesiologists/anesthetists?

Earlier this year Johnson & Johnson released what they call a Computer Assisted Personal Sedation System (CAPS) codenamed Sedasys. This automated system does real time monitoring of your vital signs and provides procedural sedation during colonoscopies by administering and titrating our favorite hypnotic/amnestic agent, propofol. But since propofol is also used for the induction and maintenance of general anesthesia, who's not to say that it might progress to that, especially for low risk procedures?

Some anesthesiologists are already concerned with anesthesia specialization going to nurses, which is all well and fine. Ultimately, the goal for anesthesiologists and anesthetists is the same; providing safe, high quality anesthesia services with an aim for the best possible patient outcome. However, with health care reform on the horizon, we're also looking more and more into cost savings. But to machines? Sure it'll take out the human error factor, but machines fail too. One thing for sure though, it'll reduce the human touch of anesthesia care.

I, for one, welcome our future robotic overlords. As long it's not the one putting the scope in my butt. Just kidding, I'm still on the fence about this one.

More information here: http://www.sedasys.com/
FDA link can be found here.

First packet away!

Application, check. Transcripts, check. Reference forms, check. Miscellaneous documents, check. 

I originally intended to turn in my packet with 4 references including one from an alumni, but I've decided to keep to 3 and turn in my packet early. KPSAN application packet all compiled and to mailed tomorrow. Wish me luck!