AANA Awards

Recognizing Excellence in CRNAs/Nurse Anesthesiologists and Residents

The AANA presented its first award, the Award of Appreciation, in 1947. It was the AANA’s only award until 1975, and it recognized people or institutions who had made significant contributions to the development of nurse anesthesia in the United States. Since 1975 the number of AANA awards has grown, and AANA now recognizes outstanding accomplishments not only by clinicians, educators, and researchers, but also by those involved in public relations, state and federal politics, and professional advocacy.

Awards presented by AANA are listed below. Each page linked below describes the purpose of and the eligibility for the award, how to nominate a candidate, and past recipients.

Annual Recognition Awards

Agatha Hodgins Award for Outstanding Accomplishment

The award recognizes individuals whose excellence has furthered the art and science of nurse anesthesia.

Helen Lamb Outstanding Educator Award

The award is presented to a CRNA/nurse anesthesiologist who has made a significant contribution to the education of nurse anesthetists.

Alice Magaw Outstanding Clinical Practitioner Award

This award recognizes the accomplishments of CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists involved in direct patient care.

Ira P. Gunn Award for Outstanding Professional Advocacy 

The award is presented to an individual who has made a contribution to our profession through legislative, legal and/or regulatory efforts.

Clinical Instructor of the Year Award

The award is presented to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the teaching of nurse anesthesia residents in the clinical area.

Didactic Instructor of the Year Award

The award is presented to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the education of resident nurse anesthetists in the classroom.

Program Director of the Year Award

The award is presented to a CRNA/nurse anesthesiologist who has made a significant contribution to the educational process of resident nurse anesthetists.

AANA Foundation Awards

John F. Garde Researcher of the Year Award

The award recognizes people who have made significant contributions to the practice of anesthesia through research.

Rita L. LeBlanc Philanthropist of the Year Award

The award is presented to an individual who has gone beyond the call of duty as a supporter of the AANA Foundation.

Janice Drake CRNA Humanitarian Award

The award is presented to a CRNA/nurse anesthesiologist who volunteers and provides anesthesia, education, and training in needy areas of the United States and overseas.

Discoveries of Distinction

The award recognizes outstanding research on a range of important issues to CRNA/nurse anesthesiologist professionals.

Advocate of the Year Award

The award is presented to an AANA Foundation advocate or supporter for outstanding advocacy to the nurse anesthesia profession. 

Advocacy, Leadership and PR Awards

Daniel D. Vigness Federal Political Director Award

The award is presented to a political director who has made a significant contribution to the advancement of the national healthcare agenda of CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists.

Health Leadership Award

The award is presented to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the formation of national health policy.

Honorary Membership Award

The award recognizes an individual’s commitment to the profession of nurse anesthesia and the AANA.

Award for Excellence in State Government Relations

The award honors a state association for excellence in state GR advocacy.

Public Relations Recognition Awards

The awards honors state associations, individuals, or other entities for outstanding public relations efforts to support our profession.

Resident Awards

Resident Excellence Award

The award supports a resident who demonstrates leadership and professionalism during their nurse anesthesia program.

Program Administrator's Resident Scholarly Project Award

The award recognizes a resident’s scholarly impactful work through evidence-based projects that advance anesthesia care.

Program Administrator's Resident Research Project Award

The award recognizes a resident’s work in research and commitment to the profession of nurse anesthesia.