Critical Care Medicine Message
Dear SCA Members,
The Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists (SCA) is excited to introduce a new Special Interest Group (SIG) in Critical Care Medicine.
Critical care is a vital component of the cardiac surgical journey. By establishing this group, the SCA continues to advance its mission to “transform perioperative cardiovascular and thoracic care through education, research, and global collaboration.”
Purpose of the Critical Care SIG
Anesthesiologists represent a significant portion of critical care physicians caring for cardiothoracic and vascular patients. The Critical Care SIG will:
- Provide a professional “home” for intensivists specializing in cardiothoracic critical care.
- Strengthen collaboration and community among SCA members across the entire perioperative course.
- Create an environment for shared learning in the management of mechanical circulatory assist devices (MCS)
- Encourage cardiothoracic intensivists—including those not formally trained in cardiac anesthesiology—to engage with and join the SCA.
Join Us
If you are interested in becoming part of the Critical Care Special Interest Group, please click the link below. You will be added to the roster and included in all future communications from the group.
Welcome to the 2026 Call for Volunteers!
Welcome to the 2026 Call for Volunteers!
Submission Deadline: October 31, 2025, at 11:59pm Central.
Click Here to Begin an Application!
Support your Society’s strategic goals and initiatives by becoming a member of one of its 40-plus committees and sub-committees. The 2026 Call for Volunteers will be open October 1 – 31, 2025.
COMMITTEES INCLUDED IN THE 2026 CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS
The following is a list of committees included in the 2026 Call for Volunteers. Next to each committee name is the number of available open “member-at-large” positions. Please note this number includes new openings, as well as positions for current committee members that may apply for a second-term renewal. Please note this information is subject to change.
- Abstract Review Committee (19)
- Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) Sub-Committee (7)
- Atrial Fibrillation Sub-Committee (6)
- Blood Management Sub-Committee (6)
- Bylaws Committee (4)
- Clinical Practice Improvement (CPI) Committee (2)
- Continuing Medical Education Committee (2)
- SCA Echo Program Planning Committee (4)
- Economics and Governmental Affairs Sub-Committee (4)
- Education Committee (2)
- Enhanced Recovery After Cardiac Surgery (ERACS) Sub-Committee (6)
- Enhanced Recovery After Thoracic Surgery (ERATS) Sub-Committee (4)
- Ethics Committee (5)
- Guidelines and Standards Sub-Committee (6)
- Health Equity and Professional Advancement (HEPA) Committee (8)
- History Council (3)
- International Council (4)
- Kaplan Leadership Award Sub-Committee (5)
- Mechanical Circulatory Support Sub-Committee (6)
- Mobile App Sub-Committee (3)
- Newsletter Sub-Committee (3)
- Online Education Sub-Committee (6)
- Quality, Safety, and Value Committee (6)
- Research Committee (9)
- SCA STS Database Sub-Committee (5)
- Scientific Program Planning Committee (11)
- Social Media Sub-Committee (5)
- Member Engagement Committee (5)
- Thoracic Anesthesia Symposium (TAS) Program Planning Committee (2)
- Transplantation Sub-Committee (8)
Committees with Open Leadership Positions, in addition to the
Member-at-Large openings:
- Scientific Program Committee (PBLD/Workshop Coordinator)
- Continuing Medical Education Committee (Chair)
Please Note….
- Your SCA dues must be in good standing to apply, serve, and remain on a committee. To inquire about your membership status or to renew it, please contact the SCA Membership Department at 847-752-9360.
- Applications are for a two-year term running April 2026-April 2028, unless noted otherwise.
- Applications must include a PDF copy of your curriculum vitae. A disclosure form must also be completed.
- You may apply to a maximum of 3 committees/positions. Each application will be reviewed by the respective chair and/or SCA leadership.
- All committees listed within the Call for Volunteers have openings for member-at-large positions. There are 2 committees which also have leadership positions available (Scientific Program Committee for the PBLD/Workshop Coordinator, and Continuing Medical Education Committee for Chair). Please review the criteria for these positions carefully before applying. Applications will not be considered for those who do not qualify.
- Please review the criteria to serve as a member-at-large on the Education Committee before applying to that committee.
- Members may only serve on one committee at a time unless president approval is granted for additional positions or terms.
- Those currently serving on a committee who wish to be considered for another term must complete an application.
- The submission window will close Friday, October 31, 2025, at 11:59pm Central. Please be mindful of this deadline, as late submissions unfortunately cannot be accepted.
- You will be notified of the status of your application(s) in late February.
- Should you have any questions regarding the Call for Volunteers or the application process, please reach out to Mary Lunn, SCA Operations Associate, at mary@veritasamc.com.
ICCVA/IACA
SCA Affirms Importance of Patient-Physician Relationship
The Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists (SCA) is an international organization of healthcare professionals whose mission is excellence and leadership in providing cardiovascular and thoracic patient care through education and research. SCA is not an advocacy organization. However, we support safe, equitable, and unobstructed access to all healthcare. SCA strongly objects to any interference in either the medical decision-making process or the physician-patient relationship.
Member Spotlight
Agnieszka Trzcinka, MD
Tufts Medical Center
Director, Cardiovascular Center Procedural Anesthesia
| Q & A | |
|---|---|
| Q | Where is your current place of practice? |
| A | I currently work at Tufts Medical Center in Boston. |
| Q | What do you like most about being a member of the SCA? |
| A | I am grateful for the opportunities through the SCA to further our amazing specialty. Working within the Scientific Program Committee has led to new conference content for our diverse membership. While collaborating with amazing colleagues within WICTA (Women in Cardiothoracic Anesthesia) special interest group, we created new webinar content designed specifically for our fellows to successfully navigate professional challenges within academic and private practice. Being part of the SCA offers tremendous opportunity for this productive collaboration. |
| Q | What do you most look forward to at the SCA Annual Meetings? |
| A | I feel inspired by colleagues and friends I meet during the SCA meetings. Our profession is very demanding of our time and energy. Drawing from experience and camaraderie of other SCA members inspires professional and personal development. |
| Q | Name one member of the SCA who has been an impactful mentor to you and why. |
| A | Dr. Stan Shernan has been a mentor since my training days at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital. I continue to be inspired by his unwavering commitment to professional excellence while maintaining a perspective of gratitude for support of family and friends. |