PUF Award Program Update
Dear SCA Members,
We are pleased to share two important updates to SCA’s quality improvement and registry-based research funding programs.
Expanding Our Registry Partnerships
SCA has long supported the use of the STS National Database as a tool for measuring and improving the quality of cardiovascular anesthesia care and as an important resource for research. We are excited to announce that SCA is now also partnering with the Multicenter Perioperative Outcomes Group (MPOG) registry.
MPOG is a national quality improvement collaborative that collects and analyzes detailed anesthesia data from participating institutions. By adding MPOG alongside the STS National Database, SCA is expanding the tools available to members who want to benchmark their practice, identify opportunities for improvement, and demonstrate the value of cardiovascular anesthesia care.
A New Name for the PUF Award Program
You may also notice a name change to one of SCA’s research programs. The PUF Award Program is now the SCA-Registry Based Projects (SCA-RP) Award Program. The program’s purpose remains the same — to support SCA members who want to conduct research using registry data — but the new name better reflects SCA’s broad commitment to registry participation and research.
More details on the program, including how to apply, are available on the SCA website.
As always, thank you for your commitment to advancing the quality of cardiovascular anesthesia care.
Warm regards,
Vikram Fielding-Singh
Chair, STS/SCA Database Subcommittee
The SCA 2027 Call for Nominations is NOW Open!
The 2027 SCA leadership nomination period is here! Consider serving in a leadership role or nominate a colleague who is passionate about advancing the Society.
This year submissions are open for the following Board positions:
- President-Elect
- Secretary/Treasurer
- Directors-at-Large
- Early Career Director
President-Elect (1 opening)
- Term: 2-year term commencing in April 2027.
- Prior to assuming office, each officer shall have completed at least one full term as an elected, appointed, or ex-officio member of the Board of Directors. (Bylaws Article 5, section 5.1.2)
- Must attend all Board meetings, average 4 per year.
IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ BEFORE APPLYING.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE JOB DESCRIPTION FOR PRESIDENT-ELECT
Secretary/Treasurer (1 opening)
- Term: 2-year term commencing in April 2027.
- Prior to assuming office, each officer shall have completed at least one full term as an elected, appointed, or ex-officio member of the Board of Directors. (Bylaws Article 5, section 5.1.2)
- Must attend all Board meetings, average 4 per year.
IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ BEFORE APPLYING.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE JOB DESCRIPTION FOR SECRETARY/TREASURER
Position Summary:
Members of the Board of Directors serve as the governing body of the Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists (SCA). Board members are responsible for providing strategic direction, fiduciary oversight, and leadership to advance the mission, vision, and values of the Society. Board members work collaboratively with fellow directors, Executive Committee members, SCA staff, SCA committees and councils to support the long-term success and impact of the organization.
- Director-at-Large (2 openings)
Term: 3-year commencing in April 2027
- Early Career Board of Director (1 opening)
Term: 2-year commencing in April 2027
*Nominee must be within ten years of completing Fellowship training.
IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ BEFORE APPLYING.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE JOB DESCRIPTION FOR DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE & EARLY CAREER
Qualifications for All Positions:
- “Active” SCA member in good standing with a history of engagement in the Society.
- Recognized leadership and contributions in the field of cardiovascular anesthesiology.
- Experience in academic, clinical, research, or administrative leadership.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and contribute to strategic initiatives.
- Commitment to advancing professionalism within the specialty.
- Members must have attended at least two of the last three in-person SCA meetings, either the SCA Echo or the SCA Annual Meeting.
Time Commitment:
- Attendance at in-person Board meetings (4 times per year).
- 2027 Future Meeting Dates:
- April 8 – Las Vegas, NV
- April 11 – Las Vegas, NV
- August – Date and location TBD
- October 15 – Boston, MA (in conjunction with the ASA Annual Meeting)
- 2028 Board Retreat (usually first or second week of January)
- Participation in virtual Board and committee meetings throughout the year.
Nomination Requirements
To be considered for a leadership position, each nomination packet MUST include the following materials:
Nomination Letter
- Either a self-nomination letter or a letter of nomination from a current Society member.
- Note: For self-nominees, this letter CANNOT be combined with the Statement of Intent.
Two Supporting Letters
- Letters from two additional Society members seconding the nomination.
Letter of Support from Leadership
- A letter from the nominee’s Division Chief or Department Chair confirming support of the nomination.
- This letter MUST also affirm that the nominee will be released from clinical duties to attend scheduled Board meetings.
Statement of Intent
- A personal statement from the nominee outlining their vision, goals, and commitment to the position.
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- A current version of the nominee’s professional CV.
Professional Biography
- A concise biography of 150 words or fewer.
- Submissions exceeding 150 words will be returned for revision.
Photograph
- A high-resolution, color business photo of the nominee (headshot preferred).
Submission Instructions
If You Are Self-Nominating:
- Please complete the online application.
- You will need your SCA username and password to log in.
Committee Opportunity (Elected Positions)
- Nominating Committee (2 openings)
Term: 2-Year commencing in April 2027
Overview: Nominating Committee is an elected position
Position Summary
The Nominating Committee shall be responsible for reviewing applications and assembling a recommended list of the most qualified candidates for elected positions within the Society and making recommendations to the Society membership. The Nominating Committee also vets all candidates and makes recommendations to the Board, for all candidates for open positions, awards candidates and critical appointments as directed by the Board and noted in the official committee description and/or Society policy.
CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
If You Are Nominating Another SCA Member:
- Please email your letter of nomination to: [email protected].
Deadline:
All nomination materials must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. ET on Monday, September 21, 2026.
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. |