“Continuing certification activities are a great way to review content material to make sure that we apply up-to-date knowledge in our daily practice… I’ve found it helpful to incorporate the knowledge into not only my practice but also the resident and fellows training programs.”
Meet ABA Director Jill Eckert, D.O.
Jill Eckert, D.O., is professor of anesthesiology, vice-chair for residency and education and chair of the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine at Penn State College of Medicine and Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. She subspecializes in chronic pain medicine. As a member of the Board of Directors, Dr. Eckert serves on the pain medicine exam, assessments and research committees. Read her full bio here.
What drew you toward pursuing a pain medicine subspecialty certification?
During my anesthesia residency training, I rotated in chronic pain and found the discipline appealing. I enjoyed offering interventional pain procedures, providing continuity of care, and relieving a patient’s pain and suffering. Improving patients’ quality of life through a pain medicine subspecialty is very rewarding.
How has the field of anesthesiology evolved since you began practicing and what do you think the future of anesthesiology looks like?
The scope of anesthesiology has evolved to be quite comprehensive, inclusive of perioperative medicine, preoperative evaluation and optimization of patients, intraoperative care and postoperatively with chronic pain and in the ICU setting. In addition, perioperative care in the acute pain setting has made a significant difference in strides to reduce perioperative pain for our patients.
How have your continuing certification activities translated to your practice?
Continuing certification activities are a great way to review content material to make sure that we apply up-to-date knowledge in our daily practice. It includes medical knowledge, quality, and safety, and it really encompasses our entire scope of practice. I use MOCA Minute to regularly review material in both chronic pain medicine and anesthesiology core material. I’ve found it helpful to incorporate the knowledge into my practice and resident and fellow training program.
Why did you want to become a member of the ABA Board of Directors?
I first began serving with the ABA as a question author early in my career and have stayed involved with various committees since then. I always look forward to my interactions with staff and colleagues and find the time intellectually invigorating. When I was nominated to become board director, I graciously accepted and have been honored to serve in that capacity.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not practicing anesthesia?
I love spending time with my husband and four children.