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About
Setting standards and leading innovation for the practice of anesthesiology since 1938
Raleigh, N.C. (Nov. 14, 2025) – The American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) presented at the 2025 Society of Academic Associations of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine (SAAAPM) Annual Meeting, a forum for leaders in anesthesiology and perioperative medicine to discuss issues, share innovative practices and network Nov. 7 and Nov. 8 in Chicago.
ABA Directors Jill Eckert, D.O., and Rob Isaak, D.O., FASA, along with ABA Executive Director Michele Pore, MBA, CAE, provided an ABA/In-Training Examination (ITE) Update during the Association of Anesthesiology Core Program Directors concurrent session. They shared updates on the ABA’s 2025–2030 Strategic Plan and how it supports programs and residents alike. The session highlighted the Alternate Entry Path (AEP) to board certification for international medical graduates currently practicing in the U.S. and the recently formed Resident Advisory Group, designed to enhance feedback and transparency throughout the certification journey. Program Directors also reviewed exam data across ITE, BASIC and ADVANCED Exams, learning how to interpret performance trends and identify residents who may benefit from additional support as they prepare for the APPLIED Exam.
Subspecialty program directors connected with Dr. Eckert, Dr. Isaak and Pore during the ABA update portion of the Association of Anesthesiology Subspecialty Program Directors concurrent session where they discussed alignment between subspecialty training and the 2025-2030 Strategic Plan. The session covered updated policies, including the option for fellows to register for both the APPLIED and subspecialty exams in the same year, and shared insights into exam performance trends across disciplines. Attendees explored new ABA resources and support systems designed to streamline communication, enhance program coordination and ultimately strengthen the certification experience for fellows.
In addition, the ABA’s Senior Credentialing and Continuing Certification Specialist Jill Schmitter co-presented “Decoding Policies” to program administrators and educators alongside the University of California San Francisco’s Director of Education for the Department of Anesthesia & Perioperative Care Jannot Ross. The presentation explored how programs interpret and apply policies within institutional, Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, ABA, and, in some cases, union frameworks. Jill discussed the ABA’s leave policies for residents and fellows and shared important reminders about the ITE, providing attendees with clear, practical guidance to support compliance and effective program management.
The ABA enjoyed attending the annual meeting and engaging with department chairs, program directors and program administrators while providing answers to questions and reaffirming the value of board certification.
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ABA Media Contact Mike Charbonneau Chief Communications Officer (919) 745-2233 mike.charbonneau@theaba.org
About the Society of Academic Associations of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine SAAAPM is the umbrella organization supporting the Association of Academic Anesthesiology Chairs, Association of Anesthesiology Core Program Directors and Association of Anesthesiology Program Administrators and Educations. The SAAAPM Annual Meeting is designed for academic anesthesiologists in chair, core residency program director, subspecialty fellowship program director and residency program administrator positions. Annual Meeting programming works to educate and share information that will enable academic anesthesiology departments to improve management and care.
About the American Board of Anesthesiology Our mission is to advance the highest standards of the practice of anesthesiology. As the certifying body for anesthesiologists since 1938, we work with physicians to elevate practice standards and foster exceptional patient care. We administer initial and subspecialty certification exams as well as the continuing certification MOCA program, which is designed to promote lifelong learning, a commitment to quality clinical outcomes and patient safety. Based in Raleigh, NC, we are a nonprofit organization and a Member Board of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).
