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CHP welcomes anesthesia for nurses director by Michael Baker Public Relations The College of Health Professions welcomed a new member to its family June 1, when Tony Chipas, Ph.D., arrived at MUSC as the new director of the anesthesia for nurses program. The CHP program teaches baccalaureate-prepared nurses with one to two years of experience in intensive care units how to safely and effectively administer anesthesia for surgical and obstetric procedures. Dr. Tony Chipas Chipas came to Charleston from Newman University in Wichita, Kan., and although the Midwestern native is new to the South, he brings a great deal of experience with him.  “I feel really privileged to step in with the anesthesia for nurses program at MUSC. The university has an excellent program already in place,” he said, heaping praise upon the previous director, Larry Truver. “It's been developed masterfully.” Although he's quick to give credit to others, Chipas isn't a rookie being thrown into action. He's well-versed in his field, practicing as an anesthetist for nearly 30 years. Perhaps more applicable in MUSC's case, Chipas also served as director of the anesthesia for nurses program at Newman University, a liberal arts school in Wichita.  Although he enjoyed his time at Newman, the chance to fill the same position at MUSC represented an intriguing opportunity. “The program at the College of Health Professions has an excellent reputation within the anesthesia community,” he said. “Because it's a large program and part of a large university, I have more educational and clinical resources than I've had previously.” Chipas cited a few specific qualities that drew him to MUSC, including expanded library facilities and research capabilities, as well as the high pass-rates on the certification exam for students in the anesthesia for nurses program. He's also quick to acknowledge that he won't rest on the laurels of the program's success. Chipas' enthusiasm for the program's continued progress easily matches his appreciation of the incumbent accomplishments. One of his goals, program expansion, springs from keeping a watchful eye on the state of anesthesia in health care. “The need for programs like ours continues to grow,” he asserted. “Currently, 68 percent of the nation's nurse anesthetists are at least 48 years old. After they retire within the next few years, we'll lose 20-25 percent of the practicing work force.” Chipas added that a decline in the number of similar programs contributed to the shortage. When he entered the field 30 years ago, more than 400 anesthesia for nurses programs existed. Now, the number stands at about 80. At the same time, the number of jobs available to nurse anesthetists continues to increase as more surgical centers are established. The number of incoming students appears to be on an upswing, but for Chipas, the influx can't come fast enough. “Every year, we see more students in our existing programs,” he said, “but the numbers still don't exceed the amount of retirees.”  The situation reinforces his belief that the remaining programs must maintain a high level of quality.  If his enthusiasm and motivation are any indication, Chipas seems up to the task. Entering his fifth week at MUSC, he's still acclimating himself to the university and to Charleston, but his desire to become another outstanding member of the anesthesia for nurses program, the College of Health Professions, and the university hasn't diminished. “I'm still learning my way around,” he admitted with a smile, “but I'm very excited about the community here, and I'm happy to be a part of it.”       Friday, July 2, 2004 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.