Recap of the SEA Fall Meeting 2025
From Novice to Expert: Cultivating Excellence in Anesthesia Training
November 6, 2025 | Chicago, Illinois
The Society for Education in Anesthesia (SEA) gathered in Chicago for the 2025 Fall Meeting, bringing together anesthesiology educators from across the country for a day of learning, reflection, and connection. This year’s meeting centered on the theme “From Novice to Expert: Cultivating Excellence in Anesthesia Training,” inviting us to consider how we intentionally support learners and ourselves as we grow along the continuum of expertise in anesthesiology education.
Meeting co-chairs, Dr. David Stahl and Dr. Christine Vo welcomed colleagues and friends to what quickly became a day filled with thoughtful discussion, practical teaching strategies, and renewed inspiration for our work as educators.
The day began with breakfast roundtables and committee discussions (one of the hallmarks of SEA meetings) where both longtime members and first-time attendees connected, exchanged ideas, and became involved in the ongoing work of the society.
A special feature of this year’s meeting was the inclusion of two McLeskey Lectures, a unique bonus that allowed attendees to hear from two exceptional leaders in medical education. Dr. Jonathan Sherbino delivered the first McLeskey Lecture, “From ASA 1 to ASA Expert: Education Science to Optimize Resident Learning.” Drawing from the science of learning, Dr. Sherbino explored how deliberate practice, feedback, and structured learning environments can help trainees develop true expertise over time.
Later in the program, Dr. David B. Daniel delivered a second McLeskey Lecture titled “Avoiding Another Frankenstein: Constructing High Quality Teaching from Fragmented Sciences.” His talk challenged educators to thoughtfully integrate insights from cognitive psychology, learning science, and educational theory into cohesive and effective teaching practices.
A highlight of the meeting was the presentation of the SEA/Duke Award for Excellence and Innovation in Anesthesia Education to Dr. Jo Davies of the University of Washington. This award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary dedication to teaching and advancing anesthesiology education. Dr. Davies’ work in global anesthesia education and her longstanding commitment to mentoring trainees exemplify the spirit of the award and served as an inspiration to all in attendance.
Throughout the day, attendees participated in a variety of interactive workshops and educational sessions addressing topics such as advising medical students applying to anesthesiology, mastery learning strategies, microfeedback for trainees, educational technology, artificial intelligence in education, and supporting educator well-being and leadership development. These sessions highlighted the remarkable creativity and expertise within the SEA community while providing practical tools that participants could bring back to their own institutions.
Across sessions, several themes resonated. Speakers reminded us of the importance of defining educational outcomes clearly so that our teaching remains intentional, reinforcing knowledge through strategies such as reinoculation and spaced learning, and recognizing that learning is inherently social that is shaped by mentorship, collaboration, and shared reflection. Discussions also broadened to consider the global health landscape, acknowledging both the remarkable advancements in anesthesia care and the continued need to support safe anesthesia access worldwide.
As the meeting drew toward its conclusion, we were struck by how fully the day’s theme had come to life. The conversations throughout the program reminded us that the journey from novice to expert is not about achieving perfection, but about cultivating purpose through mentorship, curiosity, and a commitment to continuous growth as educators.
On behalf of SEA leadership, we would like to extend sincere thanks to Andrew Bronson and the SEA Meeting Planning committee, whose thoughtful work behind the scenes made the meeting possible. Their dedication ensured a seamless and engaging program for all attendees.
Perhaps most importantly, the meeting once again reminded us why SEA continues to feel less like a conference and more like a community. Thank you to everyone who joined us in Chicago, shared ideas, asked thoughtful questions, and helped make the day such a success. We look forward to continuing these conversations at the 2026 Spring SEA meeting in St. Louis Missouri featuring the theme of “Beyond the Anesthesia Machine: Finding Your Professional Purpose” organized by Co-Chairs Drs. Anoop Chhina, John Mitchel, and Heather Ballard. Let’s welcome both new and returning members as we work together to cultivate excellence in anesthesia training.
