Ohio Dominican University’s Anesthesiologist Assistant (AA) Program welcomed members of the Ohio House of Representatives for an educational visit focused on the AA profession, the university’s graduate program, and the role anesthesiologist assistants play in Ohio’s health care workforce.
Ohio Representatives Kevin Miller, Tracy Richardson, and Dr. Anita Somani visited Ohio Dominican University to learn more about the education, clinical preparation, and professional responsibilities of anesthesiologist assistants. The visit included a roundtable presentation and discussion with Aaron Grabovich, MS, MHSc, CAA, Program Director; Tara Goins, MSA, CAA, Assistant Program Director; Inga Davis, MSA, CAA, Assistant Professor; and students Hannah Olson, a second-year student, and Dylan Kostrevski, a first-year student.
During their visit, the representatives also observed students actively engaged in both the simulation laboratory and skills laboratory, providing a firsthand look at how ODU students develop clinical knowledge, technical skills, and decision-making abilities in a hands-on learning environment.
The roundtable provided an opportunity for the representatives to hear directly from program leadership, faculty, and students about the rigorous preparation required to become a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA). Discussion included the AA educational pathway, clinical training, interprofessional collaboration, and the role of CAAs within the anesthesia care team. CAAs function as members of an anesthesia care team led by a physician anesthesiologist, working collaboratively to provide safe, high-quality anesthesia care to patients.
“This visit provided an important opportunity to connect policymakers directly with the people who educate and train Ohio’s future anesthesia providers,” said Aaron Grabovich, Program Director of Ohio Dominican University’s Anesthesiologist Assistant Program. “Our students are preparing for a profession that requires advanced scientific knowledge, clinical judgment, technical skill, and a strong commitment to patient safety. CAAs are an important part of the anesthesia care team, working under the direction and supervision of physician anesthesiologists to deliver safe and effective anesthesia care. Having state leaders engage with our program, observe our students in action, and hear directly from them helps demonstrate the value of this profession and the important role Ohio’s universities play in preparing the health care workforce of the future.”
For ODU students, the visit provided a unique opportunity to engage directly with state policymakers and represent their profession while still in training. Students were able to share their educational experiences and discuss what drew them to the AA profession, providing a firsthand perspective on the pathway from graduate education to clinical practice.
For Ohio Dominican University, the visit reinforced the university’s commitment to preparing highly qualified health care professionals and strengthening connections between higher education, health care, and state leadership. The discussion also highlighted the importance of continued awareness and understanding of the anesthesiologist assistant profession as Ohio addresses the evolving needs of its health care workforce.
The Ohio Dominican University Anesthesiologist Assistant Program prepares graduate students for careers as anesthesiologist assistants through rigorous didactic and clinical education, emphasizing patient safety, evidence-based practice, and collaboration within an anesthesiologist-led anesthesia care team.