"Without community, there is no liberation," Audre Lorde
“If we don’t like the world we’re living in, change it..." Nikki Giovanni
To help ensure that all patients receive high-quality, safe pain management, and anesthesia care, the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) has published its practice considerations for care of transgender and gender-diverse patients.
AANA’s position on equitable and inclusive care, regardless of a patient’s gender status, also calls for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) to advocate for civility and help eliminate health disparities to improve health outcomes for all patients and communities.​
“Everything about us, about you, is a revolution: existing, just being together, finding joy, being seen.”
—Wulf Roby (they/them) is a two-spirit (Chickasaw) public health/author.
Dr. Nelson Aquino, DNP, MS, CRNA
Dr. Nelson J. Aquino, DNP, MS, CRNA, has both clinical expertise in Pediatric Anesthesiology and a broad background in Nursing, with specific training in transgender health from the World Professional Association of Transgender Health (WPATH) Global Education Institute. His research includes understanding how gender-affirming care and anesthesia management are associated with peri-operative and adverse outcomes for gender-diverse youth and young adults having gender-affirming procedures.
We are excited to share Dr. Aquino’s latest research:
Perioperative Considerations for TGD Patients.
(Click title for link to article)
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From Dr. Aquino: In light of recent executive orders, advocating for the rights and well-being of the TGD community is crucial! Let's champion evidence-based practices and inclusivity in healthcare. Dedicated to Kyle. We will carry your legacy forward. Your impact inspires us every day. Together, we will continue your fight for justice and equality.
“So, now we got to prepare ourselves to fight for our lives. We must hold on to our beliefs, hold on to our wishes and our wants and our desires. We got to find a way around this stuff and get through the next four years. I don’t know how we’re going to do it, but we’re a tough bunch of bitches.”
Miss Major Griffin-Gracy
Dr. Jose D. Castillo III, Ph.D, MSNA, CRNA, APRN, FAANA
Dr. Jose D. Castillo III, Ph.D, MSNA, CRNA, APRN, FAANA, Filipino American associate professor, practitioner, administrator, and regulator, excels in nursing leadership.
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Dr. Castillo has held several significant leadership roles, including past President of the Florida Association of Nurse Anesthesiology, recent Chair of the Florida Board of Nursing, and current President-Elect for the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
His dedication to the nursing profession has earned him the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology 2021 Ira P. Gunn Award for Outstanding Professional Advocacy and a 2024 Fellow designation. On a national level, Dr. Castillo frequently presents scholarly anesthesia, regulatory, and nursing-related topics relevant to practice.​
Click on article to read more on Dr. Castillo's advocacy for the advancement of healthcare:
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