The American Society of Anesthesiologists Selects Joseph Frank Cassady, MD for Bertram W. Coffer, MD, Excellence in Government Award

Washington, D.C. — (April 29, 2013)  At the 2013 American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Legislative Conference, ASA awarded Joseph Frank Cassady, MD society’s prestigious Bertram W. Coffer, MD Excellence in Government Award.

Each year, the Bertram W. Coffer, MD Excellence in Government Award is provided to one anesthesiologist in recognition of his or her contributions to the specialty that go above and beyond the call of duty to advance the society’s legislative, political, and regulatory priorities, including ensuring patient safety. ASA President-Elect, Jane CK Fitch, MD, presented the award to Dr. Cassady.

Dr. Fitch detailed Dr. Cassady’s extensive advocacy record including participation in federal and state, legislative and regulatory outreach. Noting his many voluntary roles within the medical community and in the American Society of Anesthesiologists, Dr. Fitch said “Frank is a tireless advocate for the specialty.”

Dr. Cassady has served as the Secretary, President-Elect and President of the Iowa Society of Anesthesiologists. He’s currently the Iowa Society of Anesthesiologist’s Director and Legislative Chair. Additionally, he serves as Secretary to the ASA’s Midwest Caucus and serves on several ASA committees. He is Chair of ASA’s Trask Force on State Advocacy.

A graduate of the University of Louisville School of Medicine, he completed his residency at the University of Kentucky affiliated hospitals and completed a pediatric anesthesiology fellowship at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

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