I want to give a huge shoutout to our entire cardiac perioperative team-and especially the cardiac anesthesia team-for navigating an exceptionally demanding day in the CTOR with professionalism and composure. We simultaneously managed multiple emergent cases, three transplants, two patients who unexpectedly crashed on ECMO, and two emergent reintubations, all while keeping our regularly scheduled cases on track.

Kudos to Dr. Megan Wong and Dr. Dan Mattimore for their exceptional performance during a demanding time in the CTORs! Megan managed a complex coagulopathic heart transplant, then seamlessly transitioned to a lung transplant after a full day of cases. Dan expertly managed another lung transplant undergoing massive transfusion. His ability to navigate multiple emergent conversions between forms of MCS (VA-ECMO to CPB to VV-ECMO to СРВ to W-ECMO) was critical in stabilizing the patient. Both maintained a positive attitude and provided exceptional care under pressure the entire time.

I'd like to recognize Dr. Brian Barron, who-despite being told he could head home-volunteered to stay late to ensure every resident and fellow received a much-needed break during an especially busy day in the cardiac operating rooms. His willingness to step in not only eased the load on the team managing multiple complex cases, but also ensured our trainees had a chance to decompress and recharge. He exemplifies the teamwork that makes our operating rooms run! - Katherine Sun, MD

Roopvir - Thank you for stepping up to support the call team during an exceptionally busy time—even while assigned to another service. Your willingness to help without hesitation reflects the dedication and teamwork that make Duke ACTA an incredible place to work and train. We appreciate you! - Michael Cutrone, MD

Tremendous thanks to Mike and Don who made my Arringdon surgery experience as pleasant as it could be. Great block, no pain from the propofol-and went home feeling lucid and nausea free. It's not fun to need surgery but knowing the people who are caring for you makes a huge difference. - Catherine Kuhn, MD

I want to thank Brandi for her mentorship and support. Offering her time and office to support the ACTA fellowship - truly an exemplar of education team excellence. - Michael Cutrone, MD

I wanted to write a note to express appreciation for the strong team effort from our CRNAs in the EP lab, specifically Phil Butler and Seth Hansen. There was an intraoperative complication and the procedural team was working hard to fix while Seth and Phil were helping with medical management. Their hustle and expedient treatment strongly contributed to the positive patient outcome! - Kam Ghadimi, MD

I‘d like to give a shout out to Joseph who went above and beyond to help me with a webpage project for the department publications. I appreciate all the help keeping it tip top! Thanks, Joseph! - Chris Keith

My highest praise for Rick Baggot, who has been the September CA-3 in the VA SICU. He has performed at a level I would expect from someone who is nearing completion of an ICU fellowship and is near-ready to practice critical care independently. This is all the more remarkable given that Rick has no plans to work in critical care but plans to pursue a career as a perioperative anesthesiologist. Clearly, he would be a wonderful intensivist!

In my opinion, Duke Anesthesiology colleagues are truly inspiring for their teamwork, kindness, and dedication. - Baharak Rostamian