Dr. Lisa Thiemann, clinical associate professor and director of the Nurse Anesthesia Educational program in the College of Nursing, was awarded the designation of fellow of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (FAANA) at the organization’s annual congress in Chicago on Saturday, Aug. 13. AANA’s most elite professional achievement, the fellowship is a recognized hallmark of leadership and outstanding achievements in the profession and science of nurse anesthesiology.
An AANA member since 1994, Thiemann was among 51 honorees recognized for demonstrating an exceptional level of expertise, service and commitment to transforming the nurse anesthesia profession. By earning the right to include this designation among their credentials, fellows have demonstrated a high level of commitment to the growth and advancement of nurse anesthesiology.
“This is a much-deserved honor for Dr. Thiemann and we are so proud of her accomplishment,” said Dr. Jill Guttormson, MS, RN, acting dean of the College of Nursing. “As a certified registered nurse anesthetist and educator, she continues to be critical to shaping the future of anesthesia care. This FAANA designation is a clear reflection of the exceptional leadership she has demonstrated in the profession and at Marquette.”
Thiemann is the inaugural director of the Nurse Anesthesia Educational program at Marquette, having joined the university in 2017. As a certified registered nurse anesthetist for over 25 years, her background includes prior leadership roles with the National Board of Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists and the AANA; multiple national appointments to quality improvement groups impacting nurse anesthesia practice; and over 30 publications and invited presentations.
This year, 51 individuals were inducted to the 2022 class of fellows of the AANA. To date, only 116 CRNAs have received the FAANA designation. To be awarded the FAANA distinction, applicants must be credentialed as a CRNA for a minimum of 10 consecutive years; be an AANA member for at least 10 years; have a minimum of 10 years of full-time professional experience as a practitioner of anesthesiology or educator/program director, facility leader or business leader; have a record of attending AANA conferences; demonstrate outstanding achievements in nurse anesthesia and leadership that command respect and recognition from other leaders in the profession; and provide evidence of enduring and substantial professional achievement that demonstrates professional and personal growth and use of innovative, creative solutions in at least one of several categories.