Thomas Martin recently marked the conclusion of his 30-year tenure as an oral board examiner for the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA), a journey that spanned decades of service and mentorship. His final visit to the ABA Test Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, was a significant milestone in a career dedicated to advancing the field of anesthesiology.
Martin’s involvement with the ABA began 30 years ago, when he was nominated by Jim Richter, then chairman at Hartford Hospital. For the first five years, Martin contributed to the development of questions for the ABA’s written board exams. In 2000, he began his role as an examiner for the Oral Board Exams, traveling across the country to administer these crucial assessments. His service continued for over two decades, with the past decade centered at the ABA Test Center in Raleigh, where all oral exams have been held since its opening.
In 2022, Martin transitioned into a new role within The NEST (New Examiner Selection and Training), a group responsible for selecting and training the next generation of examiners. Recently, Martin had the honor of mentoring two remarkable new examiners: Dr. June Chan and Dr. Tiffany Moon.
Dr. Chan, a cardiac anesthesiologist from Cornell, has an impressive background, serving as the Assistant Dean for Medical Student Curriculum at Cornell-Weil Medical School. Her expertise and leadership in anesthesiology make her a valuable addition to the ABA examiner team.
Dr. Moon, a thoracic anesthesiologist from UT-Southwestern, brings a unique blend of experience from both the medical field and outside ventures, including her time as a star on “Real Housewives of Dallas” and her entrepreneurial pursuits. She is also a champion for women in anesthesia and will be speaking at the upcoming American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) meeting in Philadelphia.
Reflecting on his years of service, Martin is struck by the credentials and accomplishments of the new generation of examiners, noting how much the field has grown and evolved since he began his career. He is particularly grateful for the opportunity to mentor these rising stars and help shape the future of the profession.
Joining Martin in Raleigh was his lifelong friend and colleague, Dr. Mark Romanoff, with whom he served in the U.S. Air Force. Their shared experiences and contributions to the ABA over the years made this final chapter even more meaningful.
Martin’s commitment to the ABA and his dedication to advancing the field of anesthesiology has been unwavering. He credits much of his ability to serve the board to the support of his colleagues at Integrated Anesthesia Associates (IAA). Although stepping away from his formal duties with the ABA, Martin looks forward to continuing to mentor future anesthesiologists, ensuring the legacy of excellence in anesthesiology lives on.
