PCH anesthesiologist recently recognized
GREENCASTLE --James Skrabak, anesthesiologist at Putnam County Hospital, was recently elected president with the American Osteopathic College of Anesthesiologists (AOCA).
Skrabak's term began in October. He will serve for one year.
Following his year as president of the organization, he will remain on the Board of Governors as the immediate past president.
He was recognized for his outstanding service to the organization and awarded the degree of Fellow in the American Osteopathic College of Anesthesiologists in September 2004. He was then appointed to the Board of Governors, from which he was nominated by his peers for the office of president.
"This is a great honor to serve in a leadership capacity," Skrabak said. "I have been involved with the AOCA for many years."
The AOCA is an educational, research and scientific association of physicians organized to raise and maintain the standards of the medical practice of anesthesiology and improves the care of the patient.
As physicians, anesthesiologists are responsible for administering anesthesia to relieve pain and for managing vital life functions, including breathing, heart rhythm and blood pressure, during surgery.
After surgery, they maintain the patient in a comfortable state during the recovery, and are involved in the provision of critical care medicine in the intensive care unit.
Today, the AOCA serves a membership of more than 870 physicians.
Skrabak is certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Anesthesiology and has been with Putnam County Hospital since 2003.
He completed his medical training at West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine and his residency with Flint Osteopathic Hospital in Flint, Mich.