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Out with the gavel, in with the ‘SCE to AUX’ switch: Anesthesiologist elected President of the Aerospace Human Factors Association (AsHFA)

OUT WITH THE GAVEL, IN WITH THE ‘SCE TO AUX’ SWITCH: ANESTHESIOLOGIST ELECTED PRESIDENT OF THE AEROSPACE HUMAN FACTORS ASSOCIATION (ASHFA)

ASA Monitor staff

June 1

Keith J. Ruskin, Professor of Anesthesia and Critical Care, Director of Aerospace Medicine at the University of Chicago, and member of the ASA Committee on Patient Safety and Education, was elected last month as President of the Aerospace Human Factors Association (AsHFA).

Keith J. Ruskin receiving plaque

AsHFA was established to promote human factors considerations in the development of aerospace systems. Human factors research encompasses the study of human psychological and biological characteristics in order to optimize human well-being and overall system performance. AsHFA welcomes physicians, engineers, psychologists, and other professionals who have an interest in human factors. In addition to organizing panel presentations for the Aerospace Medical Association’s annual meeting, AsHFA provides human factors experts with opportunities to network and share information.

plaque that says Aerospace human factors association president

One of Dr. Ruskin’s first actions as president represented a slight tweaking of the status quo: He suggested that the traditional passing of the gavel be replaced with a passing of a plaque mounted with an “SCE to AUX” switch. If you’re unfamiliar with the significance of this switch in the history of the U.S. space program, learn more here.

Congratulations to Dr. Ruskin – and all the steely eyed missile men and women of AsHFA.