In 1949, a group of 36 DO anesthesiologists met in Detroit, Michigan to form the American Society of Osteopathic Anesthesiologists (ASOA). The name originated with J. Maurice Howlett, DO, who served as the first President. Claire E. Pike, DO, and Crawford M. Esterline, DO, served as the Vice President and Secretary-Treasurer, respectively. The newly elected ASOA Board of Governors held certification in anesthesiology by the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery, itself formed in 1940.
The stated objectives of the ASOA were as follows:
In 1950, the ASOA set a $25 application fee for charter members and annual dues of $25.
During the Washington, DC meeting, J. Craig Walsh, DO, made a motion to form the American Osteopathic College of Anesthesiologists (AOCA). After approval by the American Osteopathic Association, the AOCA was incorporated in 1952.
At its first meeting in Los Angeles, the AOCA adopted the ASOA objectives and added the...
