Dr. Mark Welliver: nurse anesthesia faculty profile

Photo credit: Vanessa Welliver

Fort Worth, TX

5/10/2010

You were recently recognized with an “excellence in clinical instruction” award from The Navy Nurse Corps Anesthesia Program. How did that award come about and what does it mean to you?

In addition to my teaching and academic work at Harris College, I also administer anesthesia in a clinical setting. To best teach anesthesia, it is best to also practice the art and science of the specialty. I am part of a trauma center’s call team that provides anesthesia services for surgeries. Part of my clinical duties includes mentoring student registered nurse anesthetists that rotate through our department. I have had the honor of working with these Navy officers as they do specialty clinical rotations in trauma, neurological and vascular anesthesia. As a civilian, it is an honor to teach these members of our armed forces and a greater honor to be recognized by them for excellence in teaching.

I understand you’re working on a clinical trial for a new drug. How is that coming along and what type of drug is it?

The new drug, sugammadex sodium, is a selective relaxant binding agent (SRBA) that selectively reverses the muscle relaxant effects of certain anesthesia drugs administered during surgery. This drug is a dramatic improvement over current methods to reverse muscle relaxant effects and appears to have safer and greater effectiveness. Sugammadex, recently approved in Europe and Asia, may be available in the United States in the near future. Dr. Dennis Cheek and I recently published an updated review concerning sugammadex (June 2009), which is available at: http://www.aana.com/Resources.aspx?id=25110

You graduated from TCU with your DNP. What was your project?

The new drug sugammadex sodium, of course. We reported our findings at the 2nd Annual DNP conference in Miami this past September.

Why did you decide to obtain your DNP from TCU?

I have had the pleasure of guest lecturing for Dr. Kay Sanders and the School of Nurse Anesthesia at TCU for several years. So when Dr. Sanders told me TCU was starting a DNP program, I did my homework. After reviewing the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) position statement and learning more about the goals and purpose of the doctorate in nursing practice, it became very clear to me that TCU was establishing a program that was innovative and relevant. The faculty clearly expressed their vision and curriculum for the program and I wanted to be part of the inaugural class.

What is it like to work at TCU?

It is an honor and a pleasure to work at TCU. Many of my former faculty instructors are now colleagues and I continue to learn and grow from them. I have been embraced by all and very much feel at home here at TCU.

Why did you select TCU as a place to teach?

TCU and Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences subscribe to the motto “learning to change the world.” I want to be part of that. I want to do my part and make my mark on the world. With TCU, I hope to do that and maybe leave the world a little bit better.

How do you like teaching in the NA program?

Nurse anesthesia students are high achievers. Sharing a mutual interest in anesthesia with these high quality students makes teaching an enjoyment. Their thirst for learning and drive for excellence make teaching in the nurse anesthesia program a very rewarding experience. Our director, Dr.Kay Sanders, has a vision for the School of Nurse Anesthesia that extends far beyond the boundaries of Fort Worth and even Texas. She is truly a visionary and working with her and our highly motivated faculty is always exciting and challenging.

What makes the NA program at TCU unique?

The Nurse Anesthesia School at TCU is unique for many reasons. First and foremost are the high- caliber faculty members who teach in the program. Most, and soon all, will be doctoral-prepared. All are recognized leaders in the field of anesthesiology. We also fully utilize video-teleconferencing (VTC) to teach the students. This technology allows us to maximize our reach across the United States and eventually the world. Our program is unique because of our innovative leaders, Dr. Burns and Dr. Sanders. They truly embody the vision “learning to change the world.” We are reaching out to the world via VTC.