TANA's Patty Cornwell Practitioner of the Year Award
This is your chance to submit a candidate for TANA's 2024 Patty Cornwell Practitioner of the Year Award, and we're looking for nominations for outstanding CRNAs in your area!
This award is intended to "recognize excellence in anesthesia practice as a clinician, educator, and/or researcher." If you know a practitioner who fits the bill, then please nominate him or her by submitting the required information!
Eligibility and requirements, with submittal information is discussed in more detail below with the deadline for submissions on September 1, 2024! We want to make this easy for you so call the TANA office if any questions at 615-329-3450.
The winner will be celebrated at the TANA Annual Business Meeting, which will be on October 12, 2024! Please don't miss this opportunity to recognize a well-deserving peer!
The 86th Annual Meeting TANA's 2023 Patty Cornwell Practitioner of the Year Award was awarded to Dwayne Accardo, DNP, CRNA, FAANA.
This award is voted on annually by the TANA Board and given to a TANA member in good standing who has made a significant contribution to the profession of nurse anesthesia in Tennessee. The purpose of this award is to “recognize excellence in anesthesia practice as a clinician, educator and/or researcher." The winner of this award is announced and recognized each year at TANA’s Annual Meeting.
2023 Practitioner of the Year Recipient
Dwayne Accardo, DNP, CRNA, FAANA
On Oct. 7, during TANA’s 86th Annual Meeting, Dwayne Accardo, DNP, CRNA, FAANA, was honored with the 2023 Patty Cornwell Practitioner of the Year Award. The purpose of the award is to “recognize excellence in anesthesia practice as a clinician, educator and/or researcher." Voted on annually by the TANA Board of Directors, the award is given to a TANA member in good standing who has made a significant contribution to the profession of nurse anesthesia in Tennessee.
Accardo, who has been with the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) since 2006, currently serves as the program administrator for the Nurse Anesthesiology Concentration. In his clinical practice, he works in the Methodist Healthcare System serving the Memphis area. As an active member of TANA, Accardo currently contributes his time and expertise as a member of the Education Committee.
When the award was announced by President Jim Alberding, DNP, CRNA, APN, during the annual business meeting, it was clear that Accardo was genuinely surprised by the honor. Following a brief video presentation, Alberding read from several nominations that strongly recommended Accardo for the award.
“Considering Dwayne’s commitment to education and the nurse anesthesiology profession, I recommend him without reservation as practitioner of the year,” wrote one of Accardo’s peers. “He is a leader in academia; however, his dedication as an anesthesia provider stands out above all else. Dwayne is so respected by his peers and loved by his patients.”
The author of another nomination stated that “it has been a distinct pleasure watching Dr. Accardo advance his profession, champion UTHSC, and serve so many students in their academic journey. Dr. Accardo’s professional achievements and career path have served as a distinguished example in which I have envisioned myself following.”
Please join TANA in congratulating Dwayne Accardo, DNP, CRNA, FAANA, for winning the Patty Cornwell Practitioner of the Year Award for 2023!