Andrew Hartle '00, MB, ChB, FRCA, is a Consultant Anaesthetist on the intensive treatment unit of St. Mary's Hospital, London. The hospital lies only two blocks from Edgware Road Tube Station, where one of bomb attacks occurred.

He writes, "we received approximately 40 patients, with no fatalities so far. I have spent the day directing resuscitation efforts in the Priority One area of the Emergency Department, while keeping the OR and ICU services going."

"I've seen things that I had hoped never to see in civilian practice."

"The SMS and email messages of support I've received from all over the world today have been marvellous. I want to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers."

Andrew can be reached at Andrew.Hartle@St-Marys.nhs.uk. Look for a full article on his experiences in the next issue of the Alumnus.

Save the date of Sunday, October 23, 2005, for the 18th Annual Duke Anesthesiology Alumni Reception. Held at the Marriott Renaissance Arts Hotel in New Orleans, this year we honor two extraordinary people: J.G. Reves, MD, former chairman and current dean of the school of medicine at Medical University of South Carolina, and David S. Warner, MD, the recipient of the ASA's 2005 Award for Excellence in Research.

Not to mention that two of you will receive complimentary tickets for a 1-hour skydiving experience! Look for your invitations in September, as early RSVPs will be entered for a drawing from Tandem Skydives.

You won't want to miss this. Contact Gloria Howard, howar042@mc.duke.edu, for more information.

See you in New Orleans!

The annual Society of Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology (SOAP) held in Florida last year produced a committee to promote safe obstetric anesthesia practices internationally.

Alumnus Elizabeth Bell '01, MD, was appointed to the International Outreach Committee, which is made up of eight obstetric anesthesiologists from four countries.

Their first teaching trip was held in Turkey, where anesthesiologists lectured and taught by the bedside in 10 teaching hospitals in the country. Well done, Elizabeth!

Bell '01, MD, (first row, far left) and current attending Terrance Breen, MD (first row, far right) find an ideal photo opportunity in Turkey while attending the first SOAP International Outreach Committee teaching trip. Photo courtesy of Medge D. Owen, MD.

Richard Griggs '03, MD, and his wife Michelle recently welcomed a baby boy to their family: Andrew (Drew) Connor Griggs. Baby Drew was born on Andrews Airforce Base, Maryland, weighing 7 lbs, 8 oz. Send a note to Rick at rickmichelleg@yahoo.com.

Douglas Bell '04, MD, and his wife Molly are expecting their first child, a boy, very soon. We await the first picture! Say hello to Doug at dougmollybell@earthlink.net.