We are proud of our founder Associate Professor Paul Baker for his recent awards.
Honorary Medal and Life Membership of the Society of Paediatric Anaesthesia Australia and New Zealand (SPANZA) presented in Uluru, Northern Territory, Australia in October 2025
From past president Dr Elsa Taylor:
“This award is given to those who have made a significant contribution to paediatric anaesthesia and to the wellbeing and lives of children as a result. Paul has made meaningful contributions to education, advocacy, research and advancement of paediatric airway management. His impact has been across the full range from an individual’s practice all the way to international influence on the safety and expertise of paediatric airway skills. Indeed, it is Paul's voice I hear when faced with a difficult airway or when I teach trainees”
New Zealand Society of Anaesthetists (NZSA) LifeMembership presented in November 2025
The NZSA Life membership is awarded to recognise those members of the Society who have made long-term outstanding contributions to Anaesthesia in New Zealand, and/or to the NZSA.
Associate Professor Paul Baker’s nomination highlighted [his] significant achievements – notably his activities in adult and paediatric difficult airways management and airway education. He was a founding consultant anaesthetist at Starship Children’s Hospital. And in 2014, his MD, awarded by the University of Auckland, was paediatric-based and centred around improving the quality and safety of airway management.
