VANA Members Recognized as Fellows of the AANA
Fellows of the AANA are recognized in their field for being outstanding practitioners, educators, researchers and advocates. CRNAs and nurse anesthesiologists who are active or emeritus members of the AANA may earn the Fellow of the AANA (FAANA) designation. This major career achievement indicates a commitment to excellence in the profession of nurse anesthesiology.
Acceptance criteria includes professional achievements that demonstrate impactful contributions to promoting and advancing nurse anesthesiology:
- Clinical practice
- Education
- Research
- Professional advocacy
- Meeting the high standards of AANA
This year, three VANA members received their FAANA designations, including Myra Branch, DNP, CRNA, APRN; Karen Gillikin, DNP, CRNA; and Meredith Joyner, MBA, CRNA. Congratulations to Myra, Karen and Meredith on earning this well-deserved recognition for all the hard work they have put into advancing our profession!
Learn more about Virginia’s newest FAANA designees below:
Myra Branch, DNP, CRNA, APRN, FAANA
Dr. Branch holds a Doctorate of Nursing Practice in Anesthesia Leadership from Quinnipiac University (2020), a Master of Science from Georgetown University (2002), a Diploma of Anesthesia from Charlotte Memorial Hospital School of Nurse Anesthesia (1986), and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The Florida State University (1979). Myra has served as Resolutions Chair for the AANA (2020-2021) and has held various leadership roles within the Virginia Association of Nurse Anesthetists (VANA), including Immediate Past President (2019-2020), President (2018-2019), and District 2 Director (2013-2017). Myra is currently serving the Leadership Identification Committee for the 2024-2025 term year.
Karen Gillikin, DNP, CRNA, FAANA
In her 27 years as a CRNA, Karen Gillikin has impacted the profession as a clinician, educator, assistant program director, state advocate and the VANA chair of education and programming. Her research has been dedicated to improving patient safety and quality advancement. Her passion is ensuring graduates can practice autonomously at the completion of their education.
Meredith Joyner, MBA, CRNA, FAANA
Meredith Joyner is an accomplished clinician, researcher, lecturer, educator, accreditation surveyor and nurse anesthesia advocate. She has served the profession on the AANA Bylaws and Resolution Committee and has served in Virginia as the vice president, president-elect, president, and immediate past president. She is currently the Virginia Association of Nurse Anesthetists GRC Director, working fiercely to remove supervision from the Virginia code.
