Interview with Aditee Ambardekar, MD, MSEd
How has Litman’s Basics of Pediatric Anesthesia evolved since the previous edition? How has it evolved since the first edition?
This third edition holds constant the basic principles of the first and second edition – easily accessible and current content in the basics of pediatric anesthesia. The content is evidence-based without the burden of hundreds of references per chapter! The third edition contains new information on neurotoxicity, pain management, and even health equity concerns in pediatric anesthesia, all newer topics in our field since the first two editions were published.
What is the most exciting aspect of the new edition? What chapter or topic covered in the new edition are you most excited about?
This new edition contains more in-depth information about pediatric cardiac anesthesia. While complicated and likely more advanced than most early learners need, these patients are living longer and presenting to our operating rooms for non-cardiac procedures! We hope the additional information provided in this chapter helps our readers understand the basic nuances of these rare and impactful conditions to help in the care of these patients all over the hospital.
Additionally, many of our chapters contain a “Deeper Dive.” This is an in-depth look at important topics and concepts in pediatric anesthesia written by experts in our field. I am hopeful our readers will find this extra content interesting!
Who will find the greatest value from Litman’s Basics of Pediatric Anesthesia? Has the audience changed since the book was first published?
The same audience was in mind when working on this title as this was incredibly important to Dr. Litman. Earlier learners – medical students, nurse students, and residents completing a core rotation in pediatric anesthesia would certainly benefit from reading this book cover to cover. The book also has important references for those that would like a deeper understanding.
What new ideas, practices, or procedures would you like to highlight for the new edition?
Pediatric anesthesia practice is growing in leaps and bounds and has done so since the last edition of the book. Neurotoxicity in our youngest patients has been hotly debated this decade and is included in this book. Aspects of pediatric cardiac care and pediatric regional anesthesia have blossomed too and are included in this book! Finally, we are becoming more and more involved in non-operating room procedures and have included an updated chapter in this edition.
What problem do you hope the future generation of anesthesiologists will be able to solve?
We hold great responsibility when caring for our most vulnerable population. We must care for them with compassion, safety, and the most advanced knowledge so that they may become successful and contributing members of society in the future. This means providing anesthetic care and analgesic medications that minimize long-term consequences.
Is there anything else about the book you’d like to say?
The completion of the 3rd edition of this book is to honor Dr. Ron Litman. He started work on this book and sadly passed away in April of 2021. It was the dedication of several of his colleagues and mentees that enabled the completion of this book. Encouraged and motivated by Dr. Litman’s love of teaching evidence-based pediatric practice and supporting mentees in every possible way, I am honored that Dr. Litman chose me to get this book completed in his absence.
About the Editor
Aditee Ambardekar, MD, MSEd
My name is Aditee Ambardekar. I’m a pediatric anesthesiologist and Associate Professor at UT Southwestern Medical Center and work primarily at the Parkland Burn Center and Children’s Health, Dallas. I have clinical interest and expertise in pediatric burn anesthesia. I currently do clinical research in this area.
I am also an engaged member of the Society of Pediatric Anesthesia and its role in educating the next generation of learners. This book represents an important piece of this process.
I trained in Philadelphia at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in pediatric anesthesiology, where I met Dr. Litman as a mentor, colleague, and friend. This book represents Dr. Litman’s legacy in teaching pediatric anesthesia to all learners. He was solidly in the middle of editing the 3rd edition when his cancer relapsed. I am honored to carry the torch and get this book over the finish line – to enable access to the world of pediatric anesthesia to our medical students and resident as well as nurse learners who are interested!
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