BIDDEFORD – Donald T. (Tom) Albee Jr., CRNA, MHS, a clinical instructor for the University of New England’s Nurse Anesthesia Program, has been named the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists’ Clinical Instructor of the Year.

A resident of Lewiston, Albee is the assistant chief anesthetist and clinical coordinator at Central Maine Medical Center.

In an awards ceremony in August at the association’s national meeting in Minneapolis, Albee received the annual award, which recognizes a clinical instructor who has made outstanding contributions to students, faculty and the practice of anesthesia.

“We nominated Tom because of his unyielding motivation, professional demeanor, high standards and relentless attention to detail, all of which significantly have impacted the educational experience our students have received,” said UNE Director of the School of Nurse Anesthesia Nina Turcato, CRNA, DNP.

Albee thanked UNE’s School of Nurse Anesthesia and Director Nina Turcato, saying, “I wish them all continued success in leading the only CRNA program in Maine.” He added, “In accepting this award, I want to remember the entire clinical faculty working with UNE students at our 27 clinical affiliates. Their hard work and dedication does not go unnoticed.”

Certified registered nurse anesthetists administer more than 65 percent of all anesthetics given to patients in the United States. UNE’s School of Nurse Anesthesia graduates around 20 students a year with their master of science degree in nurse anesthesia.

Learning takes place in the classroom at UNE and in clinical training with hospitals throughout the New England area, overseen by clinical instructors offering varied and diverse experiences. University of New England graduates make up approximately 50 percent of the CRNAs practicing in Maine.

The University of New England offers student-centered, interdisciplinary programs in the College of Osteopathic Medicine, College of Health Professions, College of Arts and Sciences and newly established College of Pharmacy. For more information, call 283-0171 or visit www.une.edu.