Which individual is noted as a significant president in the early history of the AANA?

• A. Virginia S. Thatcher
• B. Agatha Hodgins
• C. Mary Bernard
• D. Gertrude Fife

Answer: (B)

Leading the early days of a professional group means shaping how the field will practice, educate itself, and gain recognition. Agatha Hodgins is recognized as a significant president during the AANA’s formative years because she helped guide the organization as it established its structure and standards, pushed for formal education and certification for nurse anesthetists, and set a precedent for professional leadership in the field. Her leadership contributed to laying the foundation that allowed nurse anesthesia to be practiced with standardized training and professional legitimacy.

The other names appear in nursing or anesthesia history, but they are not the widely cited early presidents of the AANA.