Philanthropy

Vigilant Anesthesia is proud to be associated with the Saving Lives Initiative, a non-profit organization that goes on medical missions to Sierra Leone. Learn more about Saving Lives Initiative by clicking here.

As an anesthesia provider, Jeremy King, CRNA, knew the risks when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor located on the brain stem. As arrangements were being made for immediate treatment and surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital’s Neurology and Neurosurgery Center, King knew he could rely on his medical colleagues, ranging from RNs to CRNAs to MDs, for advice and support. They came through for him in more ways than one, and to this day, are still there for him.

When he asked for a recommendation of a CRNA to administer anesthesia during the expected four-hour procedure, unanimous praise from colleagues brought Terry English, CRNA, and Jeremy King, CRNA, together for the first time in a challenging situation made even more unique by their shared profession.

Terry English is widely acknowledged by peers and colleagues to be one of the finest, most capable and compassionate CRNAs in the business. Medical professionals who have worked with Jeremy King at Meritus Health in Hagerstown, Maryland, say the same of him. “Jeremy is one of the best anesthesia providers I have ever seen,” says Abdul-Malik Jalloh-Jamboria, CRNA. “Terry English is of the same caliber. They are also fine human beings. Between the two, you could not ask for a better friend or a better anesthesia provider.”

Both patient and provider recognized the challenges and risks in the upcoming neurosurgery. “In countless situations where I have provided anesthesia,” Terry English says, “I had never encountered a patient who was also a CRNA facing such a life-threatening situation. I felt the professional and personal responsibility deeply.”

They discussed preferences and possibilities, then met again early on the morning of surgery as Jeremy sat prepped and waiting. The procedure to remove the 4 x 10 cm. tumor was expected to take about four hours. When complications arose in the OR due to the tumor’s size and location, surgery extended to nearly nine hours. Watching over his patient’s vital needs and working in tandem with the neurosurgeon and everyone in the OR, Terry English was a vigilant and caring factor in bringing Jeremy King safely through an intense ordeal. Since then, a solid friendship has emerged.

Today, five years later, King continues his long-term recovery and steadily improves. “I am grateful to have come through a complicated neurosurgery and all the challenges that followed,” he says. “It’s because of people like Terry, Malik, and others that I am here today. They have been there for me every step of the way.”

When Terry formed Vigilant Anesthesia LLC, he invited Jeremy to work with him. While not yet ready to return to the OR, King possesses the medical expertise and understanding of life as a CRNA that is essential to Vigilant Anesthesia. He capably supports the needs of the company and the expanding group of dedicated anesthesia professionals who are their clients.

One CRNA supporting another CRNA—that’s the story behind the friendship between Terry English and Jeremy King.

It is also the founding principle of Vigilant Anesthesia.

We are a group of CRNAs ready to support other vigilant, caring CRNAs in finding outstanding assignments to foster professional growth and a healthy life-work balance. Join us today. We are here for you!