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Michael MacKinnon, DNP, FNP-C, CRNA, FAANA

Mike MacKinnon

Clinical Associate Professor Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice

School of Nursing 
Idaho State University
1311 E. Central Drive
Meridian, ID 83642

Office: Meridian 
Email: mikemackinnon@isu.edu
 
Core Expertise Areas

  • Clinical anesthesia and perioperative management across various surgical settings

  • Graduate-level anesthesia education and program leadership

  • Healthcare operations, staffing, and OR throughput optimization

  • Policy advocacy in anesthesia reimbursement, scope, and student voice

 Education

  • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL

  • Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) – University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA

  • Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia (MSN) – Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada

Professional Appointments

  • Vice President, Clinical & Practice Management, Valley Regional Anesthesia Associates

    • Director-level oversight of clinical operations across a 20-facility anesthesia network

    • Strategic leadership in clinical quality, staffing models, and OR throughput performance

  • Private Practice Anesthesia, MacKinnon Anesthesia PLLC

    • Maintains active clinical caseload and offers specialized anesthetic services

  • Adjunct & Visiting Faculty (Multiple Institutions)

    • Midwestern University, Middle Tennessee State University, New Mexico State University, Thomas Jefferson University, Fairfield University

Profile

Dr. MacKinnon is a nationally recognized Nurse Anesthesiologist who combines clinical excellence with academic rigor and organizational leadership. As VP at VRAA, he leads initiatives that optimize anesthesia delivery across diverse surgical settings. In his academic leadership roles, he shapes curriculum that emphasizes evidence-based decision-making and innovative approaches to perioperative care. His professional service includes impactful leadership within both the AANA and AzANA, where he has driven legislative advocacy, organizational growth, and professional recognition for CRNAs. His scholarship, teaching, and professional engagement reflect a commitment to advancing CRNA practice in both clinical and policy domains.

Featured Scholarship and Publications

Dr. MacKinnon contributes extensively to anesthesia literature and education, including:

  • Peer-reviewed articles in AANA Journal, Outpatient Surgery Magazine, Air Medical Journal, and Becker’s ASC Review

  • Co-creator and host: Anesthesia Deconstructed: Science. Politics. Realities. (podcast)

  • Invited speaker at regional and national anesthesia conferences

  • Editorial Board Member: Outpatient Surgery Magazine and International Student Journal of Nurse Anesthesiology

Professional Leadership & Awards

  • American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA)

    • Fellow, American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (FAANA)

    • Member, AANA Board of Directors (2024–2025)

    • Recipient, AANA Ira P. Gunn Award (2023)

    • AANA National PR Award for Anesthesia Deconstructed Podcast (2022)

    • AANA Task Force Leadership: Practice Descriptors, Reimbursement Innovation, Student Voting Rights

  • Arizona Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AzANA)

    • Board of Directors: 2010, 2011, 2021, 2022

    • President: 2012, 2013, 2014

    • Government Relations Committee (GRC) Chair: 2010, 2011, 2012

    • Led legislative and advocacy efforts to protect and advance CRNA practice in Arizona

    • Arizona CRNA of the Year (2021)
Kasiska
Division of Health Sciences

Learn more about the Kasiska family legacy and impact