Specialty Of Anesthesiology Research Articles

Resident Recruitment in a New Era

Abstract: This chapter focuses on resident recruitment and recent US National Resident Matching Program changes and the impact in the evaluation and ranking of applicants within the specialty of anesthesiology. Recruitment challenges are examined as well as program strategies and potential future directions. Also discussed are DEI initiatives within the recruitment process.

In defence of the medical specialty of anaesthesiology: ensuring maximum patient safety

In defence of the medical specialty of anaesthesiology: ensuring maximum patient safety

Pediatric anesthesia in Europe: Variations within uniformity.

Organization of healthcare strongly differs between European countries and results in country-specific requirements in postgraduate medical training. Within the European Union (EU), the European Board of Anaesthesiology has set recommendations of training for the Specialty of Anaesthesiology including standards for Postgraduate Medical Specialist training including a description for providing service in pediatric anesthesia. However, these standards are advisory and not mandatory. Here we aimed to review the current state and associated challenges of pediatric anesthesia training in Europe. We report an important country-specific variability both in training and regulations of practice of pediatric anesthesia in the EU and in the United Kingdom. The requirements for training in pediatric anesthesia varies between nothing specified (Belgium) or providing anesthesia with direct supervision to a minimum of 50 cases below 5 years of age (Germany) to 3-6 month clinical practice in a specialized pediatric hospital (France). Likewise, the regulations for providing anesthesia to children varies from no regulations at all (Belgium) to age specific requirements and centralization of all children below 4 years of age to specified centers (United Kingdom). Officially recognized pediatric anesthesia fellowship programs are not available in most countries of Europe. It remains unclear if and how country-specific differences in pediatric anesthesia training are associated with clinical outcomes in pediatric perioperative care. There is converging interest and support for the establishment of a European pediatric anesthesia curriculum.

Comparing characteristics and perspectives of U.S. anesthesiology fellows in training and anesthesiologists in their first year of practice

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to evaluate relationships between demographics, professional characteristics, and perceived challenges facing the specialty of anesthesiology among physicians who entered a fellowship and those who started independent practice immediately after finishing a U.S. anesthesiology residency.MethodsAnesthesiologists in the year after their residency graduation were invited to take an online survey during the academic years of 2016–2017, 2017–2018, and 2018–2019, with questions about their personal characteristics, the nature of their professional lives, and their perceptions of the greatest challenge facing the profession of anesthesiology.ResultsA total of 884 fellows-in-training and 735 anesthesiologists starting independent practice right after the completion of their residency responded. Fellows were slightly younger (mean = 33.2 vs. 34.0 years old, p < 0.001), were more likely to have a spouse who works outside the home (63.9% vs. 57.0%, p = 0.002), had fewer children (mean = 0.69 vs. 0.88, p < 0.001), worked more hours per week (mean = 56.2 vs. 52.4, p < 0.001), and were less likely to report a personal and professional life balance (66.4% vs. 72.3% positive, p = 0.005) than direct-entry anesthesiologists. Fellows and direct-entry anesthesiologists identified similar challenges in three broad themes – workforce competition (80.3% and 71.8%), healthcare system changes (30.0% and 37.9%), and personal challenges (6.4% and 8.8%). Employment security issues posed by non-physician anesthesia providers and perceived lack of appreciation of anesthesiologists’ value were commonly cited. Relative weighting of challenge concerns varied between fellows and direct-entry physicians, as well as within these groups based on gender, fellowship subspecialty, location or size of practice, and frequency of supervisory roles.ConclusionsAnesthesiology fellows and direct-entry anesthesiologists had largely similar demographics and perspectives on the challenges facing anesthesiology in the United States. Group differences found in some demographics and perspectives may reflect different motivations for choosing their professional paths and their diverse professional experiences.

Impact of a Preclinical Medical Student Anesthesiology Elective on the Attitudes and Perceptions of Medical Students Regarding Anesthesiology.

First- and second-year medical students typically have limited exposure to the field of anesthesiology, yet recent match data shows growing interest in the specialty. Early, structured exposure to anesthesiology in the form of a preclinical elective may allow medical students to make more informed decisions on their specialty of choice. The anesthesiology preclinical elective, BIOL 6704: "Anesthesia: Much More than Putting you to Sleep", is a one-credit course taught at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. A survey consisting of fifteen questions assessing changes in attitudes, perceptions, and interest in anesthesiology was distributed to first- and second-year medical students before and after course participation. The results were analyzed using the Wilcoxon's signed-rank test for paired samples. The biggest impact of the preclinical elective was observed in the students' subjective understanding of key aspects of the practice of anesthesiology. Statistically significant improvement was seen in the understanding of airway management, anesthetic pharmacology, basics of ultrasound, vascular access, anesthesiology subspecialties, and an understanding of anesthesiology residency. Overall, results were limited by our small sample size. Our elective allows medical students to explore anesthesiology early in their medical school career. After taking this course, students noted more familiarity with various topics in anesthesiology. Peer institutions lacking a similar course may consider using our experience to increase interest about the specialty of anesthesiology for future students.

High-quality training of anaesthesiologist-resuscitator is one of main components of safety of anaesthesia

Purpose. To conduct an analysis and research aimed at improving the safety of patients during anesthesia by optimizing training in clinical residency in the specialty of anesthesiology and resuscitation. Particular attention was paid to the human factor, as one of the causes of errors and complications in anesthesiology and resuscitation.Material and methods. An additional and more detailed analysis of error factors is carried out using a list of associated error factors. We have developed a special questionnaire for an anonymous survey of clinical residents and anesthesiologists and resuscitators. With its help, we intended to find out what personal qualities an ‘ideal’ anesthesiologist-resuscitator should have.Results. A more in-depth analysis data showed that the most common cause of errors was a lack of practice, in second place there are personal factors, in third place there is a lack of knowledge, and in at last place there are organizational factors. According to the results of an anonymous survey of clinical residents and anesthesiologists, it was established that ‘knowledge’ and ‘skills (abilities)’ are the main factors in ensuring the safety of patients during anesthesia.Conclusions. Questioning should be recognized as an objective, simple and not requiring additional financial costs way to assess a number of social qualities and factors. Training and educating them of the necessary personal qualities of anesthesiologists and resuscitators is one of the most important components of ensuring the safety of anesthesia.

Effects of psychological characteristics of patients with hypertension on their adherence to treatment. Analysis of clinical cases

Objective — to acquaint cardiologists and family medicine doctors with modern treatment approaches that take into account the psychological characteristics of patients. The professional activity of therapeutic doctors is to a large extent (especially in comparison with surgical and anesthesiology specialties) related to the need to develop communication skills, since patients differ not only in clinical features, but also in psychological traits that are revealed in the process of diagnosis and treatment. The authors performed the analysis of four clinical cases with a detailed description of socio‑demographic and behavioral characteristics of patients who ask for a cardiologist’s consultation for the purpose of correcting drug treatment. In addition to the analysis of complaints, anamnesis and data from laboratory and instrumental examinations, typical problems of communication with «difficult» patients have been described and practical recommendations were provided. Four variants of the possible behavior of patients are presented, determined by their psychological characteristics and manifested during communication with doctors of a therapeutic profile. The following psychotypes were chosen as «classical»: «expressive», «directive», «analytical» and «friendly». For the first two, a characteristic feature is the presence of a high level of authority in the process of communicating with interlocutors, and for the last two — a low level. Also, «analytical» and «directive» personalities are marked by a significantly higher degree of self‑control compared to «expressive» and «friendly». Doctors mostly come into contact with patients who combine the features of two psychotypes with the dominance of one of them. Physicians’ understanding of the therapeutic profile of patients’ psychological characteristics will allow understanding their expectations and improving adherence to pharmacotherapy.

Video laryngoscopy: a double-edged sword

Endotracheal intubation revolutionized anesthesia and allowed prolonged surgical procedures to be performed. It also made positive pressure ventilation possible in patients in respiratory insufficiency and being managed in intensive care units. But successful intubation required the development of laryngoscopes. A variety of blades were developed to be used in different sets of patients. A laryngoscope came to be known as a symbol of the specialty of anesthesiology. But it was not always safe, nor successful, necessitating more sophisticated instruments. Video laryngoscopes were introduced with a sigh of relief for the anesthesiologists in difficult airway cases. Many variations of video laryngoscopes with slight differences have been marketed. But cases of video laryngoscope related injuries have been reported. This paper gives an over-view of the possible mechanism and preventive measures.&#x0D; Abbreviations: DL - Direct laryngoscopy; ETT – Endotracheal intubation; IDL - indirect laryngoscopy; VL - Video laryngoscopy; &#x0D; Key words: Airway management; Instrumentation; Intubation, endotracheal; Laryngoscope; Laryngoscopy&#x0D; Citation: Dhoon TQ, Wilson L, Rajan GRC. Video laryngoscopy: a double-edged sword. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2023;27(3):413−416; DOI: 10.35975/apic.v27i3.2219&#x0D; Received: March 30, 2023; Reviewed: April 11, 2023; Accepted: April 15, 2023

More Than a Perioperative Surgical Home: An Opportunity for Anesthesiologists to Advance Public Health.

Public health and the medical specialty of anesthesiology have been closely intertwined throughout history, dating back to the 1800s when Dr. John Snow used contact tracing methods to identify the Broad Street Pump as the source of a cholera outbreak in London. During the COVID-19 pandemic, leaders in anesthesiology and anesthesia patient safety came forward to develop swift recommendations in the face of rapidly changing evidence to help protect patients and healthcare workers. While these high-profile examples may seem like uncommon events, there are many common modern-day public health issues that regularly intersect with anesthesiology and surgery. These include, but are not limited to, smoking; chronic opioid use and opioid use disorder; and obstructive sleep apnea. As an evolving medical specialty that encompasses pre- and postoperative care and acute and chronic pain management, anesthesiologists are uniquely positioned to improve patient care and outcomes and promote long-lasting behavioral changes to improve overall health. In this article, we make the case for advancing the role of the anesthesiologist beyond the original perioperative surgical home model into promoting public health initiatives within the perioperative period.

The Anesthesiology Physician-Scientist Pipeline: Current Status and Recommendations for Future Growth-An Initiative of the Anesthesia Research Council.

The limited number and diversity of resident physicians pursuing careers as physician-scientists in medicine has been a concern for many decades. The Anesthesia Research Council aimed to address the status of the anesthesiology physician-scientist pipeline, benchmarked against other medical specialties, and to develop strategic recommendations to sustain and expand the number and diversity of anesthesiology physician-scientists. The working group analyzed data from the Association of American Medical Colleges and the National Resident Matching Program to characterize the diversity and number of research-oriented residents from US and international allopathic medical schools entering 11 medical specialties from 2009 to 2019. Two surveys were developed to assess the research culture of anesthesiology departments. National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding information awarded to anesthesiology physician-scientists and departments was collected from NIH RePORTER and the Blue Ridge Medical Institute. Anesthesiology ranked eighth to tenth place of 11 medical specialties in the percent of "research-oriented" entering residents, defined as those with advanced degrees (Master's or PhDs) in addition to the MD degree or having published at least 3 research publications before residency. Anesthesiology ranked eighth of 11 specialties in the percent of entering residents who were women but ranked fourth of 11 specialties in the percent of entering residents who self-identified as belonging to an underrepresented group in medicine. There has been a 72% increase in both the total NIH funding awarded to anesthesiology departments and the number of NIH K-series mentored training grants (eg, K08 and K23) awarded to anesthesiology physician-scientists between 2015 and 2020. Recommendations for expanding the size and diversity of the anesthesiology physician-scientist pipeline included (1) developing strategies to increase the number of research intensive anesthesiology departments; (2) unifying the diverse programs among academic anesthesiology foundations and societies that seek to grow research in the specialty; (3) adjusting American Society of Anesthesiologists metrics of success to include the number of anesthesiology physician-scientists with extramural research support; (4) increasing the number of mentored awards from Foundation of Anesthesia Education and Research (FAER) and International Anesthesia Research Society (IARS); (5) supporting an organized and concerted effort to inform research-oriented medical students of the diverse research opportunities within anesthesiology should include the specialty being represented at the annual meetings of Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) students and the American Physician Scientist Association, as well as in institutional MSTP programs. The medical specialty of anesthesiology is defined by new discoveries and contributions to perioperative medicine which will only be sustained by a robust pipeline of anesthesiology physician-scientists.

Anesthesiology Module for Competency Based, Integrated Modular Undergraduate Medical Curriculum in Ethiopia

Anesthesiology has gradually become one of the largest specialty in medicine [1]. The specialty of anaesthesiology has grown, and separate branches of critical care and pain management have flourished; and perioperative medicine has defined itself as a new focus for anaesthesia in many areas of the world [1,2]. Times have changed in medical education too. Curricula are focusing less on acquisition of knowledge and instead on achieving competencies to equip students for work in complex clinical settings. Couple of years ago, Competency-based medical education (CBME) has been adopted as an evidence-guided alternative to the traditional/ conventional medical education in Ethiopia [3].

Predictors of Matching into Anesthesiology and Surgery: Analysis of One Program's Results

The objectives of this study were to use a multivariable regression model to determine what application factors made anesthesiology and surgery applicants more or less likely to match into an anesthesiology or surgery residency program. Surgery and Anesthesiology applicants listed on the final National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) Rank Order Lists from WMC in the 2020-2021 application cycle were included in analysis. All applicant data were collected through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). All ERAS and letters of recommendation (LOR) data were deidentified and LOR were subsequently inputted into a linguistics software to analyze the language use in LOR. Descriptive analyses were conducted to compare variables between applicants that matched to a specific residency program and those who matched elsewhere. A multivariable regression model was then used to determine characteristics of anesthesiology and surgery applicants that were indicative of matching to a specific rank of residency program. A total of 116 anesthesiology and 78 surgery applicants were included in final analysis. Analysis of anesthesiology applicants yielded four significant application characteristics that influenced matching to a higher or lower ranked residency program: USMLE Step 2 CK scores, medical school attended, insight category words in LOR, and anger category words in LOR. Similarly, analysis of surgery applicants yielded four significant characteristics: Race, USMLE Step 1 scores, insight category words, and see category words. Our results demonstrated that specialties of anesthesiology and surgery considered different metrics regarding the residency application process. Among the many factors that were analyzed, USMLE scores and language in LOR were considered significant in both specialties. As the application process continues to evolve, we may see a shift in what application factors are considered more important than others.

Public Awareness and Knowledge About Anesthesiology and the Role of Anesthesiologists in Al-Qassim Province, Saudi Arabia.

Introduction Anesthesiology is a specialty of medicine that focuses on inducing reversible loss of consciousness, amnesia, muscle relaxation, and analgesia. Anesthesiologists play an important and integral role in pain clinics, operating rooms, and intensive care units (ICU). This study assessed public awareness and knowledge about the specialty of anesthesiology and the role of anesthesiologists in Qassim province, Saudi Arabia. Methods An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted in Qassim province from September 2022 to December 2022. A modified electronic questionnaire was distributed through social media platforms. The questionnaire contained items designated as demographics, knowledge, and experience regarding anesthesia and the importance of anesthesiologists. Saudi participants older than 18 years of age were eligible to complete the survey. Results Of the 405 participants, 375 met the inclusion criteria (48.5% women and 51.5% men), and participants with an undergraduate education level (23.5%, p<.05) had a higher prevalence of having undergone surgery previously. Furthermore, it was found that factors, such as knowledge about the complications of regional anesthesia (p<.001) positively influenced anesthesia knowledge. Moreover, in a linear regression model, an understanding of the complications of regional anesthesia was associated with increased anesthesia knowledge (p<.05). However, the sample demonstrated a poor level of anesthesia knowledge, evidenced by the responses to questions assessing the same. Conclusions Consistent with the literature, there was a poor level of anesthesia awareness and knowledge among the adult population living in Saudi Arabia. Further research is needed to establish the link between anesthesia awareness, knowledge about the role of the anesthesiologist, and knowledge about anesthesiology in the region.

A plea for standardisation in the duration of training in anaesthesiology and intensive care medicine across Europe: A survey of representatives of the European National Anaesthesia Societies Committee.

Anaesthesiologists and intensive care doctors have become progressively more mobile across Europe. The standardisation of training systems has been recommended by the European Union of Medical Specialist (UEMS) to facilitate the mutual recognition of professionals. We aimed to assess the level of compliance with the 2018 European training requirements (ETR) for the specialty of anaesthesiology, pain and intensive care medicine. An electronic questionnaire on the duration of the training and assessment methods in anaesthesiology and intensive care medicine was circulated via e-mail to the National Anaesthesia Societies Committee (NASC) representatives of all 41 European countries as defined by the WHO. All 41 countries replied. The average duration of training was 4.7 years; in 29% of the countries, it was less than 5 years. In 78% of the countries, a mandatory written examination was required, and the most common form was a national test (44%), with only 27% using the European Diploma of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care. In the subgroup of the 26 EU countries investigated, the average duration of the training was 5 years and in 19% was less than 5 years. In the subgroup of the 15 non-EU countries, the average duration of training was 4.25 years, with 46% of the countries having a duration shorter than 5 years. This survey highlighted the diversity in the training in anaesthesiology and intensive care medicine in Europe despite the recommendations advocated by the EBA-UEMS. The findings on the duration of training demonstrated that the target of 5 years has not been universally achieved yet with a substantial difference between EU and non-EU countries. The evidence presented suggests the need for initiatives dedicated to implement compliance with the advocated duration and competence requirements reported in the European Training Requirement for anaesthesiology and intensive care by UEMS.

ASA Honors James D. Grant, MD, MBA, FASA, with 2021 Distinguished Service Award

Article| December 2022 ASA Honors James D. Grant, MD, MBA, FASA, with 2021 Distinguished Service Award Daniel J. Cole, MD, FASA Daniel J. Cole, MD, FASA Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar ASA Monitor December 2022, Vol. 86, 43. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.ASM.0000904304.75388.43 Views Icon Views Article contents Figures & tables Video Audio Supplementary Data Peer Review Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Cite Icon Cite Get Permissions Search Site Citation Daniel J. Cole; ASA Honors James D. Grant, MD, MBA, FASA, with 2021 Distinguished Service Award. ASA Monitor 2022; 86:43 doi: https://doi.org/10.1097/01.ASM.0000904304.75388.43 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Reference Manager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentAll PublicationsASA Monitor Search Advanced Search Topics: awards and prizes The 2021 ASA Distinguished Service Award (DSA) was bestowed upon James D. Grant, MD, MBA, FASA, at ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana, this October. The DSA is ASA's highest honor and is presented annually to a member who has transformed the specialty of anesthesiology. Dr. Grant was recognized for his highly distinguished career as an anesthesiologist, enduring contributions to ASA members, and deep commitment to advocating for the specialty and protecting patient safety. Jim Grant served as ASA President in 2017–18. His term was marked by a number of pressing challenges – and an equal number of significant successes. In response to persistent shortages of injectable drugs, Dr. Grant oversaw the creation of a robust Drug Shortage Survey and the ASA Drug Shortage Registry, which was likely the most thorough and widely referenced such registry in the medical community at the time. As the opioid crisis raged in... You do not currently have access to this content.

Implementing pathways to anesthesiology: Promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and success.

Implementing pathways to anesthesiology: Promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and success.

Programmatic approaches to achieving equity for women in anesthesiology.

Programmatic approaches to achieving equity for women in anesthesiology.

Ronald A. MacKenzie, DO – 1938-2022

Article| November 2022 Ronald A. MacKenzie, DO – 1938-2022 Mark A. Warner, MD Mark A. Warner, MD Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar ASA Monitor November 2022, Vol. 86, 12. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.ASM.0000897312.65864.de Views Icon Views Article contents Figures & tables Video Audio Supplementary Data Peer Review Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Cite Icon Cite Get Permissions Search Site Citation Mark A. Warner; Ronald A. MacKenzie, DO – 1938-2022. ASA Monitor 2022; 86:12 doi: https://doi.org/10.1097/01.ASM.0000897312.65864.de Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Reference Manager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentAll PublicationsASA Monitor Search Advanced Search Topics: africa, alaska, antarctica, aves, cataract-alopecia-sclerodactyly syndrome, child, daughter, expeditions, high schools, internship and residency On August 21, 2022, ASA and the specialty of anesthesiology lost a great leader, beloved mentor and teacher, unwavering patient advocate, and generous friend who represented our profession at the highest level in every aspect of his long and storied career. Ronald Alexander MacKenzie was born March 31, 1938, in Detroit, Michigan. He was the youngest of four children. His two brothers, James D. MacKenzie and Kenneth MacKenzie, his beloved sister Evelyn Sienkiewicz, and his parents Elizabeth and James MacKenzie preceded him in death. His parents hailed from the Highlands of Scotland, and although born in Detroit, he was exceptionally proud of his Scottish heritage. After finishing secondary school at Cass Tech High School in Detroit, Dr. MacKenzie attended Alma College in Alma, Michigan. He subsequently matriculated to the University of Health Sciences in Kansas City, Missouri, graduating in 1967. After a short time in private general practice in rural... You do not currently have access to this content.

Context Analysis of Continued Citation of Retracted Manuscripts Published in Anesthesiology Journals.

The continued citation of retracted publications from the medical literature is a well-known and persistent problem. We describe the contexts of ongoing citations to manuscripts that have been retracted from a selection of anesthesiology journals. We also examine how bibliographic databases and publisher websites document the retracted status of these manuscripts. The authors performed an analysis of retracted publications from anesthesiology journals using the Retraction Watch database. We then examined how the retraction information was displayed on bibliographic databases, search engines, and publisher websites. The primary outcome was the context of continued citation after retraction of flawed publications within the specialty of anesthesiology. Secondary outcomes included comparison of the documentation, bibliographic databases, search engines, and publisher websites used in identifying the retracted status of these publications and provision of access to the respective retraction notices. A total of 245 original publications were retracted over a 28-year period from 9 anesthesiology journals. PubMed, compared to the other databases and search engines, was the most consistent (98.8%) in documenting the retracted status of the publications examined, as well as providing a direct link to the retraction notice. From the 211 publications retracted before January 2020, there were 1307 postretraction citations accessed from Scopus. The median number of postretraction citations was 3.5 (range, 0-88, with at least 1 citation in 164 publications) in Scopus. Of the postretraction citations, 80% affirmed the validity of the retracted publications, while only 5.2% of citations acknowledged the retraction or misconduct. In 10.2% of the citations from original research studies, retracted manuscripts appeared to influence the decision to pursue or the methods used in subsequent original research studies. The frequency of citation of the 15 most cited retracted publications declined in a similar pattern during the 10 years after retraction. Citation of manuscripts retracted from anesthesiology journals remains a common occurrence. Technological innovations and application of standards for handling retracted publications, as suggested by coalitions of researchers across the spectrum of scientific investigation, may serve to reduce the persistence of this error.

Increase the Value of Your ASA Membership in Under 10 Minutes

Leadership Perspectives| October 2022 Increase the Value of Your ASA Membership in Under 10 Minutes Kraig S. de Lanzac, MD, FASA Kraig S. de Lanzac, MD, FASA Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar ASA Monitor October 2022, Vol. 86, 9. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.ASM.0000890020.21633.0a Views Icon Views Article contents Figures & tables Video Audio Supplementary Data Peer Review Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Cite Icon Cite Get Permissions Search Site Citation Kraig S. de Lanzac; Increase the Value of Your ASA Membership in Under 10 Minutes. ASA Monitor 2022; 86:9 doi: https://doi.org/10.1097/01.ASM.0000890020.21633.0a Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Reference Manager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentAll PublicationsASA Monitor Search Advanced Search Topics: internship and residency, touch sensation, medical residencies, students, medical, leadership The collective stress of the past two and a half years has tested us all, including our organization. Adaptation is a sign of strength, and the American Society of Anesthesiologists has proven strong. The ability to remain a united organization is a tribute to the legacy of leaders before us and the leadership and membership we currently enjoy. I am proud to serve alongside those leaders as your ASA Assistant Secretary. We continue to face an array of challenges to our profession and specialty. At the same time, we are enjoying an increase in interest in our field from medical students. How can we protect the specialty for future patients and colleagues? I firmly believe if ASA is strong and vibrant, the field will follow, and if the medical specialty of anesthesiology is strong and vibrant, ASA will follow. But we cannot do this without our members. Over the past... You do not currently have access to this content.