4 • O U T P A T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • J U L Y 2 0 2 0
D
uring the peak of the
coronavirus out-
break, anesthesiolo-
gists used their exceptional
skills to provide life-saving
care under unimaginable
pressure. That didn't surprise
me one bit.
The COVID-19 crisis
showed anesthesiologists are
far more than just experts in
anesthesia care. They are
intensivists, leaders in times
of change and the source of
much medical innovation.
They are the collaborators
who help create the policies
and guidelines that drive team-based care. Most recently, the
American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) collaborated with the
Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN), the
American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the American Hospital
Association (AHA) in developing a practical roadmap that guides
facilities as they resume elective surgeries.
Anesthesia professionals are doers, leaders and master collaborators.
They're often the medical directors of ASCs. They're instrumental in
creating policies that ensure safe patient care. They use their expertise
to guide accrediting organizations and CMS in developing comprehen-
On Point
Beverly K. Philip, MD, FASA
Leading From the Head of the Table
Anesthesia pros are positioned to help advance innovative care.
BREATHE EASY Expertise in difficult airway management is only one way anesthesia professionals
guide safe patient care during outpatient procedures that are growing in complexity.
Mike
Mackinnon,
CRNA
