Anesthesiology has evolved from a specialty focused on O.R. care to one that encompasses a wide variety of clinical services both within and far beyond the traditional surgical environment. The scope of anesthesia practice has expanded, in part due to the knowledge and skills acquired by physician anesthesiologists in the care of surgical patients and in part as a result of the clinical needs of patients in other environments. Changes in health care delivery are creating opportunities for anesthesiologists to assume a broader role for management of patients throughout the continuum of care, e.g., the Perioperative Surgical Home (PSH) model.1,2 Some have suggested this approach is essential to securing the future of the specialty.1,3,4
The extension of practice opportunities for anesthesiologists has many benefits for the specialty, health systems and our patients. Anesthesiology has attracted a very diverse and talented group of...