Together, WE Are ASA

As First Vice President and President-Elect, I have had the opportunity to speak at innumerable meetings of my fellow physician anesthesiologists. Whether these have been state component society meetings, ASA or any number of committee meetings, there was a heightened level of energy at each gathering. Our passion for patient-centered, physician-led care is a shared goal that separates us from other medical gatherings, where attendees seem more focused on ancillary needs like fulfilling CME credits or networking for that next job. Before every presentation I deliver, I challenge myself to learn as much as possible about the current issues of importance to the state component society or committee audience. As a physician leader, I understand the audience members have invested their time and money to be in those chairs. Most, if not all, are there at their own expense, having traveled, given up time in the O.R., and having...