Dear OSA Members,

I am a private practice anesthesiologist in an independent group providing services to a single hospital system. I realize that we are a dying breed, but I feel that I provide proof that this model of practice is still relevant. My involvement with the OSA has taught me that I have much more in common with my academic brethren than I do differences. We all have a role to play in keeping our society vibrant and healthy.

At the core of everything the OSA does is our patients. We are driven to assure that each person in Ohio who receives anesthesia services is getting the highest quality and safest care possible. We aim to achieve this goal through a multipronged approach that includes advocacy, education, innovation, and research.

On the advocacy front our PAC has diligently worked to conserve the ideal of physician led anesthesia. This model has been proven to provide the best outcomes for our patients and is critical to the future of our specialty. While some push for the ability to practice independent of physician leadership with misleading or downright false claims, we realize that our depth of training puts us in the best position to respond properly in a crisis situation. At our latest state conference our PAC raised over $30,000 to continue the good fight. As exciting as this is, we know that more will be needed in light of the current climate in the Ohio Statehouse. Please follow this link on the website to make a contribution.

On the national level, the OSA provides two travel grants each year for members who wish to attend ASA’s May legislative conference in Washington, DC. This is a great opportunity to develop a relationship with our congresspersons and raise awareness of the issues impacting us. The ASA continues to fight for fair Medicare reimbursement rates, to maintain physician led anesthesia in the VA medical system, to increase funding for postgraduate education in order to eventually alleviate the physician shortage that we face, and many other issues important to our specialty.

Our education efforts are mainly focused on our annual meeting. Each fall we present talented and knowledgeable speakers covering a number of currently relevant topics. There is also a parallel workshop track where interested clinicians can hone procedural skills. Our Continuing Education and Meeting (CEAM) committee members are to be commended for their efforts.

As for innovation and research, we provide research grants of varying sizes for quality projects submitted for review. This year we had a record number of submissions from residents and medical students alike. With such intelligent and inquisitive minds being involved at such a young age there is reason for great optimism about the future of anesthesiology.

Although there are significant headwinds in the near future, by working together we can build a future that far outpaces what is behind us.

Thank you in advance for your support in the coming year.

Keith Roller, MD

President, Ohio Society of Anesthesiologists