Dear OSA Members,

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller

This quote resonates deeply with the spirit of our anesthesiology community here in Ohio. Despite the immense challenges we face, it is our unity, collaboration, and shared dedication that empower us to achieve great things. Together, we’ve navigated obstacles while continuing to provide the highest standard of care to our patients.

Our commitment to patient safety and quality of care drives everything we do. Physician-led anesthesia care is not just a model we advocate for—it is a proven approach that ensures the best outcomes. As anesthesiologists, our expertise and training equip us to make critical, life-saving decisions every day. Yet, some groups continue to push for nurse-only practice models, spreading misleading claims. Our advocacy isn’t just about defending titles; it’s about protecting our patients and upholding the integrity of our specialty.

Equally important is our role as financial and operational stewards within healthcare. The finalized decrease in the Anesthesia Conversion Factor for 2025 and insurer decisions, such as the elimination of payments for qualifying circumstance codes, threaten the stability of our practices. These are not just numbers on a spreadsheet; they represent the support needed to sustain high-quality, specialized care. We must continue to educate policymakers and fight for a fair system that recognizes the complexity of our work and compensates it accordingly.

At both the state and national levels, our advocacy remains a top priority. While we engage with national legislators on critical issues, it is at the state level where many of the most impactful decisions—especially those related to scope of practice—are made. The Ohio Society of Anesthesiologists leads these efforts, ensuring that your voice is heard and that policies support and protect our profession.

Despite these challenges, our community remains resilient. The OSA Annual Meeting exemplifies our commitment to education, networking, and collaboration. Free registration for members ensures that everyone has access to valuable opportunities for professional growth. Beyond the meeting, there are countless ways to get involved, from committee work to advocacy initiatives. An engaged membership is the lifeblood of our society, and we are committed to being responsive to your needs.

I understand that some members feel the society leans heavily toward academia. While academic anesthesiologists are often overrepresented, it is out of necessity, not design. Our vision is to foster a dynamic community that includes both academic and private practice anesthesiologists. By working together, we can advance the specialty, improve patient care, and create a future where all voices are heard and valued.

I invite you to be part of this effort. Contact us and share what you feel the society could be doing more of or better. Let us know how you’d like to be involved, whether it’s through committee work, contributing ideas, or joining our advocacy efforts. If time is limited, consider supporting our legislative advocacy by donating to the OSA and ASA Political Action Committees. Even small contributions make a difference, and QR links are included below for your convenience.

Let’s continue to support one another, learn from each other, and strive for excellence. The challenges we face are significant, but so are the opportunities. By uniting our strengths, we can make a profound impact on the future of our profession.

 

Thank you for your dedication and commitment. Here’s to a year of progress, collaboration, and inspired leadership.

 

Warm wishes,

 

Victor Davila, MD

President, Ohio Society of Anesthesiologists