Introducing Dr. Todd Primack, CSA President
When I reflect on the path that led me to where I am today, it all started with my family. My father practiced as an anesthesiologist for around 50 years, which exposed me to medicine and first sparked my desire to attend medical school. However, I didn’t originally plan to follow him into anesthesiology. When I applied to medical school, I planned to become a family physician and live in the mountains, where I could spend my free time backpacking and skiing. Medical school changed my mind. I learned that long-term outpatient care wasn’t the right fit for me, and I was lucky to train alongside anesthesiologists who were willing to talk me through what they were doing and why. I soon realized that anesthesiology integrated some of the core subjects I enjoy most in medicine: pharmacology, physiology, and anatomy.
I went on to spend a little over 40 years with one group practice, which allowed me to gain experience working in many different environments. I became the person in our group who was willing to be the first to try something new. When an opportunity arose, I would test it to see whether it made sense for the group, and I was always experimenting with ways to improve anesthetics, specifically by reducing nausea and providing better pain control. Along the way, I took on much of the behind-the-scenes work a practice depends on, including billing, collections, and contract negotiations. I also stepped into medical director roles when the group needed someone to lead, particularly when that work involved designing quality improvement projects.
As I approached 60, I started thinking about ways to give back. Much of the credit for my involvement with CSA goes to Dr. Christine Doyle, who continuously encouraged me to join, and to Dr. Ed Mariano, whose kindness reflected what I came to value most about this organization: its people. I began as an alternate delegate and found my place writing resources for residents on topics like billing and insurance, early groundwork that Dr. Jeff Kwock has since expanded tremendously. Since then, I’ve watched CSA become an essential resource for anesthesiologists, especially during COVID, and a leading voice for patient safety in the Legislature.
As President, I want to shine a light on the people behind CSA’s work. Our officers and committees accomplish remarkable things, but much of their work is done quietly. I’d like to make sure members can learn who they are, what their roles involve, why their work matters, and understand the range of CSA activities being undertaken to support our specialty. I hope that visibility inspires more colleagues and members to get involved.
I will also continue CSA’s work to protect California patients by ensuring they know who is caring for them and that no one misrepresents their training. Patient safety is at the center of the practice, and it depends on all of us working together to support the same standard of care. By organizing anesthesiologists around that shared standard, CSA helps us strengthen our profession and provide the best quality of care to California patients.
Outside of medicine, I spent many years on ski patrol, which suited my instinct to help people in need and serve as a resource wherever I am. My wife and I are very proud of our two daughters; one who works in Silicon Valley, and the other who is a registered dietitian in Stockton. I also live with Parkinson’s disease, and while it has created barriers to overcome, I’m incredibly grateful to be part of an organization that has supported me in working around it and continuing to lead.
To all CSA members, whether or not we’ve met, my door is always open. I’m here to listen, to amplify your voice, and to promote the work you do. If something matters to you, I would love to hear from you, so please don’t hesitate to reach out. My email is toddoprimack@gmail.com
I look forward to serving you to the best of my ability as I begin my term as president.
