Mom starts radiation as I write this…
She was recently given a presumptive diagnosis of lung cancer, despite two non-diagnostic biopsies. She’s nervous — understandably so. And I find myself in a role I know well from the other side of the drape, but that feels entirely different from this seat: the person who can’t do much except show up, listen, and be present for her. I wish I could make it just… go away. I can’t. What I can do is be present, ask good questions, and make sure she has an advocate in every room she walks into. That’s what I’m doing this week, and I suspect many of you reading this know exactly what that feels like.
I share this not for sympathy, but because I think it’s worth naming: we spend our careers managing other people’s fear and uncertainty in the perioperative space, and then we go home and sit with our own. Thank you to those of you who have checked in — it means more than you know.
NMA Annual Meeting — a strong showing from California
The National Medical Association Annual Convention in San Juan was a genuine highlight. California was well represented in the Anesthesiology Section–UC Davis’s Dr. Sharon Ashley was co-chair of the meeting, I had the privilege of co-moderating a session with UCSF’s Dr. Odi Ehie featuring two outstanding California physicians: Dr. Odmara Barreta-Cheng, also from UCSF, and Dr. Jacqueline Drummond. UCLA’s Dr. John Patton did hands-on instruction for the POCUS and regional anesthesia workshops. Their presentations reflected the depth of talent we have in this state, and it was energizing to see that recognized on a national stage. We had the privilege of hosting the ASA President Dr. Pat Giam as part of a leadership panel.
ADA pediatric sedation guidance — public comment underway
The American Dental Association’s proposed personnel standards for pediatric sedation and general anesthesia remain in limbo, and Dr. Rita Agarwal continues to lead this effort on behalf of patient safety. This is a priority issue for ASA and CSA, and I’ll have more to share as things progress, but I assure you we are monitoring and actively advocating for pediatric patient safety as the priority in receiving dental and oral surgery.
Looking ahead: ASA Board of Directors meeting (Chicago) and ASA Annual Meeting (San Diego)
This coming weekend, we head to Chicago for the ASA Board of Directors meeting, where California’s voice on governance, scope-of-practice, and patient safety issues will be front and center. We’re also deep in preparation for the ASA Annual Meeting in San Diego this fall — more details to come as the agenda takes shape but save the date for an all CSA member reception on the evening of October 17th. ASA committee appointments are underway and be on the lookout for emails from ASA about them–note that no response is necessary unless you want to DECLINE; this is different from the process in the past! Our own CSA past presidents are running for ASA offices at the upcoming October ASA House of Delegates–Dr. Christine Doyle is running for ASA Vice Speaker and Dr. Ed Mariano is running for ASA Assistant Treasurer. Be sure to check out their websites and spread the word to your friends and colleagues across the country!
Committee appointments coming soon
CSA President-elect Dr. Todd Primack is currently finalizing committee appointments for the upcoming CSA year. If you’ve applied to serve, keep an eye on your inbox — announcements should be coming soon.
As always, thank you for the work you do every day for your patients, and for the community we’ve built together at CSA. Stay vigilant.
Christina Menor, MD, MS, FASA
President, California Society of Anesthesiologists