Sphere Articles

Keeping Patients Warm in the Winter

As the temperature drops outside, let’s think about how to sustainably keep our patients warm in the OR or procedural suite.

Practicing What I Teach

Before every lecture, I practice my talk for my husband to get his feedback. Over the years, he has picked up quite a bit himself—from perioperative lactation safety to non-operating room anesthesia in the outpatient setting. But I think his favorite was the time I practiced my active listening and empathy talk before the 2024 Post-Graduate Assembly.

Building the Next Chapter Together

As I step into my role as Executive Director of the NYSSA, I want to take a moment to introduce myself and share how excited I am to serve this community.

The Power of the Team

This year’s message was not a painstakingly crafted speech, expertly reviewed and rehearsed to sound just right. Instead, it came straight from the heart—rooted in pride. My remarks began with a single theme: Team.

Vol 77 #4

This issue’s Leadership Forecast comes from Tracey Straker, M.D., M.S., M.P.H., FASA and Babette M. Atkins.

NYSSA at SAMBA

NYSSA Leaders at SAMBA National Conference

The Society for Ambulatory Anesthesia (SAMBA) met in Phoenix, Arizona in May 2025. The conference is well known for its breadth of exposure to national ambulatory anesthesia practice—including podium talks, abstract presentations, poster sessions, problem-based learning discussions and networking opportunities with renowned leaders in the field.

From Flat Earth to Round: Rethinking Ventilation with Time-Controlled Adaptive Ventilation (TCAV)

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, I faced some of the most challenging cases of my career—patients with profound hypoxemia and lungs so stiff they seemed impossible to ventilate. Despite adhering to low tidal volume (LVt) protocols (i.e., ARDS Net), I found myself losing ground. So I challenged my beliefs, searched for new information, and listened to colleagues willing to share different ideas.”

Ketamine for Pain Management: Mechanism and Analgesic Benefits in the Perioperative and Chronic Pain Settings

Ketamine has long been used as an anesthetic, but it is starting to gain significant attention for other indications. It has also become more important in the perioperative space as a potent analgesic and a potential tool for opioid-sparing anesthetics.

What a Global Health Experience in Rwanda Can Teach Us About Efficient, Impactful Anesthetic Care

“When I was invited to accompany the world-renowned thoracic surgeon, Dr. Valerie Rusch, for a needs assessment at King Faisal Hospital (KFH) in Kigali, Rwanda, I just could not pass up the opportunity. I had completed my thoracic fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and was eager to share my expertise in a global health context.”

The Future of Anesthesia: How Artificial Intelligence is Transforming Perioperative Care

“Imagine a world where anesthesiologists can predict complications before they arise, optimize sedation levels with precision, and personalize pain management strategies in real-time. With artificial intelligence (AI), these possibilities are turning into reality.”

Fireside Chat with Dr. Harter of ASA

Dr. Ronald L Harter, M.D., F.A.S.A., past-president of the ASA, is a Professor of Anesthesiology at The Ohio State University College of Medicine in Columbus, Ohio and a practicing physician anesthesiologist at the University’s Wexner Medical Center. Over the past three decades, he has served ASA in numerous roles.