Sphere Articles

Legislative Update

In my last Legislative Update, I summarized cases of patient harm and anesthesia-related deaths at two California hospitals that utilized nurse anesthetists as their primary anesthesia providers. This led to a CMS investigation, a finding of “immediate jeopardy”, and the loss of accreditation at both hospitals because they allowed nurse anesthetists to administer anesthesia beyond the scope of their authority and with inadequate credentialing procedures.

Enhancing Patient Outcomes: The Value of a Multidisciplinary Approach and Shared Decision-Making for Surgical Patients With Complex Comorbidities

In the United States, approximately one in every 33 hospitalizations for major noncardiac surgery results in a major adverse cardiovascular event, equating to approximately 150,000 perioperative events annually. Patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) face even greater perioperative risk, particularly those with recent myocardial infarctions or unstable angina who may require urgent intervention.

Reimagining the Retirement Model to Mitigate Workforce Shortages

The surgical care needs of New York state’s residents are expected to increase continuously over the next decade. Even with efforts to expand training of certified registered nurse anesthetists, potential utilization of certified anesthesiologist assistants, and an increase in the number of anesthesiology residency programs and residents, a significant gap will remain between available anesthesia providers and the anesthetic demands of future patients.

An Interview With Dr. Anoushka Afonso

Dr. Anoushka Afonso is a dedicated anesthesiologist, mother, researcher, and the president of the American Society for Enhanced Recovery and Perioperative Medicine (ASER PM). She has published extensively on topics ranging from enhanced recovery after surgery to anesthesiologist burnout, and she advocates for systemic changes in healthcare to better support clinician well-being and, ultimately, enhance patient care.

An Interview With Dr. Jonathan Gal

Dr. Jonathan Gal’s service to his colleagues and the specialty of anesthesiology began more than a decade ago. Over the years, he has become well-versed in the economics of anesthesiology. Beyond holding administrative positions within the Mount Sinai Health System, he has served as chair of the NYSSA’s Government and Legal Affairs Committee and as a member of the Board of Directors.

Sustainability Tip of the Quarter

Energy use constitutes approximately 12% of total global healthcare greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and 15% of total U.S. healthcare GHG emissions, with more of these emissions stemming from energy-intensive ORs and ICUs. Reducing our energy-related emissions requires thoughtful use of current products and proactive changes system-wide.

A Time for Transition

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) annual meeting was held in October in Philadelphia. NYSSA members and leadership were well represented at the meeting, with the NYSSA’s own Dr. Tracey Straker serving as vice speaker of the ASA House of Delegates.

A Year in Reflection

One year ago, I began this presidency with two key goals: to uphold the highest standards of patient safety by preserving physician-led anesthesia care in New York state, and to enhance engagement among NYSSA members. I am proud to report that we have made significant strides toward achieving both objectives.

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Legislative Update

Two California Hospitals Face the Consequences of Allowing Nurse Anesthetists to Practice Unsupervised Reports of patient harm and anesthesia-related deaths led to the loss of CMS accreditation for two California hospitals that allowed nurse anesthetists to practice unsupervised. The California Department of Health’s investigations of the two hospitals resulted in a finding of “immediate jeopardy” […]

Sustainability Tip of the Quarter

Nitrous Oxide (N2O) is a potent greenhouse gas and ozone destroyer. Due to the large volume of gas needed to achieve clinical effects, N2O’s negative environmental impact approaches that of desflurane.1 INDIVIDUAL Reduce or eliminate N2O use: INSTITUTIONAL Decommission the central N2O pipe system: Want to learn more? Submit your name and email here or […]

How We Did It: Decommissioning Central Nitrous Oxide Pipes at Three Institutions

Nicholas Gadsden, M.D., Ellen Brand, M.D., Vittoria Arslan-Carlon, M.D., and Deirdre C. Kelleher, M.D. Anesthetic gases are responsible for up to 50% of perioperative emissions, contributing substantially to hospital scope 1 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (direct emissions).1 To decrease the environmental impact of anesthesia practice, the World Federation of Societies of Anesthesiologists (WFSA) encourages all […]