American Society of Anesthesiologists

Anesthesiologists: Physicians providing the lifeline of modern medicine. Founded in 1905, the American Society of Anesthesiologists is an educational, research and scientific association with 46,000 members organized to raise and maintain the standards of the medical practice of anesthesiology and improve the care of the patient. The society’s achievements have made it an important voice in American Medicine and the foremost advocate for all patients who require anesthesia or relief from pain.

As physicians, anesthesiologists are responsible for administering anesthesia to relieve pain and for managing vital life functions including breathing, heart rhythm and blood pressure during surgery. After surgery, anesthesiologists maintain the patient in a comfortable state during the recovery and are involved in the provision of critical care medicine in the intensive care unit.

ASA and its members stand for access to safe and leading care. Anesthesiologists provide or oversee more than 90 percent of the 40 million estimated anesthetics administered in the U.S. each year. They also are committed to research and education to advance the specialty and improve patient safety.

For more information on the field of anesthesiology, visit the ASA Web site at www.asahq.org. For patient information, visit www.LifelinetoModernMedicine.com.