April 1997
Volume 61 |
Number 4
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RESIDENTS' REVIEW
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| A Rookie's Point
of View of ASA |
Shannon G. Smith, M.D.
Since my initial involvement in the ASA Resident Component, I
have been approached frequently by colleagues who are curious
about my role as a resident delegate. I will begin to answer that
question by describing my earliest involvement in resident activities.
I joined the Maryland Society of Anesthesiologists as a CA-1
resident who was not entirely familiar with the purpose of this
group. However, I understood the importance of organizational
involvement from past participation in student government. Under
the direction of Scott E. Metzger, M.D., Chair of the ASA Resident
Component Governing Council, other officers and I were able to
expand the activities of our new state resident component. It
was gratifying to see many of my peers become involved in bettering
the future of our specialty.
My position as Secretary-Treasurer of the Maryland-D.C. Resident
Component familiarized me with many of the important issues that
affect anesthesiologists. These include reimbursement, the ongoing
struggle with nurse anesthesia scope of practice issues and the
future of anesthesiology as a specialty. These topics certainly
do not cross my mind on a daily basis as I answer questions at
a resident conference, pump blood during a TAA repair or attempt
to intubate a 400-pound parturient; however, these are pertinent
issues that will affect the quality of my life as a practicing
anesthesiologist.
The high point of my participation in ASA thus far has been to
serve as a resident delegate at the ASA Annual Meeting last October
in New Orleans, Louisiana. The first official activity for the
residents was an advocacy and leadership training workshop. The
seminar was fundamental in stressing the importance of becoming
involved in local and national politics and interacting with the
legislators who vote on issues affecting anesthesiologists. In
Maryland, we are using these lessons to increase resident political
awareness and activity.
The Resident Component House of Delegates took place on the second
day of the meeting. During this session, officer elections took
place, goals for the year were established and resolutions were
made. One aspect of the meeting that struck me in particular was
the efficient and organized manner with which business was conducted.
Knowing the "rules of order," which were previously
foreign to me, are of particular benefit as I continue my involvement
in organized medicine.
One of the fun things about the ASA meeting was the opportunity
to network and share experiences with colleagues. For example,
many delegates exchanged stories regarding how various programs
were handling the declining number of residents. Speaking with
several private practice attendings gave me an insider's view
concerning some of the political issues as well as job availability.
We also exchanged tips on how to handle the emergencies that we
learn about, such as managing the difficult airway, anaphylaxis
and malignant hyperthermia.
One might wonder, as I did, whether ASA provides a forum for
residents who are disgruntled by their workload, case diversity
or job contract negotiations. Although the organization cannot
always address these issues on a national level, the Resident
Component Governing Council provides advice regarding how to approach
these issues through the proper channels. The possibility of developing
an Internet site for residents to discuss these issues is currently
being explored. Additionally, many of the state organizations
sponsor a practice opportunities seminar during which local anesthesiologists
discuss the current job market and qualities that they seek in
applicants.
I hope this article has adequately explained the purpose of the
ASA Resident Component and the importance of widespread involvement.
It is very easy to remain passive about issues or complain about
them among peers; however, change can only be accomplished by
addressing concerns in an organized manner. I personally have
found involvement in ASA to be interesting, rewarding and enjoyable.
Shannon G. Smith, M.D., is an anesthesiology
resident in her CA-2 year at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore,
Maryland.
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