| |
October 2002
Volume 66 |
Number 10
|
| |
VENTILATIONS
|
| The Foundation(s)
of Our Success |
|
|
Mark J. Lema, M.D., Ph.D. Editor
|
|
Every medical specialty has subspecialty societies, mysterious
historical clubs and "boutique" groups to satisfy
the needs of its members. These groups give depth and breadth
to each medical discipline by maintaining and expanding
the practice parameters in their respective areas of interest.
Indeed, I would guess that every member of ASA also is a
member of a second subspecialty society and regards himself
or herself as somewhat of a specialist in that discipline.
Anesthesiology is blessed by having three foundations,
independent organizations under the "benign oversight"
of ASA. These foundations serve as the memory, conscience
and intellect of our specialty and are unencumbered by ASA
to continue expanding their knowledge and influence. I doubt
that the average anesthesiologist is actively aware of the
impact that the Wood Library-Museum of Anesthesiology (WLM),
the Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation (APSF), and the
Foundation for Anesthesia Education and Research (FAER),
have on the quality of their anesthesia practice. ASA would
soon become a second-class medical organization but for
the existence of these three organizations.
WLM is a resource untapped by most members. It serves as
the world's repository for printed, taped and electronic
information pertaining to the practice of anesthesiology.
Its historical archives are unparalleled with respect to
our history, since anesthesia was "invented" in
America only 155 years ago. Texts, letters, manuscripts
and other enduring materials are readily available for historians
or other members to research upon request. In addition,
WLM has the world's most extensive library on currently
published textbooks and periodicals. Are you interested
in reading articles from the South African Journal of Anaesthesia
and Analgesia? WLM has that periodical. As evidenced by
the September issue of the ASA NEWSLETTER, WLM members
and trustees provided us, our junior members and residents
with an insightful review of how we came to be a specialty
that utilizes extensive monitoring in patient care. Thus,
one can state that WLM preserves us as a medical specialty.
APSF is the second jewel in the crown of our anesthesiology
organization. Its accomplishments in promoting the safe
practice of our specialty have gained national acclaim for
us. The often-cited 1999 Institute of Medicine's society-shaking
treatise on medical errors showcased anesthesiology by proclaiming
it to be the benchmark for other societies to measure themselves.
For almost 20 years, APSF has addressed critical shortfalls
in our practice, assessed clinical outcomes for their validity
and analyzed closed claims, all for the improvement of our
anesthetic practices. Being the watchdog for patient safety
has paid dividends to us in the form of lower professional
liability costs. Consider that anesthesiology practice was
placed in one of the highest risk categories just 20 years
ago. If our specialty was still considered high-risk today,
anesthesiologists, like obstetricians, neurosurgeons and
emergency room physicians, would be leaving their practices
and homes in tort-friendly states just to survive. Thus,
APSF defines us as a medical specialty.
FAER is the soul and intellect of our specialty. To promote
the principles of scholarly activity by grant support of
necessary research is no easy task. Most anesthesiologists
are engaged in the frenetic daily activities of "moving
the schedule of cases," efficiently avoiding anticipated
clinical problems and treating unexpected emergencies. With
a critical workforce shortage looming, little time is left
to conduct clinical trials or bench research. However, if
development of even better drugs, newer techniques and safer
practice paradigms for anesthesiology ceases, who outside
of our specialty will pick up the ball to continue research
in these areas? The maturity and sophistication of a medical
specialty can be measured by its emphasis on research and
development. FAER makes this critical effort possible by
facilitating research and scholarly activity. In awarding
grant dollars to those in our specialty who have the knowledge,
talent and inclination to discover, their groups or departments
are provided the necessary fiscal relief to provide valuable
academic time for these researchers. Scholarly activity
and scientific advancement are somewhat protracted activities,
often having an obtuse or intangible objectives. Like patriotism,
civic pride and dedication, the erosion of the principles
of intellectual advancement will occur unobtrusively until,
one day, one realizes that it is almost gone. FAER is critical
to our professional health by advancing us as a medical
specialty.
ASA gives generously to support WLM, APSF and FAER. It
is estimated that $75 per member is donated in total to
all three foundations. These foundations are independent
of ASA's control, however. In this way, they can form alliances
that may not be possible if governed by ASA. They can seek
and enroll members outside of ASA membership, and they can
appoint board members or trustees who are not in the anesthesiology
specialty. This independence from ASA also mandates that
they become self-supporting through endowment development.
Now is the time to step up to the plate and hit a home
run for our foundations. It would be no effort for each
anesthesiologist to match the $75 ASA per-member donation
that was established more than a decade ago. I would especially
challenge those "conscientious objectors" who
have refused to contribute to the ASA Political Action Committee
war chest and may have overlooked contributing to the foundations.
Many anesthesiologists know that professional dues, like
a ticket to Epcot Center, get you inside the facility but
that additional costs are anticipated and necessary. Some
of these members do contribute to political action committees
and foundations. However, when spare time is precious and
salary raises have flattened, support of foundations becomes
lost in the shuffle of balancing our life goals. As daily
hygiene and eating are essential to your personal well-being,
WLM, APSF and FAER support are essential to your professional
well-being. Please support these foundations as much as
you address your own health.
Remember that:
WLM preserves us as a specialty.
APSF defines us as a specialty.
FAER advances us as a specialty.
– M.J.L.
return to top
|