Early Labor and Epidurals

study published in February 2005 by Cynthia A. Wong, M.D., showed that epidurals given in early labor do not increase the odds of cesarean birth. The study was covered by various media outlets, including HealthDay News, Associated Press, WebMD, the Boston Globe and the Columbus Post Dispatch. David J. Birnbach, M.D., also commented on the study in an article run by the Associated Press.

Saving Lives in the Desert

ilitary anesthesiologists Air Force Reserve Col. Ben Boedeker, M.D., Ph.D., and Army Col. John H. Chiles, M.D., were featured in an Omaha World-Herald article in February 2005. Drs. Chiles and Boedecker were quoted on how medical advances and devices such as a laryngoscope and local anesthesia catheters are helping to save lives on Iraqi battlefields. Dr. Chiles also was quoted about a conversation he had with Saddam Hussein on Mesopotamian history before providing him with anesthesia..

Anesthesia’s Role in the Civil War

aurice S. Albin, M.D., discussed anesthesia history and the Civil War in a Birmingham News article published in March 2004. In the piece, Dr. Albin discussed pain-killing properties of ether and chloroform and how the war subsequently changed doctors’ attitudes favorably toward anesthesia due to the large number of solders who benefited from it.

Doc Day Plugged

obert E. Johnstone, M.D., wrote a news article in the Morgantown, West Virginia, Dominion Post in March 2005 about the history and significance of Doctors Day. In the article, Dr. Johnstone celebrated the local medical community and the collective effort of physicians who provide and improve health care services in his small university town.

Medicaid Concerns in Michigan

n March 2005, the Lansing State Journal published an editorial by Kenneth Elmassian, D.O., about proposals to change Michigan’s Medicaid program. Dr. Elmassian discussed how the proposed cuts would hurt patients and drive physicians away from the program.

NBC Devotes Week to Pain

ohn F. Dombrowski, M.D., appeared on NBC’s Today show in March 2005 and twice in April 2005 to discuss chronic pain for a special week-long series, “Easing Your Pain Today.” In April 2005, Dr. Dombrowski also was interviewed by NBC 4 in Washington, D.C. In this broadcast, he discussed the concerns that patients and physicians have regarding the new warning labels on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Tougher Office Regulations in Nevada

n April 2005 article in the Las Vegas Review Journal contained testimony by Frederick W. Ernst, M.D., on a Nevada Assembly bill in favor of tougher regulations for office-based surgery. Dr. Ernst’s quotes concerned accreditation and requirements to report problems that occur during surgical procedures in offices.

The ASA Communications Department is interested in hearing from members who have been quoted in the media. To let us know that you have been interviewed, or for assistance with media relations, contact Roseanne Durril in the ASA Communications Department at (847) 825-5586 or e-mail <r.durril@ASAhq.org>.