ASA Centennial Web Site

The introduction of anesthesia into surgical care was not just one of the most important events in medicine, it was one the most important events in the history of modern civilization. Anesthesiology changed the world, and it continues to positively affect the lives of billions of people the world over.

In 2005, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) celebrates 100 years of being the foremost advocate in anesthesiology, especially for the millions of patients who undergo anesthetic procedures each year.

In the 100 years of ASA’s existence, anesthesiology has gone through dynamic, remarkable and tumultuous changes. There have been many pioneers who helped to make anesthesiology the prominent and important medical specialty it is today. And so we present these historical milestones in dedication to those who have helped to shape ASA and the specialty.

Nine medical colleagues form Long Island Society of Anesthetists • Introduction of procaine (soon to become Novocain)

Founding Charter member Adolph Frederick Erdmann, M.D., receives membership certificate #1

Name changed to New York Society of Anesthetists

Karl Connell develops gas mask

Dr. Gwathmey co-authors Anesthesia, the United States' first comprehensive medical textbook

First four gas anesthesia machine developed

Ralph M. Waters, M.D., forms first academic anesthesiology program

Paul M. Wood, M.D., donates historical collection to ASA

ASA housed in Squibb Building, New York City

Name changed to American Society of Anesthetists; dues increased to $5

American Board of Anesthesiology began

First issue of ASA NEWSLETTER

First issue of Anesthesiology

ASA publishes Physical Status Classification system

Name changed to American Society of Anesthesiologists • Distinguished Service Award established • First Annual Meeting in New York

ASA moved to 188 W. Randolph St., Chicago

First meeting of House of Delegates in St. Louis, Missouri

Wood Library-Museum of Anesthesiology formed

Halothane introduced • ASA adopts the “Statement of Policy” describing scope of practice

“Copper Kettle” first device to administer volatile inhaled anesthetics in calculated concentrations

Leroy D. Vandam, M.D., involved in first organ transplant (a kidney)

Anesthesia Memorial Foundation established

ASA builds first Park Ridge, Illinois, headquarters building

Relative Value Guide (RVG) adopted

ASA President (1972) M.T. "Pepper" Jenkins, M.D., helps to treat John F. Kennedy, at Parkland Memorial Hospital, Dallas, Texas

“Gate control” theory of pain management established

First freestanding ambulatory surgery center in the U.S. opened in Phoenix

ASA retains John Lansdale, Esq., as legal counsel • ASA sued for antitrust violations concerning RVG; suit dropped in 1979

Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation founded at urging of Ellison C. Pierce, Jr., M.D. • ASA Closed Claims project begun

ASA approves first standard of care for anesthesia monitoring • Foundation for Anesthesia Education and Research founded

Overseas Teaching Program founded by Nicholas M. Greene, M.D. • Seven subspecialties admitted to House of Delegates

Betty P. Stephenson becomes first woman ASA President

ASA moves into current headquarters building • First Doctors Day campaign and poster

ASA Web site launched • Virginia Apgar featured on a U.S. postage stamp

Medicare proposes elimination of supervision rule for nurse anesthetists

Institute of Medicine’s To Err Is Human singles out anesthesiology for patient safety record

Physician supervision of nurse anesthetists retained federally by Medicare

Record attendance at ASA Annual Meeting, 18,459

ASA celebrates A Century of Advancing Patient Safety!


© 2005 American Society of Anesthesiologists

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