Join ASA and advocate for patient-centered, physician-led care. Physician Anesthesiologists Week 2020 is an action-packed, week-long event to alert policymakers, the media and the public that when seconds count, physician anesthesiologists save lives. Throughout the week, ASA members will meet with policymakers, engage with local media and on social media, and connect with colleagues, patient advocates, and the community. There has never been a more important time to advocate for the specialty of anesthesiology and your patients.

This year’s event will spotlight how physician anesthesiologists deliver high-quality care in more ways than meet the eye and include materials that highlight the depth and breadth of the specialty by exploring the subspecialties within anesthesiology.

Check out the Physician Anesthesiologists Week support materials, including:

• Recorded Webinar (mp4)  – Note: webinar starts at 1:00
  Wednesday, December 18, ASA hosted a webinar to provide an overview of Physician Anesthesiologists Week tools and activities available for use to ensure a successful week of public outreach.

• Toolkit (doc)
  The Toolkit provides instructions and templates for members who are meeting with policymakers, engaging with local and social media, as well as connecting with colleagues, patients and the community.

• Poster and Table Tents
  The poster and table tents highlighting the specialty, can be ordered for display in surgery centers, academic departments hospitals and pain clinics. 
  
  
• “What You Need to Know About Pain Management, Opioids and Overdose Prevention” Slide Deck (pptx)
  This slide deck provides five things the community needs to know about opioids, signs of overdose, and pain management alternatives. ASA members can use the deck at health fairs and community presentations.
  
  
• “Preparing for Surgery Community Outreach” Slide Deck (pptx)
  The slide deck provides a surgery and anesthesia checklist for patients and other information to help ensure a safe, successful procedure and good recovery. ASA members can use the deck in a variety of settings including at health fairs and community presentations.
  
  
• When Seconds Count^® Policymaker Brochure (pdf)
  The brochure explains the importance of patient-centered, physician-led care and provides facts on the difference this makes in the quality of care. It compares the education and training of physician anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists and gives brief stories that some ASA members have shared on lives saved.
  
  
• When Seconds Count^® Policymaker FAQ (pdf)
  The two-page document features answers to questions policymakers may ask about physician-led anesthesia care.
  
  
• When Seconds Count^® Training and Education Infographic (pdf)
  The infographic shows the differences in training and education between physician anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists.
  
  
• When Seconds Count^® Opioid Fact Sheet (pdf)
  The fact sheet details opioid use in the U.S., from problems to solutions, and highlights ASA initiatives to combat the epidemic.

• Opioid Overdose Resuscitation Guide (pdf) 
  ASA offers an opioid resuscitation guide that provides information to the public on overdose symptoms and how to respond.

• Podcast (mp3)
  ASA members Della M. Lin, M.D., and Erin Sullivan, M.D., FASA, describe how to make Physician Anesthesiologists Week a success in your community.
  
  
• Be Part of the Conversation – #PhysAnesWk20
  See how your colleagues are promoting the week in their community and be a part of the conversation on social media by using the hashtag #PhysAnesWk20.

• Social Media Sample Posts & Graphics (zip)
  Download sample posts and images for your preferred social media platform, including Facebook and Twitter cover photos. 

• Customizable Web Banner 
  ASA members can download, customize, and post the Physician Anesthesiologists Week 2020 web banner on websites and social media. Use the following instructions:
  
  
  
  • InDesign Package (zip) – For State Component Societies or ASA members who have access to a webmaster or a graphic designer, use the InDesign file to insert your logo. Save your updated web banner as a new PNG file and post it on your website and social media accounts until February 1.
  • PNG – For State Component Societies or ASA members who do not have a design software license, use the web banner in the PNG format. This can be posted directly to your website and social media accounts.

• State Proclamation Submission Guide & Template
  A proclamation commends individuals or announces upcoming events or celebrations through a formal public announcement or declaration made by government officials. Physician Anesthesiologists Week is the perfect opportunity to ask for a proclamation to honor and recognize the critical role physician anesthesiologists play in keeping patients safe in your state or community.
  
  
  • State Proclamation Submission Guide (doc)
  • State Proclamation Template (doc)
    
    
• When Seconds Count^® Website 
  The website educates patients about the specialty by highlighting the work physician anesthesiologists do every day to ensure they receive high quality care across all subspecialties within anesthesiology. There are a variety of resources that you can share with patients or policymakers – whether you are managing pain, preparing women for labor, helping children prepare for surgery, leading the anesthesia care team during heart surgery or brain surgery, or working in critical and ambulatory care on a wide range of procedures.

• New! "More Than Meets the Eye" Infographic 
  The infographic demonstrates the breadth and depth of the specialty and the important work physician anesthesiologists do every day to care for patients. Download the breakout image to share on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

• “5 Things Parents Should Know About Opioids” Infographic
  The infographic includes five key points parents need to know about the safe and effective use of opioids and pain management.
  
  
• Opioid Infographic

• "Did You Know?" Infographic

The infographic highlights important facts about the specialty and can be printed as handouts for your patients and placed in your offices.

Additionally, download and share the images below via social media.