Excellence in Government Award Recipients Honored at LEGCON 2026

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) congratulates this year’s recipients of the annual Excellence in Government (EIG) Award, presented at LEGCON 2026. The EIG Award is presented to elected officials who set the ceiling of exemplary dedication and contribution to the medical specialty of anesthesiology, its practitioners, and the patients they serve.
 
Rep. Greg Murphy, MD (NC 03)
ASA also recognizes and celebrates this year’s winners of the annual Bertram W. Coffer, MD Excellence in Government Award, which honors ASA members who exemplify outstanding advocacy and professional citizenship on behalf of the specialty.
 
Dr. Jennifer Root
Dr. Root has shown longstanding leadership in advocacy and professional citizenship through her service on the ASAPAC Executive Board, Committee on Governmental Affairs, Committee on Communications, Committee on Membership, and Committee on Late Career and Retired Members. She previously served on the South Carolina Medical Association Board and currently serves as the Vice Chair of the South Carolina Board of Medicine. Dr. Root has been a dedicated mentor to anesthesiologists interested in advocacy and Dr. Root also continues to promote physician-led care for Veterans.
 
Dr. John Satterfield
Dr. Satterfield has been a strong advocate for the specialty at both the federal and state levels. He is active in the Connecticut Society of Anesthesiologists, serves on the ASAPAC Board, participates in the ASA Grassroots Network, and regularly attends Legislative Conference. Dr. Satterfield has testified before the Connecticut state legislature on Medicare payment rates, harmful insurance practices, and physician-led anesthesia care. He has also helped engage residency programs nationwide in advocacy and led Connecticut and the New England Caucus to increased ASAPAC involvement.
 
The American Society of Anesthesiologists  extends its congratulations and  gratitude to these leaders for their commitment to advancing the specialty and supporting anesthesiologists and their patients.