June 30, 2026 - Vol. 2, Issue 9

President's Message

Christina Menor, MD, MS, FASA

Dear Colleagues,

What a weekend.


Saturday morning began with our virtual Board of Directors meeting — a full and meaningful agenda that included CoLDaN's recommended nominees for CSA elected positions for the 2026–2027 year. I am so proud of this slate. Dr. Antonio Hernandez Conte and the CoLDaN committee brought their usual care and intentionality to the process, and the candidates speak for themselves. The work of building and sustaining leadership doesn't happen by accident. Thank you to CoLDaN for their time, dedication and service to the CSA this year.  

Then Saturday afternoon, drove with a friend and colleague to Orange County for Christopher Tirce's Celebration of Life. I don't have words that feel adequate. Being in that room — with his family, with colleagues who loved him, with friends who knew him outside the OR — was one of the most tender and heavy experiences of my year as President. There were photos of Chris fishing, laughing, in scrubs. Memorial cards. Candlelight. People telling stories about a man who showed up for everyone around him without being asked. I shared the love and memories of Dr. Tirce from the CSA family at the event. I left with a full heart and a quiet resolve to keep honoring what he stood for.


To Our Graduates and Our Newest Colleagues

Congratulations to the Class of 2026. You made it through one of the most demanding training environments in medicine, and anesthesiology is better for having you. And to our incoming interns and CA-1 residents just starting this journey — welcome. We see you, and we are glad you are here.


A Note on Advocacy

California's state budget has been through the legislature and the governor’s office—it has meaningful news for Medi-Cal, for Proposition 35, and for Denti-Cal — and our team has been in the thick of those conversations. I'll have a fuller update in the coming weeks.


Be well. Be kind. Stay vigilant.


Christina Menor, MD, MS, FASA

President, California Society of Anesthesiologists

ASA Delegate | North Hollywood, CA

 

Key Updates

CSA Committee Nominations for 2026-2027 Now Open!

All current committee members must submit a new self-nomination to be considered for reappointment. Complete your application here. Deadline is Monday, July 13


2027 Call for Abstracts Now Open!

Showcase your work at CSA’s Annual Conference April 11, 2027, at the Disneyland Hotel. Share your expertise with colleagues from across California and beyond and contribute to the advancement of anesthesiology. Submit your abstract today! Deadline is February 8, 2027


The American Board of Medical Specialties Announces the ABA as 2026 Innovation Award Recipient

The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), the leading not-for-profit organization overseeing the certification of physicians and medical specialists in the United States, has announced the recipients of its 2026 service awards, including the Innovation Award for the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) and an individual award for former ABA Board of Directors President Dan Cole, M.D. All winners will be formally recognized at the September 2026 ABMS Conference.
Read the full announcement


ACEP, ACR and ASA Applaud Final IDR Operations Rule as Major Step Forward for No Surprises Act Implementation

Key Takeaways:

  • Important step forward: The long-awaited final rule better aligns the No Surprises Act with congressional intent, ensuring physicians have an unbiased process when insurers refuse to negotiate reasonable, market-based rates.
  • Strengthens transparency: The final rule makes it easier for physicians to use the IDR process by lowering fees and improving transparency so they can better identify eligible claims for dispute resolution.
  • Improves the IDR process: New timelines, communication standards, and expectations for good-faith involvement in the open negotiation period aim to make the system more predictable and efficient.

Read more


In Memoriam: Thank you, Larry Saidman (1936-2026)

Steven L. Shafer, M.D., pays heartfelt tribute to the late Lawrence “Larry” Saidman, M.D., a visionary leader, pioneering clinical pharmacologist, and former Editor-in-Chief of Anesthesiology, whose mentorship shaped a generation of anesthesiologists and elevated the specialty’s scientific standards. This touching special announcement recounts Saidman’s remarkable career—from defining MAC to building top departments—while celebrating his kindness, humor, and lasting impact on our profession. Highly recommended reading for all CSA members.

Read more


Global Health Committee:

ReSurge Trip Schedule Fiscal Year 2026-2027. Click here for some amazing opportunities with ReSurg. Please fill out their volunteer form below or reach out to them directly if you are interested in volunteering.


Ways to support earthquake survivors and recovery in Venezuela - From the Stanford Center for Innovation in Global Health

Two massive back-to-back earthquakes struck Venezuela on June 24, resulting in nearly 1,500 official deaths as of June 29, although this is thought to be a "dramatic undercount" of the true toll. The 7.5 and 7.2 magnitude earthquakes struck a region facing ongoing healthcare challenges and political and economic instability. Rescuers are working urgently to rescue survivors, and many displaced families have nowhere to go.


We have heard from many in our community who wish to help. We have updated our disaster relief webpage with some trusted organizations supporting the immediate needs of survivors as well as the longer-term recovery.


CSA Harassment and Practice Management Survey:

📝If you’ve experienced it, witnessed it, or care about creating a better practice environment — your input is critical.

Take Survey

Latest Content and News

The external news content below does not reflect ASA’s views or policies.

🎙️Podcast:

Federal Health Care Cuts Effects on Rural California Anesthesia Services

Listen here

📝 Blog Post:

The Effect of Insurance Consolidation and the Growing Work–Pay Gap

Read more

📰Media Articles:

6.24.26 - The anesthesia desert: 8 states, no residency programs, no pipeline

6.18.26 - Anesthesia has a usage problem not a workforce shortage, leaders say

6.17.26 - The anesthesiologist assistant pay story

Upcoming Events

📅 Summer Anesthesia Conference: Jul 13-17, 2026 | Oahu, HI

📅 Fall Anesthesia Conference: Nov 9-13, 2026 | Big Island, HI

📅 Winter Anesthesia Conference: Jan 18-22, 2027 | Lahaina, HI

📅 CSA’s Annual Conference: Apr 9-11, 2027 | Anaheim, CA

Job Board

💼 Recent Openings:

  • Anesthesiologist & Cardiac Anesthesiologist – Chico – Full Time
  • Large, well-respected Physician-Only Anesthesia group with Sutter Health looking for full and part-time – Sacramento – Full Time
  • CA Solo Pediatric Practice with Sutter Health – Sacramento – Full Time
  • Anesthesiologist – Modesto, Manteca, Stockton – Full Time

View all job openings

Social Media Spotlight

Stay connected with the latest from the California Society of Anesthesiologists across our social channels (@CSAHQ on X/Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook). Here are some notable recent highlights:

🌴 Summer Conference Travel Perks

CSA shared exclusive discounted fares for the CSA 2026 Summer Anesthesia Conference (July 13–17 at Four Seasons Resort Ko‘Olina, Oahu, HI).

📖 Residency LookBook

Encouraging #Match2027 applicants, CSA promoted the new Residency LookBook featuring programs across California.

🗳️ Committee Nominations Open

Nominations for 2026–2027 committees and task forces are now open (deadline July 13). Shape the future of anesthesiology in California!

Follow us on social media for real-time updates, advocacy wins, Vital Times podcast highlights, and more. Tag @CSAHQ in your posts!

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