January 27, 2026 - Vol. 1, Issue 22 | |
President's Message
Christina Menor, MD, MS, FASA
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This week, we celebrate National Anesthesiologists’ Week—an opportunity to recognize the essential role anesthesiologists play in protecting patients and ensuring safe, high-quality care every day. Across operating rooms, labor and delivery units, intensive care units, and ambulatory surgery centers throughout California, anesthesiologists are physicians who lead perioperative care and safeguard patients at their most vulnerable moments.
Having just returned from the CSA Winter Conference in Maui, I was reminded of the extraordinary breadth and depth of our specialty and the complex clinical judgment anesthesiologists bring to every practice setting. The expertise, professionalism, and commitment demonstrated by our members continue to strengthen patient care across the state. CSA leaders also participated in the ASA ADVANCE 2026 meeting in Las Vegas this past weekend, further reinforcing our engagement at the national level. I am proud to share that our past president, Dr. Antonio Hernandez Conte, served as Vice Chair for the meeting.
At the same time, it is important to acknowledge that this is a challenging and emotionally difficult moment for many in healthcare and in our communities. Recent events have underscored the stress, grief, and moral distress that clinicians are carrying while continuing to care for others. These moments test our resilience, but they also reaffirm our shared values and our responsibility to one another.
I want to take a moment to honor the life of Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse whose death has deeply affected healthcare workers nationwide. We also acknowledge and honor all individuals who have lost their lives in encounters with federal immigration agents, recognizing the profound impact these losses have on families, colleagues, and communities. As healthcare professionals, we are united by a commitment to compassion, service, and respect for human dignity.
On January 23, California recognized Maternal Health Awareness Day (#123forMoms) through legislative action and a statewide message led by First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and California Surgeon General Dr. Diana Ramos. These efforts highlight the ongoing need to address maternal morbidity and mortality and to improve outcomes for birthing patients. CSA continues to work with key stakeholders to advance meaningful progress in this critical area.
Tomorrow, CSA will bring this work directly to the Capitol. We are hosting “Addressing the Maternal Health Crisis in California: A Policy & Public Health Conversation” on January 28 in Sacramento. This event convenes legislators, policy leaders, and community stakeholders for a focused discussion featuring a panel of experts, including Dr. Ramos. Together, we will examine maternal morbidity and mortality in California and nationally, review measures already underway, and identify opportunities for continued action. Importantly, this conversation highlights the critical role anesthesiologists play in improving maternal outcomes—before, during, and after delivery. This is one example of how CSA actively engages on your behalf to shape understanding, policy, and patient safety.
Moments like these remind us why physician voices matter. Even when it is difficult, we must continue to show up and speak up on behalf of our patients, our colleagues, and the public we serve. I encourage members to engage with their elected officials and share their perspective as physicians committed to safe, physician-led anesthesia care.
Thank you for the care you provide every day, for your dedication to your patients and colleagues, and for your continued commitment to our profession.
Our GASPAC Day of Contributing is today and I urge each of you to please donate to continue to support the mission of CSA and our efforts for maintaining Physician Led Anesthesia Care in California.
Be well. Be kind. Stay vigilant.
Christina M. Menor MD, MS, FASA (She/Her)
Indigodoc Inc
@indigodoc
President
California Society of Anesthesiologists (CSA)
| | | CSA 2026 Winter Maui Conference Recap | | |
From CSA President, Christina M. Menor MD, MS, FASA (She/Her)
The CSA Winter Maui Conference delivered a highly successful and engaging educational experience, featuring thoughtfully curated, clinically relevant content and high-yield reviews across anesthesiology. Attendees and faculty alike highlighted the welcoming atmosphere, exceptional hospitality, and valuable discussions—including practical insights into managing high-stakes OR complications—that made the meeting both impactful and memorable. Family-friendly social events and meaningful opportunities for connection further distinguished the conference, reinforcing CSA’s commitment to excellence in education, community, and patient-centered care. Our staff make this event come to fruition and I want to take the opportunity to thank them.
| | Join CSA for this Upcoming Webinar | | GASPAC DoC Challenge - Your Contribution Matters! | | January 27 is also CSA’s Political Action Committee Day of Contributing. Through GASPAC, CSA supports advocacy efforts that protect patient safety, preserve access to high-quality anesthesia care, and ensure anesthesiologists have a voice in health policy decisions. In 2025, CSA’s Legislative Affairs team and GASPAC worked to advance patient safety legislation, engage with policymakers, and support physician champions who understand the value anesthesiologists bring to perioperative and maternal care. This work requires sustained engagement and resources, and I encourage members who are able to support GASPAC’s efforts. | | Listen to CSA's Podcast - Vital Times | | |
This episode features a truly special conversation with Dr. Diana Ramos, California Surgeon General, and Dr. Calvin Johnson, Professor of Anesthesiology—both dedicated advocates for improving maternal health.
Dr. Ramos is a distinguished public health leader who earned her medical degree from the Keck School of Medicine at USC and completed her OB-GYN training at the LA County–USC Medical Center. She also holds a Master of Public Health from UCLA and an MBA from the UC Irvine Paul Merage School of Business. Dr. Ramos has received numerous honors, including the Latino Spirit Award for Achievement in Public Service (2024) and the Public Health Leadership Award (2025) from All Children Thrive. She is deeply passionate about reducing maternal morbidity and mortality in California and across the nation, as well as improving health outcomes for children.
Dr. Johnson is a Professor of Anesthesiology at Cedars-Sinai Medical School in Los Angeles. He is triple board-certified in Anesthesiology, Pediatric Anesthesiology, and Pain Medicine. He is an active member of the California Society of Anesthesiologists and serves on the California Pregnancy-Associated Review Committee.
Maternal mortality remains a critical issue, with an incidence of 33 per 100,000 births in the United States and 15 per 100,000 in California. What are the most common causes of maternal mortality? How many of these deaths are preventable? What factors increase the risk of morbidity and mortality, and how have anesthesiologists played a role in reducing these risks?
In this episode, Drs. Ramos and Johnson discuss why maternal mortality persists, current incidence rates, and what can be done to address this urgent issue. They also explore Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and their impact on children’s immediate and long-term health. Together, they emphasize the critical importance of collaboration across multiple specialties—including public health, nursing, community medicine, and preconception and prenatal care—to improve outcomes for mothers and children.
| | CSA Resident/Fellow Opportunity – Sponsorship to ASA’s 2026 Legislative Conference | | |
Exciting news! We are delighted to extend an invitation to the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Annual Legislative Conference, slated for May 18 - 20, 2026, in Washington, DC.
Each year, CSA sponsors three residents or fellows to participate in our esteemed delegation. This presents a unique opportunity to engage directly with media and public policy experts, gaining valuable insights into recent developments in healthcare legislation, such as physician-led medicine, patient safety issues, physician wellness, and fair, sustainable reimbursement.
Following this immersive experience, participants will have the chance to apply their newfound knowledge as they engage with congressional members and staff, advocating on behalf of our specialty.
The opportunity covers the full cost for three residents/fellows, encompassing airfare, hotel accommodation, and a per diem allowance to attend the conference.
If you are interested in attending, we kindly ask you to complete the brief application form by Friday, January 30, 2026.
This conference offers an incredible opportunity for any resident or fellow with an interest in advocacy and media relations. It provides a platform to understand how these skills can be effectively utilized to advance the interests of anesthesiologists and advocate for the welfare of our patients.
For further details about the ASA Legislative Conference, please visit the event site here.
Should you have any questions or require assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Kate Peyser, CSA's Deputy Executive Director, at kpeyser@csahq.org.
| | 2026 ASA Submissions Now Open | | ANESTHESIOLOGY 2026 will be the largest and most influential anesthesia event in the world, bringing the specialty’s thought leaders and global clinicians together to learn, network, and advance the science and practice of anesthesiology. | | ASA Anesthesiology Policy Research Rotation in Political Affairs – Apply by Feb 9 | | |
ASA’s Anesthesiology Policy Research Rotation in Political Affairs, also known as the “Resident Scholar” Program, is now accepting applications for the 2026-2027 cycle.
The Opportunity: The paid, 4-week, ABA-approved rotation allows resident anesthesiologists to experience the political, legislative, and regulatory factors that affect the delivery of patient care. Residents will work alongside ASA DC staff to engage lawmakers on Capitol Hill, analyze legislation impacting the specialty, and develop essential advocacy skills.
Who's Eligible: Residents who will be PGY-4/CA-3 or fellows during 2026-2027 academic year.
Not a Resident? Tell a Resident!
Key Benefits:
- Hands-on experience in health care policy and advocacy
- Gain insider access to federal and state healthcare policymaking
- Develop the necessary skills to become an effective physician advocate
- Influence policies affecting anesthesiology and patient care
- Network with ASA and congressional staff
Apply Online: asahq.org/ResidentScholar
Deadline: Monday, February 9, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST
Questions? Contact Silvana Barbosa at s.barbosa@asahq.org
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ASA Global Scholars Call for Applications –
Apply by Jan 31
| | ASA is accepting applications for their global scholars program. Scholars rotate at local institutions before attending our national conference and presenting their research. | | CSA Leaders Representing at ASA Advance in Las Vegas | | This past weekend over 1,300 anesthesiologists, hospital administrators, practice leaders and billing specialists descended upon Las Vegas to attend ADVANCE 2026. The meeting Co-Vice-Chair, Dr. Antonio Hernandez Conte (CSA Past President) was astonished at the record breaking attendance, as well as the high level of engagement by CSA Members. ADVANCE is held annually and is considered to be the premier anesthesia business event. This year's gathering was anchored by keynote speakers Dr. Sasha Shillcut (Anesthesiologist and BRAVE ENOUGH founder) along with Mr. Ford Koles (health care economist with The Advisory Group). Dr. Shillcut delivered a heartfelt speech in which she encouraged us to embrace our failures and learn to "fail forward." Mr. Koles touched on high level issues impacting the health care industry and its profound impact on anesthesiologists. CSA members were amongst the speakers who delivered panel lectures and roundtable discussions. ADVANCE 2027 will be held in the D.C. Metro area from January 22-24, 2027 -- so mark your calendars now. ASA ADVANCE 2027 Notify Me | | (L-R) Paul Yost, Ron Pearl, Antonio Hernández Conté, Christine Doyle, Mark Thoma, Jonathan Pregler, & Phil Levin | | Read the Latest CSA Online First Blog Post | | |
Remote Cognitive Testing and Perioperative Risk: Enhancing Access for Older Adults in Rural Areas
Victoria Liu, BS and Bernadette Wilks, MBBS
Implementing perioperative best practices remains challenging when many patients, often due to logistical, social or medical barriers, are unable to attend their preoperative appointments. These gaps are especially pronounced among older adults who already face significant social and structural obstacles to accessing hospital-based care. At the same time, an aging population and continued advances in surgical techniques means older adults now make up a growing share of the surgical population, accounting for 38% of all surgeries in 2024.1
Postoperative delirium is common, preventable in 40% of cases,2 and linked with increased costs, mortality and morbidity.3 Older adults also face more than an elevenfold increased risk of postoperative delirium.4 Expanding access to preoperative evaluation and aligning best practices with the realities of modern perioperative care pathways are essential steps toward meaningfully improving outcomes.
One promising approach to reach patients who struggle to attend in-person preoperative visits is to offer brief, remote assessments delivered through their personal devices. These tools are inexpensive, widely accessible, and give clinicians a meaningful pre-surgical snapshot of a patient’s baseline brain health, something that typically requires in-clinic cognitive testing and dedicated staff.
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CSA Annual Anesthesia Conference
Early Bird Pricing Ends THIS FRIDAY January 30!
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Earn Valuable CME Credits – High-quality education to support your licensure, certification, and daily practice.
Learn from Top Experts – Gain insights from renowned leaders in anesthesiology.
Discover Practice-Changing Ideas – Actionable strategies to elevate patient care and outcomes.
Build Lasting Connections – Network with colleagues, mentors, and industry innovators.
Shape the Future of Your Specialty – Contribute to professional advancement and leadership in anesthesiology.
Join Hands on Workshops – Learn more
🎉 Bonus: Experience the Magic of Disneyland! 🎉 - Since the conference is at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, California residents can grab Disneyland Resort's limited-time offer: a 3-Day Park Hopper Ticket for just $249 (valid for visits January 1–May 21, 2026). It's the perfect way to extend your trip and create unforgettable memories!
Early Bird Pricing Ends January 30!
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The CSA Job Board specifically advertises recent job openings in the state of California for physician anesthesiologists. These jobs are submitted by fellow CSA members.
If you know of a recent job opening and would like to share, please fill out this form here.
Questions? Email Kate Peyser at kpeyser@amgroup.us.
Recent Openings:
- M.D. Anesthesiologist for pediatric dental anesthesia – Orange County – Full Time
- M.D., self-employed solo practitioner – Los Altos – Full Time
- Anesthesiologists – Sacramento – Full-Time and Part-Time
- M.D., Self-Employed Solo Practitioner – Los Altos – Full Time
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