January 13, 2026 - Vol. 1, Issue 21 | |
President's Message
Christina Menor, MD, MS, FASA
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As we begin the new year, I’m encouraged by the early progress of CSA’s strategic plan launched in early 2025. We are strengthening our foundation—modernizing communications, aligning our governance, and sharpening our focus on advocacy, education, and public engagement.
What matters now is sustaining momentum.
Our profession is navigating a rapidly changing healthcare environment, shaped by workforce pressures, declining payment for services, and persistent misunderstandings about the role anesthesiologists play in healthcare. Meeting these challenges requires us to look outward. Educating the public and policymakers about who we are—and how we protect patients—is essential to keeping our profession strong and physician-led.
National Anesthesiologists’ Week is an ideal moment to lean into that work. I encourage every member to participate during the week of January 25–31, 2026—whether through advocacy, community education, or mentorship—and to support these efforts by donating to our GASPAC during our Day of Contributing on January 27. Collective, visible action reinforces our value and builds trust beyond the walls of the operating room.
As part of this outward-facing effort, CSA will host “Addressing the Maternal Health Crisis in California: A Policy & Public Health Conversation” on January 28 in Sacramento, featuring experts including California State Surgeon General Dr. Diana Ramos. This event is designed for legislators, policy leaders, and community stakeholders, bringing together voices across medicine and public health to highlight maternal morbidity and mortality—and the critical role anesthesiologists play in improving outcomes. This is one example of how CSA continues to engage on your behalf to shape understanding and policy.
Along this same theme, I’d like to highlight a new, practical resource from SafePartum—the PocketPartum app—which provides accessible, evidence-based tools to support postpartum patients. Resources like this reflect the patient-centered innovation we should continue to elevate through advocacy and education.
The world around us is constantly pulling at our attention. I encourage you to pause and reflect on your why. As you move through your days, return to that purpose when deciding where to put your time and energy. Consciously working toward your why—rather than defaulting to the path of least resistance—is rarely easy, but it is always worthwhile.
Thank you for all that you do, every day.
Be well. Be kind. Stay vigilant.
Christina M. Menor MD, MS, FASA (She/Her)
Indigodoc Inc
@indigodoc
President
California Society of Anesthesiologists (CSA)
| | | Join CSA for this Upcoming Webinar | | Save the Date: National Anesthesiologists Week 2026 | | |
Join us in honoring National Anesthesiologists Week, highlighting our specialty's vital role in patient safety and high-quality care across hospitals, clinics, and universities.
From January 25 – 31, 2026, post on social media, share stories with colleagues, family, and friends, and spotlight your experiences as a physician anesthesiologist.
The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) and state societies nationwide are uniting to promote patient-centered, physician-led anesthesia care among policymakers, executives, and the public.
Use the hashtag #PhysAnesWk26 to join the conversation and shine a light on our essential work.
In honor of National Anesthesiologists Week, CSA will also be having a CSA Day of Contributing on January 27th, 2026 - Mark your calendars!
Thank you for your dedication!
| | 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.
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ASA Committees & Get Involved with CSA –
Apply by Jan 15!
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We’re thrilled to share some key opportunities to step up, lead, and shape the future of our profession at both the state and national levels.
ASA Committee Applications Now Open for 2026–2027!
The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) committee application cycle is officially underway. Applications and letters of recommendation are being accepted until January 15, 2026.
You can access the application portal here.
If you’ve ever considered serving on an ASA committee, now is the perfect time! These roles are a fantastic way to influence guidelines, education, advocacy, and the direction of our specialty on a national stage.
Pro tip: Reach out to us at CSA if you’d like guidance or a letter of recommendation. We’re happy to help! Connecting directly with the current committee chair is also a great move—it shows genuine interest and helps you understand how your unique skills can make the biggest impact.
Want to Explore Where You Fit Best? Meet with CSA’s COLDAN!
Not sure which committee or leadership path is right for you? Our Committee on Leadership Development and Nominations (COLDAN) is here to help.
All CSA members are invited to schedule a conversation with COLDAN. Think of it as personalized mentorship from CSA past presidents, board members, and seasoned leaders who’ve been in your shoes.
To set up a meeting, simply email Ms. Kate Peyser. These discussions are relaxed, insightful, and often the spark that launches someone into meaningful service—whether at CSA, ASA, or beyond.
Grassroots Advocacy: Your Voice Matters Now More Than Ever
In the coming months, both CSA and ASA will be issuing important calls to action on legislative and regulatory issues that directly affect your practice and patients.
Please watch your inbox and respond when you see them! Even a quick email to your legislator, a contribution to the CSA Advocacy Fund, or a donation to GASPAC makes a real difference. Together, we’re stronger—and we’re fighting every day on your behalf.
Ready to dive deeper into advocacy or leadership? Just reply to this email or reach out to the CSA office. We’ll connect you with the right people and get you plugged in.
| | 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. | | Women Leaders in Organized Anesthesiology | | |
The current presidents of the California, Texas, and New York State Societies of Anesthesiologists are all women, reflecting the growing leadership role of women in organized anesthesiology.
These achievements underscore progress in organized medicine, while reminding us that much work remains to ensure equitable leadership advancement across all practice environments.
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Dr. Elizabeth Rebello (Texas), Dr. Stacey Watt (New York),
and Dr. Christina Menor (California)
| | Dr. Doyle, the current ASA Director from California, started her one-year term as President Elect of SCCMA on January 1st, and will ascend to President next year. | | Santa Clara County Medical Association President Elect, Dr. Christine Doyle, with President Dr. Santosh Pandipati | | Dr. Christine Doyle with Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens | | 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
Secure Early Bird Savings Now!
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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.
🎉 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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