November 3, 2026 - Vol. 3, Issue 3

President's Message

Todd Primack, DO, FASA | CSA President


For those of us that were at the ASA this year, we were reminded of the importance of CPR. Dr. Glaucomflecken told the personal story of being resuscitated by his wife, who performed one person CPR for over 10 minutes, to keep him cognitively intact.


I’d like to amplify his message. I recently called my Electrician to solve a problem in the house. I asked him what was new. He said, “well I died a few months ago.”


It sucked the air right out of me. You could’ve heard a pin drop. I said “and….”


He continued. “I was up in Sacramento at Ancil Hoffman Golf Course, with 11 good friends. I don’t know exactly what happened to me because one minute I was awake lining up my golf shot, next thing I knew I was in an ambulance.


For whatever reason, it took 45 minutes for the ambulance to arrive on the golf course. He had nothing but CPR for all that time. He is cognitively completely intact.


Did I mention his all of his friends were retired fireman? It pays to play golf with the right people.


Frequently, doctors are the last people in the hospital to get certified in CPR and ACLS. Please reconsider because CPR saves lives.


 

Introducing Dr. Todd Primack, CSA President


My journey into medicine began with my father, who practiced anesthesiology for nearly 50 years. Although I initially planned to become a family physician, medical school introduced me to anesthesiology, where I discovered my passion for pharmacology, physiology, and anatomy.


A career of innovation and leadership. I spent more than 40 years with one group practice, embracing opportunities to improve patient care, explore new techniques, and take on leadership roles in practice management and quality improvement.


Finding my place in CSA. Encouraged by Dr. Christine Doyle and inspired by Dr. Ed Mariano's kindness, I became involved with CSA as an alternate delegate. I began developing educational resources for residents and have since watched CSA become an invaluable resource for anesthesiologists and a strong advocate for patient safety.


My Priority as CSA President

Highlighting the people behind CSA's success. Our officers, committees, and volunteers accomplish remarkable things, often behind the scenes.


As President, I want to:

  • Increase visibility of CSA's committees, leaders, and initiatives.
  • Showcase the impact of their work on our specialty and patient care.
  • Inspire greater involvement by helping members discover opportunities to contribute.


My goal: Ensure members understand the incredible work happening throughout CSA and feel inspired to help shape the future of our specialty.

 

Key Updates

CSA History of Anesthesia Essay & Video Contest Now Open!

The Committee on the History of Anesthesia welcomes submissions from California residents, fellows, and medical students for the 2027 History of Anesthesia in California Essay & Video Contest. Deadline is January 9, 2027. Learn more here.


🎙️So You Wanna Be a Podcast Host?

CSA is launching its first Podcast Host Contest. We're looking for new voices for this show — and we're looking for it among you. Deadline is November 9, 2027.

Listen here


2027 Call for Abstracts Now Open!

Showcase your work at CSA’s Annual Conference April 11, 2027, at the Disneyland Hotel. Submit your abstract today! Deadline is February 8, 2027


Global Health Committee:

ReSurge Trip Schedule Fiscal Year 2026-2027. Click here for some amazing opportunities with ReSurg.

Latest Content and News

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

🎙️Podcast:

Professionalism, and Anesthesiology as a Calling: How Do They Impact Career Longevity and Outlook

Join an all-star panel of experts featuring Dr. Klaus Kjaer, Cornell’s Associate Dean for Policy and Professionalism and former President of the Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology; Dr. Daryl Oakes, Stanford cardiothoracic anesthesiologist and Associate Dean of Postgraduate Medical Education; and Dr. Beth Duggan, Professor of Anesthesiology and Vice Chair of Faculty Development at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Listen here


📝 Blog Post:

From Los Angeles to Copenhagen: An Anesthesiologist’s Battle Against Polio Launches Critical Care Medicine

The COVID-19 pandemic propelled critical care medicine to the forefront of societal awareness. Faced with dire circumstances, anesthesiologists across the globe innovated, from establishing virtual ICUs to developing protocols for intubation and proning.1

Read more


đź“° Media Articles:

10.18.2026 - Why State Component Societies Should Invest in Resident Advocacy Education


10.18.2026 - I Used to Be an Anesthesiologist – I Still Am


10.20.2026 - American Society of Anesthesiologists names Jeffrey T. Mueller, M.D., FASA, new president


10.20.2026 - Which ASCs are being hit hardest by the anesthesia crisis?


10.23.2026 - Island Profile: Karen Sibert Haddy | From L.A. to small town Island life


Upcoming Events

đź“… Fall Anesthesia Conference: Nov 9-13, 2026 | Big Island, HI

đź“… Winter Anesthesia Conference: Jan 18-22, 2027 | Lahaina, HI

đź“… CSA’s Annual Conference: Apr 9-11, 2027 | Anaheim, CA

đź“… Summer Anesthesia Conference: Jul 12-16, 2027 | Oahu, HI

Job Board

đź’Ľ Recent Openings:

  • Anesthesiologist – Monterey – Full Time
  • Anesthesiologist – Napa/Sonoma – Full Time
  • Anesthesiologist – Lancaster – Full Time
  • Chief Physician II, Anesthesiology – Sylmar – Full Time
  • Anesthesiologist Position with The Permanente Medical Group – Santa Rosa – 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:

CSA members had a wonderful opportunity to connect with CA Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas and U.S. Rep Zoe Lofgren.

NEW Vital Times Episode!

Is anesthesiology a job, a career, or a calling? And how does that perspective impact career longevity and fulfillment?

So you want to be a podcast host?

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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