The CSA (and other organizations) NEED You: The Importance of Getting Involved

Decreasing insurance reimbursements, rising costs, longer hours, lower pay, less agency over your working conditions, and increasing administrative and educational requirements. These are just a few of the issues that many anesthesiologists and physicians face. Meanwhile, governments make ill-considered rules, cut funding, prevent fair and equitable negotiations, and non-physician providers continue to fight for greater authority to practice medicine without having attended medical school. A physician and anesthesiologist shortage emboldens them to feel entitled to greater independence. New residencies are being developed to counter this shortage, but how can they successfully navigate all the obstacles they may face? How do any of us try to make our practices, working conditions, or pay structures better?

Organizations like the California Society of Anesthesiologists and others exist to support their members. They advocate, educate, collaborate, network, and elevate anesthesiologists throughout California. None of this work can be done without engaged and enthusiastic members.

Join my guests today as they explain why they got involved with the CSA and why they think it is important for all members to do so.

Dr. Newhide completed his Anesthesiology residency training at the University of Maryland Medical Center and a fellowship in Regional Anesthesia and Acute Pain Management at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. With a strong commitment to serving the underserved, he returned to his home state of California to help found a new residency program in Stockton, CA. He is currently serving as the Residency Program Director at St. Joseph's Medical Center, helping to develop a new generation of anesthesiologists to serve the Central Valley.

Dr. Klein is a fourth-year resident in anesthesiology at UCLA and serves as her residency program's ASA and CSA resident delegate. She will be completing her fellowship in Regional Anesthesia and Acute Pain Management at Duke University in the upcoming academic year. As a resident on a research track, she is involved in informatics and policy-related research on insurance utilization and physician payments. She plans to practice in a large academic setting so she can continue on her path as a physician-researcher while staying involved in the health policy space.

Dr. Mariam Sarwary is currently a Clinical Assistant Professor at Stanford and the Program Director for the Regional Anesthesia and Acute Pain Medicine Fellowship. She has been involved with the CSA since residency and currently sits on the organization's Board of Directors. Mariam also serves as a mentor for Stanford's Leadership Education in Advancing Diversity (LEAD) program and is a member of the GME Well-Being Committee.

Dr. Christina Menor is a board-certified anesthesiologist in private practice in Los Angeles. She specializes in ambulatory, pediatric, and obstetric anesthesiology. Dr. Menor currently serves as the President of the California Society of Anesthesiologists. She co-authored an article that describes California survey data on medical titles. She is a member of Physicians Protecting Patients and is an active advocate for physician-led care and title transparency. She has been active with the CSA since residency.