Since its founding in 1948, the New Jersey State Society of Anesthesiologists has been an organization of physicians committed to patient safety. Today the NJSSA’s 800 member physicians remain dedicated to patient safety, educational advancement, pain management and critical care on a daily basis. The Society has established itself as an important voice in medicine at both the state and national levels. This position places the Society at the forefront as one of the strongest advocates of patient safety.

These lofty goals may sound easy to maintain. But every year we are faced with delivery challenges of basic anesthesia care for our patients. We continue to address problems and discuss issues early enough to be proactive, not reactive. The members of this Society are integral to these processes. Your input to help identify problems and issues are so important to the leadership. I encourage your input and recommendations to improve the Society and patient care.

Perhaps, my biggest lesson after almost one year as President has been the need of anesthesiologists to participate in the politics of medicine. Our issues of CMS reimbursement, teaching rules, deep sedation, the death penalty and education of legislatures take not only time but money. Although we come from varied backgrounds (private, hospital, ambulatory, solo, group, university, office, pain) – we are all anesthesiologists- physicians providing the safest anesthetic care possible.

Please take the time to visit the site which informs members of issues and maintains links to important sites of information.

The Executive Committee members will remain energized, focused and committed to working for the health and welfare of our patients and members.

Patricia M. Browne, MD
President
December, 2006