The New Mexico Society of Anesthesiologists is thrilled to announce that we are hosting our annual membership meeting on April 20 via Zoom from 10 am - 12 pm. An agenda will be released soon, but you can expect the annual ASA Update from an ASA Officer, NMSA Board elections, and a discussion of what we've done the past year and what to look forward to in 2024 and beyond.

NMSA is celebrating a decade of this annual event #PhysAnesWk24. We join our colleagues across the U.S. in recognizing the critical role anesthesiologists have in ensuring patient safety before, during, and after surgery and in the moments that matter most. We also received a proclamation from New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham honoring this week focused on patient safety.

Earlier this fall, NMSA embarked on a dynamic public relations campaign, titled "AskNM," aimed at enhancing patient awareness and understanding of the Anesthesia Care Team. This comprehensive initiative utilized a mix of digital platforms, news interviews, newspapers, and a strategically placed billboard to engage and educate the community through our website AskNM.com. Through this multi-channel approach, NMSA successfully navigated the digital landscape and traditional media platforms to deliver a cohesive and impactful message on the importance of the Anesthesia Care Team. By encouraging the community to "Ask", the campaign not only addressed common concerns, but also promoted a culture of proactive patient engagement and informed decision-making regarding anesthesia care. Thanks to the ASA, NMSA has received another State Assistance Grant, so this patient education outreach can continue through the first half of 2024.

Every year, New Mexico Physicians gather for the the NMMS Annual Conference. This year NMMS will be partnering with the New Mexico Society of Anesthesiologists to bring 2 anesthesia-focused sessions. During the conference, members of our physician community will have the opportunity to hear about important topics, earn CME credits, network with peers, attend social events and participate in policy-making for the association. NMSA members have the exclusive option of registering for Saturday-only, We invite you to participate October 6-7, 2023 at the Sheraton ABQ Uptown. Anesthesiology presentations include: Clinical Conundrums in Perioperative Medicine Rebecca Gerlach, MD Perioperative Buprenorphine: Optimizing Management Strategies  Aurora Quaye, MD

The Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine at the University of New Mexico is looking to hire PRN Staff Physician – Anesthesiologist.  We offer flexible schedules, competitive hourly pay, and a great work culture. Minimum Qualifications: Must hold unrestricted medical license Must hold M.D. or equivalent Must be Board Certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology or within three years of residency and active in the certification process For more information please contact Dr. Chris Arndt. CArndt@salud.unm.edu

NMSA is excited to announce the launch of our Advocacy Action Center, which allows you to use templated and customizable letters to contact your representatives and senators in regards to important pieces of legislation affecting anesthesia in New Mexico. Currently, Senate Bill 35 is making it's way through the Senate and will allow for Anesthesiologist Assistants to continue to practice in New Mexico and also revise the supervision ratio to align with CMS standards.

Physician Anesthesiologists Week is a week-long event of advocacy and public outreach to educate key stakeholder audiences that anesthesiologists are uniquely qualified to lead patient care and to highlight key issues including the importance of patient-centered, physician-led anesthesia care. We are thrilled to announce we have received an official proclamation from Governor Michelle Lujan-Grisham for Physician Anesthesiologists Week. Click here to see the proclamation

Check out the latest episode of Health Para Todos, awarded Best Talk Show by the New Mexico Broadcasters Association on KSWV Suave Radio in Santa Fe, New Mexico. This episode features NMSA Board President, Dr. Gajewski. They discuss the anesthesia care team model and keeping patient safety the top priority.

Medicare payment rates are slated to be cut 8.42% January 1, 2023. Please visit this resource by the American Medical Association to educate yourself on the three types of cuts, the background, and the impact this will have on Medicine. In additional, you can complete a form letter and send it to lawmakers in Washington D.C. by visiting this link.

Registration is now open for NMSA's 2023 Annual Meeting. Join physicians, AAs, CRNAs, residents, and medical students from all across New Mexico and beyond for a day filled with engaging presentations, hands-on workshops, and opportunities to learn from industry leaders and colleagues.

We're very pleased to bring you this new and improved website, complete with NMSA member directory, links to state advocacy efforts, and information on upcoming events. Tell us what you think!

Mike Gajewski, DO, Santa Fe (President Elect); Sally Vender, MD, Albuquerque (Secretary-Treasurer); Jeffrey Trujillo, MD, Albuquerque (ASA Delegate); Austin Oetken, MD, Albuquerque (ASA Alternate Delegate); Lia Hoffner, MD, Albuquerque (ASA Alternate Delegate)