Virginia Society of Anesthesiologists

03/13/2026

❓ Friday Quiz: When was anesthesia introduced in Virginia ❓

In 1848, by Dr. Charles Bell Gibson, a faculty member at what became VCU Medical Center.

Dr. Gibson's pioneering moment set the stage for centuries of medical innovation and excellence at VCU. He later became Virginia's first surgeon general.

The Department of Anesthesiology at VCU School of Medicine on the MCV Campus now provides more than 26,000 anesthetics a year.

We're proud to have members who are physician anesthesiologists there, helping continue Dr. Gibson's legacy.

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Photo credit: VCU School of Medicine
More at: https://loom.ly/JuRYiqA

03/11/2026

Patient Safety Awareness Week highlights the ongoing work across health care to reduce harm and strengthen the safety of care for every patient.

Anesthesiology has long been a leader in advancing patient safety in medicine. Physician anesthesiologists monitor patients throughout surgery and help develop the systems, protocols and teamwork that make modern surgical care safer.

We recognize the physician anesthesiologists and health care teams across Virginia who work every day to protect patients and improve the safety of care.

03/05/2026

Congratulations to VSA member Dr. Michael Mazzeffi on being named chair of the Department of Anesthesiology at School of Medicine at the University of Virginia.

A respected clinician, researcher and educator, Dr. Mazzeffi has served as interim chair since January 2025. He brings extensive leadership experience in cardiothoracic anesthesiology and critical care.

Dr. Mazzeffi's appointment reflects the strength of anesthesiology leadership in Virginia. We wish him continued success as he leads the department forward.

The University of Virginia School of Medicine has named Michael Mazzeffi, MD, MPH, MSc, FASA, an experienced anesthesiology leader who has served as interim chair of the Department of Anesthesiolog...

03/03/2026

Virginia’s voice matters at the national level.

Dr. Mike Saccocci shares his experience representing the Commonwealth at the ASA House of Delegates — helping shape policy, advocate for our specialty and elevate the unique challenges we face across Virginia.

Read what he’s learned, and the professional rewards that come with stepping into this leadership role: https://loom.ly/CoK_iYo

02/27/2026

Don't miss important VSA news, events, advocacy efforts and resources. Stay connected with VSA on all our platforms:

🌐 Website: vsahq.org
📲 Facebook: facebook.com/vsahq
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💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vsahq
💬 X (Twitter):
🗞️ Newsletters: vsahq.org/newsletters

02/25/2026

Are you ready for Friday?

📅 Thank a Resident Day is Feb. 27.

We join AMA President Dr. Patrick Giam in expressing our gratitude to physician residents for their dedication to anesthesiology and to the patients they serve every day.

Residents are the future of our specialty. We're proud to support their training, leadership and commitment to safe, high-quality care.

A message from Dr. Giam: https://youtube.com/shorts/Zl89DwPa2q4?si=W_ugu7YCHluVhZl-

02/19/2026

CAA Week has us reflecting on one of our biggest wins of 2025: the licensure of Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants in Virginia.

This achievement was made possible through sustained advocacy, strong partnerships and the dedicated efforts of physician anesthesiologists across the commonwealth.

It makes this year’s celebration especially meaningful.

The momentum continues: VCOM-Virginia plans to launch Virginia’s first Anesthesiologist Assistant program in 2027, in partnership with Bluefield University. The program will help educate and train the next generation of CAAs — expanding access to high-quality, physician-led anesthesia care.

02/17/2026

Anesthesia care is a team effort.

During , the Virginia Society of Anesthesiologists recognizes Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants — highly trained, master’s-level anesthesia professionals who play an integral role in the physician-led Anesthesia Care Team.

CAAs bring advanced knowledge and clinical expertise to operating rooms and procedural settings. They complete rigorous graduate education, earn national certification and maintain ongoing recertification.

We’re proud to recognize the professionalism and dedication CAAs bring to patient care.

American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants

02/12/2026

We’re celebrating 40 years of the Foundation for Anesthesia Education and Research.

FAER emerged in response to the growing need for structured, sustainable support for research, mentorship and academic career development in anesthesiology.

For four decades, that mission has helped support physician-scientists and strengthen the future of anesthesiology for our colleagues across Virginia and beyond.

Applications for FAER’s spring grant cycle are due Feb. 15 — learn more at asahq.org/faer.

Read more about FAER’s history and impact in the new issue of the ASA Monitor:
https://journals.lww.com/monitor/pages/articleviewer.aspx?year=2026&issue=02000&article=00031&type=Fulltext

02/10/2026

Thanks to Virginia Sen. Todd Pillion of Abingdon (photos 1–2) and Delegate Bill Wiley of Wi******er (photos 3–4) for stopping by the Virginia Society of Anesthesiologists Annual Meeting in early February.

We appreciated the opportunity to connect and continue conversations on strengthening health care, supporting the workforce and advancing patient safety across Virginia.

02/04/2026

Advocacy in action at the Virginia General Assembly.

A few scenes from White Coat Day, where physician anesthesiologists, medical students, and residents came together to advocate for patient safety, physician-led care, and a strong future for health care in the Commonwealth — on behalf of our colleagues across Virginia.

We met with delegates and state senators, shared frontline perspectives, and reinforced why physician leadership and team-based care matter for patients.

Thank you to the Richmond Academy of Medicine for partnering with us on a meaningful day of advocacy.

01/30/2026

Innovations in anesthesiology make surgery painless, protect every breath during anesthesia, help newborns get the care they need in their first moments of life, and support patients through their most critical illnesses.

These physician-led advances have shaped modern medicine — and continue to improve safety, outcomes and recovery for patients across Virginia every day.

As we wrap up Physician Anesthesiologists Week, we recognize a specialty truly Made for This Moment.


The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA)