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Anesthesiologists are highly trained physicians with at least four years of training in the medical specialty of anesthesiology following four years of college and four years of medical school. And with new anesthetic drugs and techniques constantly being introduced, that training never really stops.
What Drew You to Anesthesiology?
When I came from Syria, to be able to get into American specialties I had to go to internal medicine first. However, I felt like my dream was more intervention. I wanted to have hands-on. With the help of the medical director of internal medicine, they appointed me to anesthesiology. When I went to interview, I really fell in love with the culture. I fell in love with how everybody is down to earth. As a junior CA1 or CA2, you felt like you were one of the team. And I really like that. The other thing is the immediate satisfaction of when you care for the patient. You’re right there monitoring the outcome … and you’re treating it right away.
How About Your Subspecialties?
I graduated from anesthesia in 2000. Then I did the pain management fellowship and a pediatric anesthesia fellowship. I had to pick one to be my long-term career, and that was pain management. Because I missed my own patients. I missed following patients long-term. In pain management, you can do a procedure and you can follow the patient for years. Just like any other medical specialty. So I get the best of both worlds.
How Long Have You Been an Anesthesiologist?
I’ve been an anesthesiologist since 2000 — so 25 years.
Why Did You Join VSA?
I think we have a duty to support our societies. Because without them, a lot of the regulations, the discussions and the lobbying with Congress or the local politicians, we have to be an advocate. We have to push for patient care, and continuing to be the physician-led specialty. … I can give some of my time, we can support the PAC. Because it makes a big difference. It’s important that the physicians support their societies.
What Would You Like Medical Students to Know?
If you like medicine, and at the same time you like interventions, direct patient care, hands-on … we’re a good compromise between internal medicine and general surgery. What I like about anesthesia is that we care, and our departments care, about our work-life balance.
ASA LegCon 2026
When: May 18-20, 2026
Where: Washington DC
Drive change on Capitol Hill: Your voice is needed.
Save the date for a conference devoted to protecting patient care and advocating for the specialty at the highest level! Sign up here to be notified when registration opens.
ASA ANESTHESIOLOGY! 2026
When: October 16-20, 2026
Where: San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, CA
Whether you’re just starting out in practice and seeking information about debt reduction, a seasoned physician
anesthesiologist pursuing a leadership position at your institution or a retired practitioner with a desire to stay
abreast of developments in the specialty.
Thank you for another successful Whitecoats Lobby Day! VSA members and the Richmond Academy of Medicine had the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with
Foundation for Anesthesia Education & Research Apply for 2026 Grant opportunities today! Click here for more information.
Click here to read an article from the ASA entitled – Time for a Mindshift on Obesity Care and Gastric Emptying
A Message from the ASA Committee on Governmental Affairs: The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) proudly encourages its members to run for public office, and
Articles are now being accepted for the VSA Winter Newsletter. Please email your submission to the VSA Office, Andrew Mann, [email protected]. Winter issue due date:
The Virginia Society of Anesthesiologists (VSA) is seeking a volunteer Newsletter Editor to assist with content coordination for our quarterly member newsletter. This role is
