ASA encourages spreading awareness about Doctors Day 2010

The American Society of Anesthesiologists joins communities across the United States today to recognize Doctors Day 2010, a day with a special tie to anesthesiology.

While physicians in all specialties are honored, Doctors Day was first observed in recognition of the efforts of one physician whose endeavors relate specifically to the specialty of anesthesiology.

Doctors Day marks the date that Crawford W. Long, M.D., of Jefferson, GA, administered the first ether anesthetic for surgery on March 30, 1842. On that day, Dr. Long administered ether anesthesia to a patient and then operated to remove a tumor from the man's neck. Later, the patient would swear that he felt nothing during the surgery and wasn't aware the surgery was over until he awoke

Doctors Day celebrates Dr. Long's historic achievement and the continued efforts of physicians to alleviate human suffering and improve patient safety.

"Without the efforts of Dr. Long, the miracles of modern medicine and surgery as we know them would not exist," said ASA president Alexander Hannenberg, M.D. "Anesthesiologists have continued to make medical and research advances, creating a specialty comprised of highly trained physicians whose track record in advancing patient safety is unparalleled."

Today's anesthesiologists are innovators in their field, continuing a long tradition of advancing the practice of modern medicine. Even after residency training is completed, they continue studying new medical advances and anesthetic techniques, so that every patient experience can be safer than the next. Research and training are conducted in subspecialty areas of anesthesia practice including obstetrics, critical care, pediatrics, cardiac surgery and pain medicine.

On Doctors Day, ASA encourages its members educate to colleagues, patients and the public about Doctors Day and the contributions of anesthesiologists to the safety and well-being of patients.