Assembly Resolution No. 62

BY: M. of A. Bichotte Hermelyn

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
January 29 - February 4, 2023, as Physician
Anesthesiologists Week in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize an
official week that is set aside to inform key audiences about the role
and value of Physician Anesthesiologists in delivering anesthesia care
in today and tomorrow's United States healthcare system; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim January 29 - February 4,
2023, as Physician Anesthesiologists Week in the State of New York, in
conjunction with the observance of National Physician Anesthesiologists
Week; and

WHEREAS, Physician anesthesiologists are guardians of patient safety
in healthcare: in the operating room, in the delivery room, in the
intensive care unit, in pain management clinics, and at the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) protecting our nation's Veterans;
and

WHEREAS, Physician Anesthesiologists Week is a seven-day event of
advocacy and public outreach to educate key 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; and

WHEREAS, The 12 to 14 years of education and 12,000 to 16,000 hours
of training combine to make the physician anesthesiologists prepared to
navigate life-and-death moments and help ensure patients receive the
highest quality care; and

WHEREAS, Physician anesthesiologists are made for this moment,
playing a critical role in keeping patients safe in this State and
community, whether managing a crisis during surgery or labor and
delivery, providing pain management, or caring for our Veterans who are
among the most vulnerable patients often suffering from medical
conditions associated with their military service; and

WHEREAS, The Anesthesia Team model, led by physician
anesthesiologists, is widely recognized as the gold standard of care
used in all of the Nation's top hospitals and in the VA to protect
patients and the millions of Veterans who have served our country and
deserve the same high standard of care available for 95% of Americans;
and

WHEREAS, Every person in New York is entitled to and should have
universal access to the highest level of anesthesia care, every patient
regardless of socioeconomic status deserves a physician anesthesiologist
leading their care, advocating for them, and safeguarding them when they
are under anesthesia and unable to advocate for themselves; and

WHEREAS, Physician anesthesiologists are recognized leaders who are
committed to providing universal access to high quality and safe patient
care, educating patients on anesthesia safety, and reducing risks of
complications before, during, and after surgery; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim January 29 - February 4,
2023, as Physician Anesthesiologists Week in the State of New York, in
recognition of our appreciation of Physician Anesthesiologists and to
celebrate their dedication and professionalism; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York; and Board Members of the New York State Society of
Anesthesiologists.