Assembly Resolution No. 832

BY: M. of A. Bichotte Hermelyn

LEGISLATION RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Kathy
Hochul to proclaim January 28 to February 3, 2024,
as Physician Anesthesiologists Week in the State of
New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official weeks that are 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 health care 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 28 to February 3,
2024, as Physician Anesthesiologists Week in the State of New York, in
conjunction with the observance of National Physician Anesthesiologist
Week; and

WHEREAS, Physician anesthesiologists are guardians of patient safety
in health care, whether that be 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, A certification that requires tremendous effort to achieve,
the 12 to 14 years of education and 12,000 to 16,000 hours of training
physician anesthesiologists receive prepare them to navigate
life-and-death moments and help ensure patients receive the
highest-quality care; and

WHEREAS, Physician anesthesiologists are made for working under
pressure, playing a critical role in keeping patients safe in the State
and their 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 Department of
Veterans Affairs 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 therefore, unable to advocate for themselves;
and

WHEREAS, Physician anesthesiologists are recognized leaders who are
committed to safe and high-quality 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 28 to February 3,
2024, as Physician Anesthesiologists Week in the State of New York, in
recognition of our appreciation for physician anesthesiologists, who
serve as critical care specialists and work to greatly improve the
safety of anesthesia and the well-being of surgical patients, Veterans,
and chronic pain patients each day; 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.