Anesthesiologists working to improve patient safety

In operating rooms and intensive care units (ICUs) across Michigan, anesthesiologists shoulder the responsibility to ensure every patient’s health and safety. We represent a unique medical specialty. Most patients under our care are in a state of unconsciousness, trusting us with their well-being.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has designated Jan. 28 to Feb. 3 as Physician Anesthesiologists Week, recognizing the invaluable contributions of Michigan’s anesthesiologists.

Whitmer emphasized the Anesthesia Team model in her proclamation, which is recognized as the “gold standard of care” across the nation.

Under this model, the anesthesiologist oversees a care team of anesthesia professionals, such as nurses and other assistants, to administer anesthesia and monitor vital signs. Our training equips us to diagnose medical conditions accurately, make crucial decisions in seconds and lead healthcare teams through emergencies.

This was demonstrated recently by senior staff anesthesiologist Dr. Henna Tirmizi at Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital when she played a crucial role in identifying and addressing a catastrophic complication in a Farmington Hills woman shortly after childbirth.

Anesthesiologists with advanced training in pain management are also at the forefront of advancements in pain control techniques, improving the quality of life for patients struggling with chronic pain, and contributing to the fight against the opioid epidemic.

The Michigan Opioid Prescribing Engagement Network, in partnership with Michigan Medicine, developed evidence-based guidelines for prescribing opioids after surgery. Surgeons are prescribing fewer opioids, thanks to the work of our state’s anesthesiology community.

Across the state, we are working one-on-one with patients and developing non-opioid pain management options. Dr. Lara Zador founded the Multidisciplinary Pain Clinic at Henry Ford Health. Her team helps patients set goals to improve function and quality of life and build a “toolbox” of techniques to help them manage their pain.

Another initiative, the Anesthesiology Performance Improvement and Reporting Exchange (ASPIRE), was pioneered by Michigan anesthesiologists. This nationally recognized set of tools visualizes the performance of anesthesia providers in a variety of medical settings and shares it with more than 70 participating institutions. This exchange of information leads to collaborative quality improvements, such as reducing errors and preventing complications to keep patients safe and reduce costs.

Our role as anesthesiologists is rooted in a commitment to patient-centered care, driven by our qualifications and dedication. We take pride in being highly trained practitioners and advocates for our patients’ safety, health and comfort.

Michael Lewis is the Joseph L. Ponka chair in the Henry Ford Health Department of Anesthesiology, Pain Management, and Perioperative Medicine and interim chair of the Department of Anesthesia in the College of Human Medicine at Michigan State University.