Written by a loving husband, a dedicated father, and an experienced anesthesiologist in Virginia Just as things were beginning to look more optimistic after a few rough years, I was let go again from a job, despite having an unblemished track record while employed there. My past was back to haunt me. I had been moonlighting at this hospital for a year and a half and was … [Read more...] about Second Chances?
Controversies in Anesthesia
Medical Marijuana Legislation Update
By James A. Pickral
Partner, Commonwealth Strategy Group
The legalization of recreational marijuana was a major topic of the 2021 Virginia General Assembly. Governor Northam announced that legalization would be a major policy objective of his Administration late in 2020 and subsequently crafted legislation to that effect.
The bill was carried in the House of Delegates by Delegate Charniele Herring and in the Senate by Senator … [Read more...] about Medical Marijuana Legislation Update
By James A. Pickral
Partner, Commonwealth Strategy Group
Would I Do It Again?
By Paul Rein, DO
In 2008 there was a movie made called ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’. It was a story of a man who ages in reverse. Interesting movie.
I graduated from Osteopathic Medical School in 1972 with a debt of $20,000. Starting in 1974 I practiced as an old-fashioned general practitioner for six and a half years, including house calls, uncomplicated obstetrics, and minor sur … [Read more...] about Would I Do It Again?
By Paul Rein, DO
Anesthesia Care Team Composition: CAA or CRNA, What’s the Difference?
By Nicole Cabell
VAAA President
AAAA Legislative Committee Chair
Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants (CAAs) are highly skilled health professionals who work under the medical direction of licensed physician Anesthesiologists to implement anesthesia care plans.
CAAs work exclusively within the Anesthesia Care Team (ACT) model, as described by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA). Also working alongside physician … [Read more...] about Anesthesia Care Team Composition: CAA or CRNA, What’s the Difference?
By Nicole Cabell
VAAA President
AAAA Legislative Committee Chair
Medicolegal Reform in Virginia, and Why It Needs Your Attention
By Jack Craven, MD, JD
Anesthesiology Resident
Virginia Commonwealth University
If you imagine yourself as a trial attorney, it is easy to understand the motive behind reducing barriers to filing claims. Trial lawyers are all too familiar with the laws restricting suits and capping damages. It should come as no surprise that they have been seeking to “reform” prior medical malpractice statutes in Virginia. A bill was introduced in the General Assembly this … [Read more...] about Medicolegal Reform in Virginia, and Why It Needs Your Attention
By Jack Craven, MD, JD
Anesthesiology Resident
Virginia Commonwealth University