Message from the President ~ Winter 2025

Dear Members of the Pennsylvania Society of Anesthesiologists,

As we conclude another year of dedicated work on behalf of our patients and our profession, I want to reflect on the progress the Society has made across multiple domains. This has been a year defined by transition, renewed momentum, and meaningful steps forward in areas identified as priorities by our membership.

OPERATIONAL TRANSITION AND ORGANIZATIONAL MOMENTUM

The year began at a brisk pace as the Society undertook a transition to a new management company. Over the subsequent months, we completed this process successfully and have achieved stability across all operational functions. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Clear Point Management, LLC and appreciate the structure, organization, and discipline they bring to our work.

Since the conclusion of the transition, the Society has steadily built momentum. We shifted our focus toward implementing modernized models for more efficient committee work and expanding innovative ideas generated by our engaged Board of Directors. These developments align with the results of last year’s member survey, which emphasized the need for a stronger focus on advocacy and more timely digital communication in place of traditional mailings. The move toward real-time, electronic communication has improved engagement while reducing costs.

ADVOCACY INITIATIVES AND GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

The Government Affairs Committee assumed an expanded role this year, reflecting evolving strategic priorities and the increased engagement of its members. A central part of this new charge is planning the Annual Business Meeting, which for the second year will now occur during springtime in the Hershey area with an option for virtual participation. This shift away from the prior ASA-based meeting schedule is in direct response to member feedback and is one of our most significant and exciting changes.

We strongly encourage all members to join us on Saturday, April 11, 2026, to hear high-yield updates and insights from our lobbying team and legal partners. The meeting will be easily accessible to all members and will continue to serve as an important forum for policy and professional discussion.

This year, society leadership also maintained a strong presence at the ASA Legislative Kickoff, where Pennsylvania was one of only three states invited to share updates on regulatory work related to Act 60. While the details of this work are technical and ongoing, the opportunity to contribute at the national level underscores the strength of our advocacy efforts and the recognition the Society has earned within the broader anesthesiology community.

In addition, the Government Affairs Committee is collaborating with the Membership Committee to create on-demand “Advocacy 101” videos to help members effectively communicate with elected officials. The Committee is also developing concise white papers on key state-focused issues to serve as accessible educational resources and reference tools for legislative engagement.

MEMBERSHIP ENGAGEMENT

The Membership Committee has played an important role in developing new strategies to strengthen engagement with current members and in collaborating with the ASA to support recruitment efforts. Their work contributes directly to the long-term vitality of the Society, and we extend our sincere appreciation to the committee members for their efforts on behalf of the organization.

EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

This year marked the launch of our new educational podcast, “Above the Drapes” which can be found on our website or on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Featuring discussions of medically challenging cases and insights from local experts, the podcast is designed to offer concise, practice-focused content that members can access easily—whether during a workout, commute, or any moment available for continued learning.

COMMUNICATIONS MODERNIZATION

The Society has made significant progress in modernizing how we communicate with members. We extend our sincere appreciation to Joan Oguntinemin for her exceptional leadership in advancing this work. Over the past year, Joan has provided steadfast guidance and played a central role in updating our communication practices. As she transitions out of the Communications Committee Chair position in January, we want to acknowledge her dedication and the strong foundation she has established for continued progress.

FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP

The Society remains financially stable despite a multiyear trend of declining membership and rising operational costs. The Board has been proactive in finding efficiencies, prioritizing responsible resource allocation, and ensuring long-term sustainability. We are proud that dues have not been raised in several years, even amid significant inflationary pressures. The Society continues to operate as leanly as possible while making strategic investments that support our mission and initiatives aimed at strengthening and growing the organization.

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2026

We look forward to seeing members at the Annual Business Meeting on April 11, 2026, and encourage participation from all, whether in person or virtually.

In the upcoming year, the Society will continue to focus on operational optimization, strong financial stewardship, expanded advocacy efforts, and enhancement of information and resources for members, while preparing for the transition to a new slate of officers in April 2026.

As always, we welcome and encourage broader involvement from the membership. Committee participation is open to all, and any member interested in leadership roles is invited to contact the Nominating Committee regarding potential service on the Board of Directors.

Thank you for your commitment to the Pennsylvania Society of Anesthesiologists and for your ongoing support of our mission. We look forward to continued progress in the year ahead.

Sincerely,

Andrew Boryan, MD, FASA, FCPP
President, Pennsylvania Society of Anesthesiologists