Skip to main content

Department Brings Research, Education, and Innovation to the Forefront at the ASA Annual Meeting

The ASA logo and the words "ANESTHESIOLOGY 2024 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Anesthesiologists, Philadelphia, PA, October 18-22" on top of an image of Philadelphia

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) is a leading professional organization dedicated to the advancement of anesthesiology in the United States. The ASA plays a crucial role in establishing standards, enhancing safety protocols, and shaping practices in the specialty. With thousands of anesthesiologists and healthcare professionals as members, the organization serves as a key platform for collaboration, research, and education, driving innovation and excellence in patient care. Its impact on the field is profound, setting guidelines, advocating for patient safety, and providing vital resources to ensure the highest quality of perioperative care nationwide.

The ASA annual meeting is the largest educational event for anesthesiologists worldwide, offering five days of learning, networking, and hands-on experiences. This event provides unmatched opportunities for practitioners to explore new ideas, expand their professional networks, and refresh their clinical knowledge.

Our department will once again make a strong showing at ANESTHESIOLOGY 2024, which will be held in Philadelphia, PA, from October 18-22. This year, our team will present 70 talks and six workshops. Additionally, six faculty members and one clinical fellow will moderate or facilitate sessions or workshops, and 27 faculty members and one resident will serve on ASA and ASA-affiliated committees.

An abstract by medical student Ruby Holland, PhD, et al., “A Novel Kappa-Opioid Receptor Circuit in the Midbrain for the Development of Opioid Withdrawal,” has been honored as a "Best Abstract" selection. This recognition, granted by the ASA’s journal ANESTHESIOLOGY, highlights innovative research with significant scientific and clinical implications. These top abstracts are chosen by the journal’s editors from the highest-scoring submissions reviewed by ASA subcommittees.

Our residents will participate in the Residency Programs Open House, an event open to all ASA attendees with valid Open House registration. They will be available at Table 92 to share insights into our comprehensive residency program and the many opportunities available at the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC.

Additionally, our residents’ team is approaching the finish line in the ASA-Lifebox Resident Challenge, which will run through the ASA Conference. This annual competition raises funds for Lifebox, a global nonprofit focused on improving the safety of surgery and anesthesia worldwide. So far, our team has raised over $4,200! There is still time to donate. Contributions can be made to "University of Pittsburgh Medical Center" on the Lifebox website to support this worthy cause.

A full schedule of our department’s presentations and details of our involvement in the meeting is available in a printable PDF. We look forward to connecting with our colleagues in Philadelphia!

2024 ASA Meeting Companion (PDF)