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06/05/2020

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Recognizing Anesthesiologist Assistants During the Pandemic

By Matthew J. Ciotti, Chief Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant, TeamHealth Anesthesiology, The Christ Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio

As National Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants (CAA) Week comes to a close today, we celebrate CAAs and the collaborative approach taken with physician anesthesiologists to provide excellent care to patients. CAAs are a crucial part of the anesthesiology community, and I am proud to say that at TeamHealth, I work alongside the best. This has never been more evident than during the COVID-19 health crisis.

We have come together to face the challenges, including the added fear, anxiety and stress currently on healthcare professionals. Not knowing what is to come each day at work is a complicated, emotional experience. Thankfully, with support from TeamHealth leadership, our local physician anesthesiologist leaders, hospital administration and nurses, we have been able to strategize and successfully navigate the pandemic.

We collaborated with the infectious disease team and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) leadership to establish multiple guidelines for auxiliary ICUs with anesthesia vents and reviewed all proper personal protective equipment (PPE) procedures. Within our department we created a hospital-wide specialized airway team. Our team worked around the clock for weeks to care for our patients in the Cincinnati community. This would not have been possible without the high-quality care and unbelievably positive attitudes of our CAAs as well as the incredible support of our TeamHealth leaders. I feel very humbled and proud to be a CAA and work within the TeamHealth anesthesiology community.

As a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant for the past 12 years, I have experienced many wonderful opportunities. I’ve had the pleasure to work with brilliant individuals in the operating room and also while out advocating for my profession.

As we recognize CAA week in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, please take time to reflect on why you chose to become a CAA. Patients deserve the safest and best care, and CAAs will continue to play an integral role. #CAAWeek

Currently, TeamHealth has Anesthesiology positions available at The Christ Hospital in Cincinnati. You can join a team that supports you and recognizes your impact in providing excellent patient care.

Click here to explore additional Anesthesiologist Assistant positions available nationwide.