UCLA DAPM Attends ASA Advance 2025

Written by Kathy Cazares, MD

This January, faculty and residents traveled to ASA Advance: The Anesthesiology Business Event in Atlanta, Georgia. The conference explored critical topics in healthcare economics, practice management, and advocacy, equipping anesthesiologists with strategies to navigate today’s evolving landscape.

Key Takeaways:

DAPM residents and faculty at ASA Advance 2025

CSA-sponsored residents and faculty attended ASA Advance to gain insights on leadership, advocacy, and the evolving business of anesthesiology.

Creating a Strong Workplace Culture – Culture starts with meeting basic needs like scheduling equity and fair compensation before implementing motivators such as recognition and leadership engagement. Data-driven action is key.
MythBusters: Rethinking Efficiency & Productivity – Cutting turnover time alone doesn’t drive efficiency; addressing major delays and resident movement does. TEE billing was highlighted as an area for reform, and discussions emphasized that productivity in anesthesiology extends beyond unit production.
Market Turbulence in Anesthesia – Case studies from Providence hospitals in Oregon and Cedars-Sinai illustrated the impact of contract shifts and employment models, underscoring the need for anesthesiologists to advocate for fair compensation and a balanced relationship with hospital administration.
Unionization & Financial Pressures – The growing reliance on hospital subsidization due to Medicare payment cuts and the No Surprises Act places anesthesiologists in a vulnerable position, especially as midlevel providers expand. Advocacy and unity are crucial.
Dr. Glaucomflecken’s Keynote – The physician-comedian brought humor and humanity to medicine, highlighting the challenges in providing compassionate, affordable care and the need for anesthesiologists to advocate for our profession through ASA efforts and social media.
Mentorship, Sponsorship & Coaching – Structured mentorship and sponsorship drive career growth, while coaching can be used at all levels.

ASA Advance reinforced the importance of advocacy, leadership, and professional development in anesthesiology. As anesthesiologists, we are not just service providers—we are essential stakeholders in the healthcare system.

Residents who attended: Andi Antenucci, Ehab Bahrun, Kathy Cazares, Michael LoBasso, Mishan Rambukwella

Attendings who attended: Phil Levin, John Patton, Dane Saksa, Emily Methangkool