By Matthew J. Ciotti, Chief Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant, TeamHealth Anesthesiology, The Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio
The week of June 7-13 is a time to recognize Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants for CAA Week 2021.
The high-quality, collaborative, team-based approach employed by the thousands of CAAs in the U.S. alongside our physician anesthesiologists continues to be a critical part of the healthcare environment. This has been more evident than ever over the past year, and I continue to be amazed by my fellow CAAs. I am proud that I work alongside incredible individuals within TeamHealth.
Recognizing CAAs impact during the pandemic
It goes without saying that the events of the past year presented extraordinary challenges for everyone. As I reflect back on the past 12 months, I am humbled by the compassion and care our CAAs provided to the greater Cincinnati community. With the help of our TeamHealth leadership both locally and nationally, physician anesthesiologists, and hospital administrators, our CAAs were afforded great opportunities to make a significant difference in the lives of thousands of individuals.
Our CAAs stepped up in very difficult situations without hesitation and with positive attitudes and provided the highest quality of care possible. There are too many examples to list here of how each of our CAAs volunteered themselves in situations that many of us never would have thought possible prior to a global pandemic. It goes without saying, but I am very proud to be a CAA and work within a great anesthesiology community here at TeamHealth.
What CAA Week 2021 means to me
As I enter my 14th year of practice as a CAA, I could not be happier with the career choice that I made. Working within the anesthesia care team on a daily basis provides patients with the highest quality of care possible and allows for a highly functioning practice.
I would ask you to please take time this week to thank a CAA or to reflect on why you chose this profession.
Healthcare is an ever-evolving landscape, but our patients always remain the center of our focus and they deserve the best care available. CAAs are here to provide that and will continue to do so in the future.
Happy National Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants Week from Cincinnati!