ASA Launches "Lifeline Campaign" and Needs Support of all Anesthesiologists

In 2008 the ASA conducted extensive research on the perceptions surrounding anesthesiologists, and found that patients, and many in the medical community are too often unaware of the important role anesthesiologists play in modern medicine. Anesthesiologists' work is too often perceived by others as routine or low risk without understanding that anesthesiologists are highly trained medical doctors who make lifesaving surgery and pain management possible.

In response to these research findings, the ASA developed the Lifeline Campaign to communicate the essential role anesthesiologists play in making modern medicine possible. As an integral part of the campaign, the ASA will launch a Web site for the general public that will be the definitive source of information on anesthesiology. The site will be a resource for the public to learn about the role of anesthesiologists and the use of anesthesia during medical procedures. Additionally, new media strategies will work to push messages to other external digital resources including medical blogs, online forums and Web sites.

However, the success of the Lifeline Campaign will also largely depend on the dedication and participation of anesthesiologists across the country. By embodying and promoting the central themes of the program, anesthesiologists will validate and reinforce the Lifeline Campaign goals and messages more than any other initiative. Members can support the Lifeline Campaign with as much or as little time as they are willing to commit. Even a couple hours a year of a member's time can have a positive impact. Anesthesiologists interested in learning more about the Lifeline Campaign and how they can help should visit www.lifelinecampaign.com to view a short video on why this initiative is essential to the future of the profession or contact lifeline@asahq.org.