American Society of Anesthesiologists

We are ASA
At the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), we take pride in our dedication to raise and maintain the standards of the medical practice of anesthesiology and to improve patient care.

Since 1905, our achievements have played an important role in American medicine and we’ve acted as an advocate for all patients who require anesthesia or relief from pain. We provide outstanding education, research and scientific knowledge to physician anesthesiologists and care team members.

Mission, Vision and Values
Mission: Advancing the Practice and Securing the Future
Vision: A world leader improving health through innovation in quality and safety.
Values: Patient Safety, Physician-led Care and Scientific Discovery

Strategic Pillars:
Advocacy
Educational Resources
Leadership and Professional Development
Member Engagement
Quality and Practice Advancement
Research and Scientific Discovery
Financial Performance and Operational Excellence

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) is an educational, research and scientific association of physicians organized to raise the standards of the medical practice of anesthesiology and to improve patient care.

The organization has more than 57,000 national and international members and has more than 100 full-time employees.

Anesthesiology’s roots date back to the mid-19th century. On March 30, 1842, Crawford Long, M.D. administered the first ether anesthetic for surgery and operated to remove a tumor from a patient’s neck. After the surgery, the patient revealed that he felt nothing and was not aware the surgery was over until he awoke. This was the start of a specialty critical to modern medicine, anesthesiology.

In 1905, nine physicians from Long Island, N.Y. organized the first professional anesthesia society. In 1911, the Society expanded to 23 members and became the New York Society of Anesthetists. Over the next 25 years, involvement in anesthesia-related issues grew and attracted other interested physicians nationwide. In 1936, the Society changed its name to the American Society of Anesthetists. In 1945, the organization moved to become the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA). In 1960, the ASA established an Executive Office in Park Ridge, Illinois to meet growing membership and patient-care demands. In 2014, the ASA opened new headquarters in Schaumburg, Illinois.

Membership in the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) is open to licensed practitioners who hold a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree and have completed an accredited training program in anesthesiology approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) or American Osteopathic Association (AOA).

The ASA also has active components for residents, medical students, and anesthesiologist assistants. Non-physician providers of anesthesia care, such as anesthesiologist assistants, nurse anesthetists, dentists, veterinarians, and APRNs, can join as educational members.

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) is governed by its House of Delegates. The House of Delegates consists of ASA delegates and directors, who are designated based on geographic distribution, as well as ASA officers, past presidents, the Editor-in-Chief of the journal, section chairs, the chair of the ASA delegation to the American Medical Association House of Delegates, and members of the Resident Component Governing Council (not exceeding five members). Additionally, a non-voting member from the Medical Student component is also included. The House of Delegates convenes annually during the Society’s Annual Meeting.

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) publishes a variety of academic resources in the following categories:

Practice Management
Practice Parameters
Continuing Education
Patient Education
Patient Safety/Risk Management and Quality Improvement
Periodicals
ASA Monitor (newsletter)
Anesthesiology (journal)
Physician Booklets

Contact ASA:

Headquarters Office
1061 American Lane
Schaumburg, IL 60173-4973
Telephone: (847) 825-5586
Fax: (847) 825-1692
Email: info@asahq.org

Washington Office
905 16th Street, N.W.
Suite 400
Washington, D.C. 20006
Telephone: (202) 289-2222
Fax: (202) 371-0384
Email: advocacy@asahq.org