VOLUME 36, ISSUE 1

I am a recent “transplant” to Texas. When I moved here, I was eager to attend the Texas Society of Anesthesiologists (TSA) annual meeting (besides looking forward to buying cowboy boots and hat!!!). Last year was my first meeting and I attended many high-quality sessions, but the one that spoke to me the most was Dr. Hawkins’ session on Maternal Mortality and Morbidity. This topic resonated even more when Dr. Hawkins mentioned that the Texas Maternal Mortality Morbidity Review Committee (MMMRC) did not, at the time, have an anesthesiologist among its membership. I was a bit puzzled as our specialty always has the culture of “safety” and being the last rampart to patient’s care and adverse outcomes prevention, anchored in our roles.

Anesthesiologists are essential in labor and delivery as they provide pain relief and management to ensure the mother’s comfort and safety during childbirth. They are also trained to handle complications that may arise during the delivery process.

In addition, obstetric anesthesiologists have the unique role as the intensivist of the obstetric suite because we possess the special training and experience in treating critically ill patients.

According to the statement on Levels of Maternal Care issued by the American College of Obstetricians Gynecologists and the Society of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, maternity services for the highest levels (Level 3 and 4) should include 24/7 anesthesiology coverage, as well as a board-certified anesthesiologist with specialty training or experience in obstetrics who oversees the obstetric anesthesiology service.

Outside of the labor and delivery room, anesthesiologists take on leadership roles to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity rates by participating in the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health and lead efforts to make physicians and nurses aware of early warning signs of obstetric complications.

After Dr. Hawkins’ lecture, I felt that having an anesthesiologist on the MMMRC would provide essential insight and perspective into the cases reviewed by the committee and would also increase the level of collaboration in Texas on this important topic. When I made that suggestion to Dr. George Williams, TSA’s Immediate Past President, I received the immediate support of the TSA; Elizabeth Farley and Jasmine Owen worked relentlessly towards that goal. Their support was incredibly helpful and they guided me through the entire process. Soon after that, Representative Shawn Thierry (D-Houston) introduced House Bill 852 (which adds four physicians, including an anesthesiologist, to the Texas MMMRC) and I was asked to testify in support of the bill in Austin. Speaking before the House Committee on Public Health was an incredible and inspiring experience. HB 852 passed and the MMMRC is now seeking anesthesiologist applicants for membership on their committee. I believe our goal was reached and our voice was heard.

Raising awareness within our community, presenting data, and advocating for our patients is what we must continue doing if we want to ensure the safety of anesthesia and the health of our patients in Texas.