New anesthesiologists are likely to be much more aware of the larger picture of perioperative care moving forward. The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) and American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) announced that “perioperative medicine” will be added as a new clinical topic within the subspecialty section to the Content Outline for Initial Certification in Anesthesiology. The update was developed at the request of ASA’s Center for Perioperative Medicine (CPMed).
“While previously incorporated throughout the content outline’s topics, making perioperative medicine its own topic further strengthens a coordinated approach to medicine and aligns with today’s evolving clinical practice,” states ASA.
“The inclusion of perioperative medicine in the ABA’s ADVANCED and In-Training Exams will expand training opportunities, encourage early interest, and prepare future anesthesiologists for success in the field,” stated ASA President Patrick Giam, MD, FASA.
“While perioperative medicine has long been included in residency programs, it has not been a standalone component,” stated CPMed Chair Maxime Cannesson, MD.
Added ABA Secretary John Fiadjoe, MD, MBA. “This update directly supports our strategic plan by advancing high-quality, patient-centered care and ensuring our assessment programs reflect the full scope of modern anesthesiology practice. By emphasizing coordinated care throughout the surgical journey, we are helping to prepare physicians to deliver safer, more effective care and to lead in an increasingly complex healthcare environment.”
ASA calls perioperative medicine “central to the future of healthcare because it keeps patients safe and supported throughout their entire surgical experience—from pre-op to recovery.” It states that coordinated care is essential before, during and after surgery, and especially when complications occur intraoperatively and postoperatively.
“Perioperative medicine brings together anesthesiologists, surgeons, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to plan, manage risks, and support recovery,” stated ASA. “This approach aims to reduce complications, improve outcomes, and help patients heal faster and return to their normal lives. With aging populations and increasingly complex medical conditions, its holistic and collaborative approach is invaluable to achieving safer, more efficient, and effective surgical care.”
The new section on perioperative medicine will include topics such as chronic disease optimization, social determinants of health, perioperative risk assessment tools, assessment of disease biomarkers, Enhanced Recovery After Surgery pathways, hyperglycemia management, smoking cessation, prehabilitation, anemia and blood management, expanded geriatric evaluation, patient education, handoffs, readmission reduction, and short-term and long-term outcomes.
