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January 26, - February 1, 2025: Physician Anesthesiologists Week

WHEREAS, physician anesthesiologists are guardians of patient safety in health care — in the operating room, in the delivery room, in the intensive care unit, in pain management clinics, and at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) protecting our nation’s Veterans; and,

WHEREAS, the 12 to 14 years of education and 12,000 to 16,000 hours of training physician anesthesiologists receive prepare them to navigate life-and-death moments and help ensure patients receive the highest-quality care; and,

WHEREAS, physician anesthesiologists are made for this moment, playing a critical role in keeping patients safe in this state and community, whether managing a crisis during surgery or labor and delivery, providing pain management, or caring for our Veterans who are among the most vulnerable patients often suffering from medical conditions associated with their military service; and,

WHEREAS, the Anesthesia Team model, led by physician anesthesiologists, is widely recognized as the gold standard of care used in all of the nation’s top hospitals and in the VA to protect patients and the millions of Veterans who have served our country and deserve the same high standard of care available for 95% of Americans; and,

WHEREAS, physician anesthesiologists are recognized leaders who are committed to safe and high-quality patient care, educating patients on anesthesia safety and reducing risks of complications before, during, and after surgery;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim January 26 – February 1, 2025, as Physician Anesthesiologists Week in Michigan and I urge all citizens to join us in recognizing physician anesthesiologists, who serve as critical care specialists and work to greatly improve the safety of anesthesia and the well-being of surgical patients, Veterans, and chronic pain patients each day.