World Anaesthesia Day is marked on the 16th of October – a global event commemorating the birth of anaesthesia as a medical profession.

This year, it is the 178th anniversary of the first successful ether anaesthesia administered to a patient at Massachusetts General Hospital, a groundbreaking achievement that transformed surgical care by enabling painless surgery.

The Association of Anaesthesiologists of Malta (AAM), said since that historic moment, the field of anaesthesia has witnessed numerous advancements and innovations, significantly improving patient care.

However, it highlighted that despite these milestones, many people around the world still lack access to safe anaesthetic services. World Anaesthesia Day serves as a platform to raise awareness about the importance of safe anaesthetic practices and to recognise the outstanding contributions of the global anaesthesia community.

The Association noted that the critical role of anaesthesiologists became more widely appreciated during the Covid-19 pandemic, which placed them at the forefront of patient care for the critically ill.

As the pandemic unfolded, anaesthesiologists and intensivists played an indispensable role in caring for some of the most vulnerable patients, further highlighting their essential function within the healthcare system, the Association said.

Anaesthesiologists’ expertise goes far beyond the operating room. Their scope of work includes perioperative care, patient assessments before and after surgery, acute pain management (including epidural administration in labour wards), chronic pain management through specialised clinics and interventions, as well as leading resuscitation efforts and overseeing care in Intensive Care Units.

The AAM a registered voluntary organisation, is the professional body representing anaesthesiologists in Malta. The AAM said it is dedicated to ensuring excellence in patient care by maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality through education, training, research, and other professional activities.

Since 2018, AAM has been a regular participant in Science in the City, with this year being no exception. At the AAM stand, visitors had the opportunity to engage in interactive airway demonstrations, anaesthesia induction simulations, and informative discussions with anaesthesiologists.

Additionally, AAM proudly hosted the Second National Anaesthetic Trainees Academic Showcase in September, providing a platform for trainees to present their academic work and enhance their public speaking skills.

Looking ahead, AAM said that it is excited to announce its International Anaesthesia Congress, which will be held on 21st and 22nd February 2025.

The conference, themed “Focus on the High-Risk Patient: Anaesthetic, Intensive Care, and Pain Perspectives,” will feature a wide range of workshops, plenary sessions, poster presentations, and networking opportunities. Local and international experts will share their insights on key topics, contributing to a comprehensive and educational event for all attendees.

To raise further awareness about the vital role anaesthesiologists play, AAM invites the public to visit its stand at the Mater Dei Hospital Foyer on the 16th of October from 9:00am to 12:00pm.

This is a unique opportunity to engage with professionals, ask questions, and learn more about the critical role of anaesthesia in modern healthcare.

For more information, please visit the AAM website at www.aam-malta.org

Photo: AAM Board of Administrators 2023-2025 – From left, Dr Petramay Attard Cortis, Dr Daniel Farrugia, Dr Anne Marie Camilleri Podesta (AAM President), Dr Nandor Kosik, Dr Stephanie Mifsud, Dr Maria Zammit

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