Don't diminish role of anesthesia teams

As an anesthesiologist practicing in Naperville, I have learned the importance of teams. Medical care delivered by teams guarantees the best care and delivers the best results for patients. This is especially true in anesthesia care, where licensed physicians, nurses and physicians' assistants all play important roles.

People facing surgery tend to focus on their surgeon, which is understandable. But the anesthesiologist determines if the patient is fit to undergo surgery - and is responsible for keeping the patient alive and safe while the procedure is happening. This critical care - anesthesia care - is safest and best when delivered by a team.

Unfortunately, a push is under way to undermine the anesthesia team in Illinois. Legislative proposals like Rep. Anna Moeller's House Bill 2813 would eliminate the team approach and allow nurses to administer anesthesia without a doctor's supervision. This approach clashes directly with the standards promoted by the World Health Organization.

I am proud to support Preserve the Anesthesia Care Team (PACT), a broad-based coalition dedicated to maintaining a physician-led, team-based approach to anesthesia across Illinois. Anesthesia care is no place to cut corners.

Audrey F. Oware

Naperville