Hello Region 7!

As we move through March, it is refreshing to say that spring is just around the corner. With the change of season, I am eager to focus on our growth as a professional community.

While digital communication has its place, there is nothing as valuable as meeting face-to-face. These in-person gatherings allow us to truly compare how anesthesia practices vary across our region. By observing these differences firsthand, we can learn from one another's successes and challenges to ultimately improve patient care.

As the American physician Francis Peabody once said:

“One of the essential qualities of the clinician is interest in humanity, for the secret of the care of the patient is in caring for the patient.”

Meeting in person reminds us that our profession is built on these human connections—not just between technician and patient, but among ourselves as a care team. Physical presence fosters the "relational trust and psychological safety" necessary for us to openly discuss and improve our clinical workflows.

I am looking to organize more regional meetings and would love to hear from members in our region. I am looking to connect with our colleagues in Wyoming and Montana to bring our educational and networking opportunities closer to you and find out more about your practices. If you are interested in hosting or helping organize a meeting in your local area, please reach out to me at [email protected].

Finally, please remember to take care of yourself. Our work is demanding, and we can only provide the best care for our patients when we are also prioritizing our own well-being. As the saying goes, "you can't pour from an empty cup.” Thank you for everything you do for the anesthesia profession. I look forward to seeing many of you in person soon at our meeting November 7, 2026 at Overlake Hospital in Bellevue, Washington!