From reliable staffing to mutual respect, 10 ASC leaders joined Becker’s to discuss what makes a strong anesthesia partner.
Question: What qualities make for a strong anesthesia partner in today’s ASC environment?
Editor’s note: Responses have been lightly edited for clarity and length.
George Anastasian MD. Chief of Anesthesiology at White Plains (N.Y.) Hospital: Clinicians who not only work at the ASC but also the surrounding local hospitals will be stronger. Further, should care need to be transferred or elevated, they will have the necessary connections to make it seamless. Groups that have pediatric and regionally trained anesthesiologists make for stronger partners.
Eric Callan, CRNA. CEO of LifeLinc Anesthesia (Memphis, Tenn.): Selecting an anesthesia partner for your ASC is much different today than in the past. Ideally, your anesthesia partners are much more than just staffing for an OR room. You want a partner that will build an anesthesia culture to “buy-in” to the needs and success of the center. A partner that will offer safe, effective, up-to-date care for their patients while also working internally with ASC management to promote sustainability and growth. A partner with proven success that can provide consults not only medically for the center’s patients, but operationally and analytically through data interpretation and presentation. You want a partner that is transparent and trustworthy; a partner that will openly discuss wasted resources and assist in operational improvements. Today, selecting your anesthesia group is much more than staffing your ORs, it’s about creating a partnership that truly believes that our future success is dependent upon one another.
Luc Corriveau, CRNA. Chief Nurse Anesthetist at Androscoggin Valley Hospital (Gorham, N.H.): Strong anesthesia partners are more than clinicians, they’re integrated team members and proactive leaders. They bring stability, collaboration and a deep understanding of the ASC landscape. They’re present, communicative and aligned with the ASC’s goals from both a clinical and operational perspective.
Crucially, they also know how to operate with fiscal efficiency to provide high-value service. That means optimizing staffing models, leveraging technology and ensuring that all anesthesia professionals are practicing to the full extent of their licensure. When done well, this not only maintains clinical quality but improves throughput and financial sustainability.
The best partners are invested in the success of the ASC and the communities it serves. They lead with integrity, deliver consistent results and commit to long-term relationships, not just short-term contracts.
Suzi Cunningham. Administrator of Advanced Ambulatory Surgery Center. (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.): We have very good relationships with our MD and CRNA providers because we respect and value the important work they do. It is vital that the payers understand the critical need for them and reevaluate the pay structure, so facilities aren’t left subsidizing what the insurers should be paying for.
Megan Friedman, DO. Anesthesiologist and Director of Pacific Coast Anesthesia Consultants (Los Angeles): A strong anesthesia partner brings more than clinical skill — they bring alignment, adaptability and meaningful engagement. What truly sets a group apart is leadership that’s present and actively involved in strategy. An anesthesia team that participates in scheduling, recruitment, quality improvement and operational planning adds value far beyond the OR.
When ASC leaders actively leverage the operational knowledge of anesthesia leadership, it becomes a major driver of efficiency, trust, and growth. A strong partner isn’t just clinically excellent — they’re fully integrated into the daily life of the center.
Jay Kiokemeister, DO. President of Ambulatory Anesthesiologists of Chicago: Anesthesia groups must be and work as partners with the surgery center. Mutual respect from both administrations and anesthesia groups must exist so that patients and surgeons can have a positive experience. This collaboration will lead to a successful surgery center culture and environment.
Sarah Malaniak. Administrator of Peakpoint Flatiron Surgery Center (New York City): In today’s ASC environment, a strong anesthesia partner is characterized by several essential qualities. Reliable staffing is paramount, as it ensures that there are always enough skilled clinicians available to meet the dynamic needs of the ASC without compromising operating room time. Accountability and a robust infrastructure are also crucial, as they support data-driven performance measurement and maximize economic value, providing tools to demonstrate the provider’s value both in the OR and the executive suite. Patient-centered care is another key aspect, with anesthesia regimens tailored to each individual to enhance safety, comfort and satisfaction, ultimately improving postoperative experiences and surgical outcomes.
Operational efficiency is greatly enhanced by specialized anesthesia services, which streamline surgical operations and allow surgeons to focus on their primary responsibilities, leading to a more coordinated and efficient workflow. Safety protocols are vital, involving vigilant monitoring and management of patient vital signs during procedures to ensure stability and quickly address any complications. Lastly, strong leadership and collaboration are essential for advancing the perioperative environment and addressing the challenges faced in healthcare. These qualities collectively contribute to a productive and efficient ASC environment, enhancing both patient care and operational success.
Scott Mayer. CEO of Ambulatory Anesthesia Care (Chicago):
- Solution focused : Not “no” but “how can we do this and what if”
- Being nimble and embracing adaptability and change
- ASC vs. hospital mindset — very different goals and priorities which could differentiate skill-sets and personality traits
- Understands the needs and objectives of the center and its operations versus staying just in the anesthesia lane
Vijay Sudheendra, MD. President of Narragansett Bay Anesthesia (Providence, R.I.):
Reliable staffing and clinical expertise:
No. 1: Consistent, reliable staffing is fundamental. A strong anesthesia partner ensures that experienced, credentialed anesthesiologists and CRNAs are always available to meet the ASC’s needs, minimizing delays and disruptions in the operating room.
No. 2: Clinical expertise tailored to the ASC environment is essential. Providers must be skilled in outpatient anesthesia, patient selection and rapid recovery protocols to support efficient, safe care
No. 3: The ability to do more inpatient surgeries in an outpatient setting rests with a high-quality anesthesia group that collaborates with cardiologists, primary care and other specialists to keep patients at home after surgery and address post-discharge pain, medication reconciliation, recovery process, etc.
Jeffrey Tieder, MSN, CRNA. Clinical Assistant Professor at University of Tennessee at Chattanooga: Anesthesia providers in ASCs must do more than deliver safe anesthetics — they need to understand the unique demands of a high-volume, rapid-turnover environment. Clinical efficiency in this setting starts with the end in mind. Every case should be approached with discharge planning as a priority. Prolonged PACU stays can significantly impact throughput, disrupt OR flow and reduce profitability. One of the most impactful tools shaping the future of ASC anesthesia is the routine use of high-quality peripheral regional anesthesia. A well-executed preoperative nerve block can dramatically shorten recovery times, improve pain control, enhance patient satisfaction and reduce unplanned admissions. For ASC leaders and anesthesia partners alike, recognizing the return on investment of even a 10-minute pre-op block — in terms of time saved, outcomes improved and patient experience enhanced — is invaluable. Strong anesthesia partners embrace this mindset and proactively contribute to the ASC’s success.
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