I am a Candidate for 1st Vice President in 2024

A Note From Michael

I am deeply honored to run for the position of First Vice President of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) for 2024. My unwavering determination to earn your support comes from my profound commitment to our profession and our shared mission to advance anesthesiology for the benefit of both our members and the patients we serve. Contested elections play a crucial role in the vitality and progress of organizations like ours, driving us to critically evaluate our organization to identify areas for improvement. We must proactively address issues such as reimbursement, burnout, workforce shortages, and the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. Additionally, promoting diversity across geography, practice patterns, professional and personal opportunities, opinions, and gender is essential not only within our specialty but for the betterment of healthcare as a whole. By championing these values, we can create a more inclusive environment that benefits both our members and the patients we serve.

Why I'm Running
I decided to run for First Vice President because I believe in authentic leadership and the power of continuous improvement. Not having served on the Executive Committee, I bring a fresh perspective and clarity to our challenges, along with innovative solutions. I commit to fostering a culture of inclusivity, transparency, and proactive engagement that addresses our key issues, such as reimbursement, burnout, workforce shortages, and the evolving healthcare landscape.

My Priorities
I focus on several core priorities that will strengthen our organization and enhance our field:

1. Membership Engagement: We need to build strong connections with anesthesiologists at all stages of their careers, actively reaching out to those who are unaffiliated to create an inclusive and diverse community within the ASA. Retaining existing members is as important as bringing in new ones, as it ensures continuity and strengthens our organization. By encouraging participation in educational programs, conferences, and committee work, we boost engagement and foster a sense of belonging. A large membership base not only reflects professional alignment but also enhances our advocacy efforts. Membership dues provide the essential financial support needed to sustain our initiatives, making member retention and engagement key to the ASA’s success.


2. Advocacy: We need to strengthen our advocacy efforts to ensure every member feels represented and supported. By revitalizing our approach, we can address the issues that matter most to anesthesiologists, such as payer challenges and legislative impacts on our practice.


3. Autonomy: We must safeguard our professional autonomy against external pressures from hospital executives, insurance companies, and other stakeholders such as private equity. Maintaining control over our practice allows us to prioritize patient care and uphold the standards of our field.


4. Reimbursement: We must navigate the complexities of reimbursement policies, including recent changes like the 'No Surprises Act' and the removal of incremental payments reflecting ASA status. We need to advocate more forcefully for fair reimbursement rates to ensure the financial sustainability of our practices and the continued delivery of high-quality care. I would suggest that the approach we have taken to date has been too timid.


5. Transparency: Promoting transparency within the ASA by providing members with a clear view of all critical issues affecting our organization fosters trust and unity.


6. Workforce: Addressing workforce shortages and promoting diversity in all its forms will better equip us to meet the challenges of our evolving healthcare landscape.

What Qualifies Me?
My extensive experience in anesthesiology and leadership roles both within the ASA and other organizations uniquely positions me to serve as your First Vice President. I have dedicated my career to advancing our field through service, innovation, and advocacy. Details of my varied experience are found on my abbreviated CV also found on this webpage. Here’s how my background has prepared me for this position:

• Leadership in Professional Organizations: I have held numerous leadership positions, including President of the Florida Society of Anesthesiologists, where I earned the Distinguished Service Award. I also served as President of the Society for Advancement of Geriatric Anesthesia and the Israel Medical Association USA. Within the ASA, I have chaired various committees, led as Chair of the Academic Caucus, Vice Chair of the Midwest Caucus, and Secretary of the ASAPAC Board.


• Impactful Advocacy: My commitment to advocacy earned me the Bertram W. Coffer, M.D. Excellence in Government Award from the ASA. During my tenure in Florida, I led the state component to win the Alabama Cup multiple times, demonstrating my dedication to advocating effectively for our profession.


• Academic and Clinical Leadership: At the University of Miami, I served in various roles, including Chief of VA Anesthesia Services, Clerkship Director, Program Director for the largest residency program in the country, Departmental Vice Chair, Chair of the Medical School Faculty Council, Vice Speaker of the University Senate, and Senior Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education. These roles provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in both academic and clinical settings.


• Transformational Leadership: At Henry Ford Health, where I serve as System Chair, I manage a budget of over $115 million and oversee anesthesia services across multiple hospitals. I successfully integrated independent private groups into our system through an anesthesia council that shapes all Tier-1 policies. My leadership style emphasizes servant leadership, focusing on empathy, active listening, and fostering a strong sense of community.


• Personal Commitment to Change: My role as a change agent extends beyond my professional life. As the Board President of a near-bankrupt parochial school, I orchestrated a strategic turnaround that guided the institution back to solvency. This experience, along with my involvement in various philanthropic organizations and my active participation in my faith community, has honed my skills in building consensus and fostering collaboration among individuals with differing opinions.

Unique Experiences
Throughout my career, I have led diverse teams and navigated complex challenges. My journey from the United Kingdom to Israel and then to the United States has given me a global perspective on the practice of anesthesiology. I manage hospitals staffed by faculty and independent private groups, coordinated through a system anesthesia council, which provides me with a unique vantage point to address the multifaceted issues impacting our profession.

Looking Forward
As we approach the election, I am committed to working together to create a brighter future for our specialty and the patients we serve. In the words of Winston Churchill, "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." This quote inspires me to lead with determination and resilience, knowing that our collective efforts will shape the future of anesthesiology. I urge you to consider the ideas and leadership styles of each candidate thoughtfully. I am eager to share more of my vision for the ASA in the coming months and welcome any questions or comments you may have. Please reach out to me at [email protected], or call me at 313-622-6396, and for more insights into my campaign, watch my video at the campaign video link.

Thank you for considering my candidacy. I am dedicated to earning your trust and support, and I hope to serve as your First Vice President with dedication, integrity, and a vision for a stronger ASA.

"It is not your duty to finish the work, but neither are you at liberty to neglect it." This wisdom guides my commitment to our profession, reminding us all that while we may not complete every task ourselves, our responsibility is to remain dedicated and contribute to the progress of our field.