Ask any surgeon: “is it possible to perform safe surgery without “good” anesthesia?”. The answer is: NO. When I discuss these types of missions with the anesthesiologists back home, I tell them of the great anesthesiologists I have the pleasure working with.

Whether they’re academic or private office or surgicenter based, I know I can trust them and work with them as team members. None of that nail-biting (mine) wake up and extubation – especially in those post-op palatoplasty patients. They all have a great understanding of the pediatric airway and anesthesia and share my enthusiasm and concern with our patient’s welfare. I hope I have earned their respect and friendship as much as I do theirs.