WHEREAS, physician anesthesiologists are guardians of patient safety in health care - in the operating room, in the delivery room, in the intensive care unit, in pain management clinics, and at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) protecting our nation's Veterans; and

WHEREAS, the 12 to 14 years of education and 12,000 to 16,000 hours of training physician anesthesiologists receive prepare them to navigate life-and-death moments and help ensure patients receive the highest-quality care; and

WHEREAS, physician anesthesiologists play a critical role in keeping patients safe, whether managing a crisis during surgery or labor and delivery, providing pain management, or caring for our Veterans who are among the most vulnerable patients often suffering from medical conditions associated with their military service; and

WHEREAS, the Anesthesia Team model, led by physician anesthesiologists, is widely recognized as the gold standard of care used in all the nation's top hospitals and in the VA to protect patients and the millions of Veterans who have served our country and deserve the same high standard of care available for 95% of Americans; and

WHEREAS, physician anesthesiologists are recognized leaders who are committed to safe and high-quality patient care, educating patients on anesthesia safety, and reducing risks of complications before, during, and after surgery; and

WHEREAS, Nevada is currently home to 410 physician anesthesiologists, equating to one physician anesthesiologist for every 7,827 Nevadans;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOE LOMBARDO, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, do hereby proclaim the week January 28-February 3, 2024 as

PHYSICIAN ANESTHESIOLOGISTS WEEK IN NEVADA