Boston Anesthesia History Group

During October 2010, history enthusiasts from Boston area teaching hospitals formed the Boston Anesthesia History Group. The primary reason for joining forces and working together was the recognition that collective action was necessary to promote the study of history.

The group is not affiliated with any particular Department, Hospital, Medical School, University, or Professional Organization. Members do not pay dues and the group does not maintain a bank account or undertake financial dealings. Founding members were selected on the basis of an interest in history, and they represent anesthesia departments from each of the four medical schools in Massachusetts.

We seek to promote history by supporting and undertaking the following activities:
• Conduct history related tours in New England.
• Organize and participate in meetings and conferences related to history.
• Perform research related to history.
• Publish scholarly work related to history in bulletins, peer-reviewed medical journals, magazines, and books.
• Develop a curriculum for the teaching of history of anesthesia inside and outside the classroom.
• Provide mentorship to individuals who wish to embark on projects related to history.
• Be a resource for information and visiting lecturers.

Sukumar P. Desai, M.D., Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston

Alphabetical list of founding members:

Fred G. Davis, M.D., Department of Anesthesiology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston.

Manisha S. Desai, M.D., Department of Anesthesiology, UMass Memorial Health Care, Worcester.

Elliott V. Miller, M.D., [Retired] Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston.

Rafael A. Ortega, M.D., Department of Anesthesiology, Boston Medical Center, Boston.

Joan E. Spiegel, M.D., Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston.

Susan A. Vassallo, M.D., Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston.

David B. Waisel, M.D., Department of Anesthesia, Children’s Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School, Boston.

Individuals interested in learning more about our activities and publications, or wishing to get in touch with founding members are requested to contact Sukumar P. Desai, M.D. electronically at sdesai@partners.org