FSA anesthesiology resident members regularly attend FSA and ASA events. Two big events in the first half of 2026 were ASA Advance, held in Las Vegas, and the FSA Legislative Days event held in Tallahassee, both at the end of January. Florida Anesthesiology Residents Wendy Guo and Prabhleen Kaur report on their experience:
ASA ADVANCE, attended by Wendy Guo – As an economics major, I had always been interested in the ASA Advance conference. Thanks to support from the FSA, I had the opportunity to attend the most recent ASA Advance conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, to catch up on the latest anesthesia practice topics. The ASA Advance provides excellent exposure to non-clinical aspects of anesthesia, including operations, finance, and quality improvement through keynotes, education sessions, roundtables, and exhibits. With anesthesia practice in constant flux, I learned about various practice types, billing systems, and operations challenges. There were also sessions geared towards residents and early career anesthesiologists on compensation models and professional liability that were highly informative. The ASA Advance is a conference I highly recommend for those looking to expand their knowledge and skillset in the business of anesthesia.
A Visit to the Florida State Capitol – A Resident Anesthesiologist’s Perspective by Prabhleen Kaur
There couldn’t have been a more perfect time to visit the State Capitol than the last week of January—during National Physician Anesthesiologists’ Week! Despite the freezing Tallahassee winds, each day featured an anesthesiologist as the Doctor of the Day, and the House had just passed HB 375 (the “No-Doc Bill”) days earlier. The energy was palpable.
This was my second time joining the FSA board members, lobbyists, administrative staff, and a select group of residents from across Florida for Legislative Days. Every year, FSA members head to Tallahassee during the legislative session to meet with lawmakers, explain the critical importance of physician-led anesthesia care teams, and advocate for patient safety and access to quality care. Residents have a valuable opportunity to learn and contribute, with applications opening in December. I’ve stayed engaged since January through the weekly legislative calls, which have helped me better understand the policy process and advocacy strategies.
The trip began with an amazing inaugural dinner where the board presented the annual report, this year graced by the presence of past Senate President Kathleen Passidomo. The morning of our scheduled meetings brought a scrumptious breakfast spread at the Governor’s Club, fueling us for a full day of conversations. Planning starts by reaching out to our local representatives and senators to schedule Capitol meetings. For newcomers, FSA pairs you with board mentors. I had the honor of meeting with “The Three Wise Women of the Senate”—Senators Harrell, Burton, and Passidomo—as well as my Hernando County Senator, Dr. Massullo, and several senators and representatives from the Tampa Bay area, including Senator Ed Hooper, Senator DiCeglie, and Representative Robinson.
Sitting across from these lawmakers, we discussed the anesthesia care team model, emphasizing how physician leadership ensures the highest level of safety and expertise in complex, high-risk procedures. The conversations were productive and memorable. I learned how to connect policy impacts to everyday life, building genuine rapport and the importance of maintaining those relationships over time.
I’ve remained engaged with the FSA through the weekly legislative calls and am committed to sustaining these connections with lawmakers in the long term. Advocacy is now a core part of my professional identity, and I’m grateful to FSA for including residents in this vital work.
For those interested in getting involved in person, reach out to JJ (FSA Executive Director)—he’s incredibly welcoming. If you’re busy, you can always start by contributing to FSAPAC at the resident level ($20/year or $1.66/month recurring)—every dollar helps sustain year-round engagement. You can’t leave Tallahassee without visiting one of the local cafes & breweries; Lucky Goat is a must! And definitely make time for Wakulla Springs and Alfred B. Maclay Gardens—stunning well well-maintained State parks with natural beauty to recharge after a powerful day of advocacy.
Until next time—let’s keep our voices strong for our patients and profession.
Wendy Guo is a CA-1 Resident at the University of Florida, Gainesville.
Prabhleen Kaur is a CA-2 Resident at HCA Florida Oakhill Hospital
