2016 American Society of Anesthesiologists Annual Meeting in Chicago

For more than 10 years, Dr. Aarohi Ambardekar has practiced as an anesthesiologist and partner at Southern Maryland Anesthesia Associates (SMAA), located in Lanham, Maryland. In an effort to better serve his patients, Dr. Aarohi Ambardekar continues to build on his knowledge and experience through membership with such organizations as the American Society of Anesthesiologists.

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), founded in 1905, operates on a three-tiered model that creates resources and opportunities for medical students, residents, and established physicians in each state. Among other efforts, the society endeavors to innovate surgical and palliative care through state-of-the-art research, and it organizes regular gatherings to report and discuss progress in the field.

Between October 22 and 26, ASA will host the Anesthesiology 2016 annual meeting in Chicago, Illinois. Sessions presented by leading researchers and opportunities for continuing medical education credits are among the highlights of the five-day event, which bears the theme “Leading the Future of Health Care.” For registration and travel information, please visit www.asahq.org.                            

Tabla - Twin-Drum Instrument of Indian Classical Music

Dr. Aarohi Ambardekar is a respected Lanham, Maryland-based anesthesiologist who practices at Southern Maryland Anesthesia Associates, LLC. With a passion for music, he enjoys pop artists from Modest Mouse to U2. Dr. Aarohi Ambardekar also plays the tabla, an Indian percussive instrument.

Common to North Indian classical music, the tabla is a versatile two-drum combination that has spread to a number of popular music styles. According to legend, the instrument was created in the 18th century, when an angered musician in a drum competition sliced a single-barreled drum in two with a sword. The tabla came into its own with Amir Khusru, who developed a fast, nimble style suited to a new Khayal musical genre. This style is still foundational to modern Indian classical musical renditions.

Learning the tabla has traditionally occurred through a guru-disciple apprenticeship system. This relationship would last many years and end with a ceremony at a Hindu temple, where the teacher passed on ancient, guarded family compositions.

The Four Kinds of Anesthesia

Dr. Aarohi Ambardekar is an anesthesiologist based in Maryland. Depending on the surgery his patients are undergoing, Dr. Aarohi Ambardekar chooses the proper anesthesia for the operation.

There are four different categories of anesthesia. Local anesthesia numbs only one location. This is typically used for dental operations. Sometimes patients are awake for the surgery, but depending on the operation, they can also receive another form of anesthesia – a sedative, to help them sleep.

General anesthesia places the patient in a state of unconsciousness. The patient does not know what is happening during the surgery and does not feel any sensations.

For regional anesthesia, the doctor injects the medication near a group of nerves where the surgery will take place. This gives the patient numbness in just one part of his or her body. Sometimes patients receive a sedative, and other times they stay awake for the operation.

Surgeons and anesthesiologists work together to guarantee that patients receive the anesthesia that is best for them. After receiving anesthesia or sedation, people typically do not remember any details from the operation.