CHICAGO - The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) and American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) today announced that "perioperative medicine" will be added as a new clinical topic within the subspecialty section to the Content Outline for Initial Certification in Anesthesiology . Developed at the request of the ASA's Center for Perioperative Medicine (CPMed), the update expands the ABA's content outline, which informs candidates of the scope of information that could appear on board certification exams. The update to the Content Outline will be included in the upcoming ABA question author writing assignments and new related questions will appear on exams beginning in 2028.

While previously incorporated throughout the content outline's topics, making perioperative medicine its own topicfurther strengthens a coordinated approach to medicine and aligns with today's evolving clinical practice.

"We're excited to have worked with the ABA to update the certification exam and further emphasize perioperative medicine as a new clinical topic," said ASA President Patrick Giam, M.D., FASA. "The inclusion of perioperative medicine in the ABA's ADVANCED and In-Training Exams will expand training opportunities, encourage early interest, and prepare future anesthesiologists for success in the field. We are confident these changes will strengthen the skills of board-certified anesthesiologists."

"Adding a perioperative medicine section to the Content Outline for Initial Certification reflects the ABA's commitment to continuously evolving our programs to meet the needs of patients and the profession," said ABA Secretary John Fiadjoe, M.D., MBA. "This update directly supports our strategic plan by advancing high-quality, patient-centered care and ensuring our assessment programs reflect the full scope of modern anesthesiology practice. By emphasizing coordinated care throughout the surgical journey, we are helping to prepare physicians to deliver safer, more effective care and to lead in an increasingly complex healthcare environment."

Perioperative medicine is central to the future of healthcare because it keeps patients safe and supported throughout their entire surgical experience - from pre-op to recovery. While surgery is generally safe, complications can occur during and after surgery, making coordinated care before, during, and after essential. Perioperative medicine brings together anesthesiologists, surgeons, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to plan, manage risks, and support recovery. This approach aims to reduce complications, improve outcomes, and help patients heal faster and return to their normal lives. With aging populations and increasingly complex medical conditions, its holistic and collaborative approach is invaluable to achieving safer, more efficient, and effective surgical care.

"While perioperative medicine has long been included in residency programs, it has not been a standalone component," said Maxime Cannesson, M.D., chair of ASA's CPMed. "We're proud to help shape the future of anesthesiology through this recognition by the ABA, which ensures this critical, patient-centered discipline becomes a standard part of training. We appreciate the ABA's commitment to maintaining the highest standards in anesthesiology certification and practice."

The new ABA-approved section on perioperative medicine in the Content Outline for Initial Certification in Anesthesiology will include topics in the following perioperative medicine areas:

• Chronic Disease Optimization
• Social Determinants of Health
• Perioperative Risk Assessment Tools
• Assessment of Disease Biomarkers
• Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Pathways
• Hyperglycemia Management
• Smoking Cessation
• Prehabilitation
• Anemia and Blood Management
• Expanded Geriatric Evaluation (Frailty, Cognition)
• Patient Education
• Handoffs
• Readmission Reduction
• Outcomes: Short-Term and Long-Term
  

About the American Society of Anesthesiologists
Founded in 1905, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) is an educational, research, and scientific society with more than 60,000 members organized to advance the medical practice of anesthesiology and secure its future. ASA is committed to ensuring anesthesiologists evaluate and supervise the medical care of all patients before, during, and after surgery. ASA members also lead the care of critically ill patients in intensive care units, as well as treat pain in both acute and chronic settings.

For more information on the field of anesthesiology, visit the American Society of Anesthesiologists online at asahq.org . To learn more about how anesthesiologists help ensure patient safety, visit asahq.org/madeforthismoment . Follow ASA on Facebook , X , Instagram , Bluesky , and LinkedIn .

About the American Board of Anesthesiology
The American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) has served as the certifying body for anesthesiologists since 1938, partnering with physicians to elevate the specialty. Our mission is to advance the highest standards of the practice of anesthesiology. We administer initial and subspecialty certification exams and the MOCA continuing certification program, which facilitates lifelong learning with a focus on quality and safety.

The ABA's work extends far beyond assessment. We prioritize innovation, research, technology and programming that promote exceptional patient care and clinical outcomes. Our dedicated staff collaborates with more than 700 board-certified anesthesiologist volunteers who develop exam and MOCA content, inform policy, serve as examiners and provide critical feedback. Their contributions across numerous committees and task forces drive the ABA's strategic progress and help shape the future of the specialty.

Based in Raleigh, N.C., we are a nonprofit organization and a Member Board of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).

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