Our MISSION

OUR HISTORY

Dr. George E. Battit (2009-2025) was a passionate pioneer in the field of anesthesiology and a dedicated advocate for the profession during its formative years. Writing in 2009, Dr. Battit captured the early challenges and triumphs of a specialty that was, prior to World War II, scarcely recognized and poorly defined. At a time when anesthesia was often administered by general practitioners or even the operating surgeons themselves, Dr. Battit stood among the early physicians who envisioned anesthesiology as a true medical specialty—one requiring both scientific rigor and clinical skill.

He chronicled the birth and growth of the Massachusetts Society of Anesthesiologists (MSA), which was founded in 1948 with the support of leading physicians like Dr. Urban Eversole and Dr. Jacob Fine. Dr. Battit’s deep knowledge of the field’s evolution offers invaluable insight into the transformation from fragmented practice to organized professional society. His words underscore how the MSA, from its founding, worked to promote safety, education, recognition, and fair compensation for anesthesiologists in Massachusetts and beyond.

Dr. Battit's legacy reflects his commitment to advancing the science and art of anesthesiology, advocating for individual practitioners, and reinforcing the critical role of organized medicine. Through his contributions, both written and clinical, he helped lay the foundation for the strong, unified voice anesthesiologists have today.

Photo credits: Boston Medical Journal provided by the ASA Chest belonging to surgeon, John Collins Warren. credit: Alex Peck Antiques

ASA'S HISTORY

The origins of modern anesthesia are inexorably intertwined with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. On October 16, 1846, William T.G. Morton proved to the world that the inhaling of ether causes insensibility to pain. This historic event occurred at Boston’s Massachusetts General Hospital. The irrefutable demonstration changed the course of medical history by credibly revealing an inevitable, complete and safe surgical anesthesia. Morton’s public revelation heralded the end of a time when surgery was agony and a serious operation was to be dreaded only less than death itself. Imagine the sense of awe and pride when news of this public demonstration spread throughout the world!

There are a variety of sites in Massachusetts related to the origins of anesthesia. The surgical amphitheater at the Massachusetts General Hospital, where Morton's demonstration took place, is known today as the Ether Dome; it is now a national historic landmark. Open to the public, it should be visited by any anesthesiologist touring Boston.

Bostonians have also recorded Morton's achievement by erecting a monument to immortalize the success of ether, a discovery that lead to the triumphs in surgery and infection control we benefit from today. The Ether Monument lies in the historic Boston Public Garden. It sits with marble and granite images and inscriptions addressing universal themes: the suffering caused by war, the desire to relieve pain, and the triumph of medical science. It is the most visible outdoor public art structure related to American medicine. This magnificent memorial has recently been completely refurbished and is now illuminated at night. Its soothing fountains inspire anyone reading the monument's inscriptions to ponder about the transcendence of controlling surgical pain.

Morton is buried at Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, Massachusetts among many notable Bostonians, including Oliver Wendell Holmes, who suggested the use of term "anesthesia". Atop his grave sits a monument with the following inscriptions: