A message from the NYSSA President…
As the 2025 president of the New York State Society of Anesthesiologists (NYSSA), I welcome you to the NYSSA website. Here you can learn about our many member benefits, including the second-largest anesthesia meeting in North America, the PostGraduate Assembly in Anesthesiology (PGA). This outstanding meeting is FREE for NYSSA members! Read about our infection control course, specifically designed for anesthesiologists, as well as the various options members have for the mandatory prescriber education required for your DEA license.
This website also highlights our advocacy on your behalf as well as educational webinars that explore the economics of our specialty. Additionally, we make it easy to read the NYSSA’s quarterly publication, Sphere, to renew your membership, to support the Anesthesiology Foundation of New York (AFNY), and to donate to the New York Anesthesiologists Political Action Committee (NYAPAC). The NYSSA needs your engagement and support.
Please take some time to explore our website and make a plan to become engaged in your specialty society. The NYSSA is made stronger by your involvement, and together we make our profession stronger.
Thank you!
Tracey Straker, M.D., M.S., M.P.H., FASA
New York State Society of Anesthesiologists, Inc. Announces Leadership Transition and Appointment of New Executive Director
NEW YORK – The New York State Society of Anesthesiologists, Inc. (NYSSA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Babette M. Atkins as its next Executive Director. Earlier this year, NYSSA President Dr. Tracey Straker convened an Ad Hoc Committee on Executive Director Search to ensure an exemplary succession process and a seamless transition for NYSSA’s members and staff. After a national search and a rigorous interview process, the Committee selected Ms. Atkins for her extensive experience, proven leadership, and commitment to advancing physician-led care.
Ms. Atkins is an accomplished medical association executive and healthcare policy professional with deep expertise in guiding physician organizations through strategic growth, operational modernization, and statewide advocacy. She has served as Executive Director for several New York specialty societies, including the New York State Society of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the New York Chapter of the American College of Surgeons, the New York State Society of Plastic Surgeons, and the New York State Neurosurgical Society.
Ms. Atkins is widely recognized for her ability to unify stakeholders, elevate physician voices in Albany and Washington, and translate complex policy issues into effective advocacy strategies. Her work has advanced statewide initiatives in patient safety, scope of practice, insurance fairness, workforce development, and liability reform. She is also dedicated to strengthening member engagement, revitalizing educational programs, and building efficient, member-centered organizational systems. Her leadership has earned national recognition, including the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ State Executive Director of the Year Award, and she has twice led the New York State Society of Orthopaedic Surgeons to State Orthopaedic Society of the Year honors (2017 and 2021). Ms. Atkins is currently completing her Master of Public Health with a concentration in Public Health Practice and resides in Delmar, New York, with her husband, two children, and beloved dog.
As the incoming Executive Director of NYSSA, Ms. Atkins looks forward to strengthening the Society’s organizational infrastructure, enhancing member value, and supporting NYSSA’s robust advocacy efforts at both the state and national levels. She is committed to advancing initiatives that safeguard patient safety and preserve physician-led care, while fostering deeper engagement with anesthesiologists across every career stage and practice setting.
Ms. Atkins will succeed long-time NYSSA Executive Director Stuart Hayman, M.S. “On behalf of the NYSSA Board of Directors and more than 4,000 members, I want to thank Mr. Hayman for his extraordinary leadership and impact during his tenure,” said NYSSA President Tracey Straker, M.D., M.S., MPH, CBA, FASA. “We look forward to this next chapter with Ms. Atkins.”
During his many years at NYSSA, Mr. Hayman tirelessly championed the profession of anesthesiology, guided the organization with integrity and resolve, and consistently countered misinformation with accuracy, professionalism, and purpose. He also led the PostGraduate Assembly in Anesthesiology—an almost 80-year-old medical education conference—to new heights, shepherding the meeting into the future and strengthening its national and international presence.
Mr. Hayman leaves behind a legacy. Beyond his numerous organizational achievements, Mr. Hayman has been a trusted friend, mentor, and steady presence for countless NYSSA leaders and members. He shaped the culture of the Society with his generosity, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to the specialty. His influence extends far beyond policy successes or organizational milestones—he has touched the lives and careers of so many of us. His legacy will endure as a force for anesthesiology, for physician advocacy, and for the values that define this Society.
What is the New York State Society of Anesthesiologists?
The New York State Society of Anesthesiologists (NYSSA), is a community of approximately 4,200+ New York anesthesiologists. NYSSA actively advocates on behalf of both patients and physicians in formulating standards and guidelines, to advance the practice of anesthesiology. Together, NYSSA members provide a powerful and effective voice for our specialty in New York state.
