THE MASSACHUSETTS SOCIETY OF ANESTHESIOLOGISTS

George E. Battit, MD
2009-2025

Dr. George E. Battit 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.