Begin Certification
Earn your certification through a series of exams: BASIC, ADVANCED and APPLIED.
Continue Certification
Sharpen your knowledge and advance your practice through MOCA.
Training Programs
Prepare for certification exams through a variety of training options.
About
Setting standards and leading innovation for the practice of anesthesiology since 1938
Meet ABA Director Christian Diez, M.D., MBA
“We are with patients in their most vulnerable state. While we have many monitors that can help us, they only give information. It’s how we interpret that information that helps save lives.”
Dr. Christian Diez is vice chair for Clinical Affairs in the Department of Anesthesiology and professor of clinical anesthesiology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. He specializes in trauma anesthesiology, in which he has assisted overseas, and was selected by the Department of Health and Human Services to serve on its Multi-Specialty Enhancement Team. Read his complete bio here.
Why are you passionate about anesthesiology? I help patients during their most vulnerable periods. When a patient comes in for a procedure, they’re nervous, and their family members are nervous, no matter how minor the procedure. The fact that I can provide comfort to that patient during that time is incredibly rewarding.
What do you think the biggest misconception surrounding anesthesiology is? The biggest misconception regarding anesthesiology is that we just put people to sleep. We are with patients throughout their operative period, supervising, directing and making sure that they are well taken care of. During the post-operative period, we monitor them and ensure they have appropriate pain relief.
What unique role do anesthesiologists play in owning patient safety? We are focused on making sure the patient is optimized throughout the procedure. We are with patients in their most vulnerable state. While we have many monitors that can help us, they only give information. It’s how we interpret that information that helps save lives.
Describe the value of board certification. Board certification represents an ongoing commitment to being up to date, knowing emerging technologies and understanding new medications. As a board-certified anesthesiologist, I am committed to learning not just after I finish residency but throughout the continuum of my career. This ensures I am practicing the most up-to-date medicine and staying current with what residents are learning now.
What value has volunteering for the ABA brought you personally and professionally? Personally, volunteering for the ABA has brought me great friends. It’s an opportunity to engage with like-minded individuals that all want the betterment of patient care and advancement of the field of anesthesiology. Professionally, I learn a lot from my colleagues in the room, clinicians and non-clinicians. I’ve learned not just how to make the medicine, but also have learned about technology, communications and the best practices for patient interactions.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not practicing anesthesia? I have three beautiful daughters and an incredibly supportive wife. We have a great family and it has been extremely rewarding to continue to spend time with my daughters as they grow.
