To join OAG, anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists must meet our high standard of clinical excellence and share our dedication to apply evidence-based innovations in anesthesiology and perioperative medicine. Throughout their careers, all OAG professionals pursue ongoing continuing medical education, and are encouraged in their professional development.
OAG physicians and nurse anesthetists are board certified or board eligible in anesthesiology with the ability to provide anesthesia in a wide variety of case types. Several of our clinicians have additional training in specialized programs such as pain management and critical care medicine, pediatric, obstetric, and cardiothoracic anesthesia.
Internally, our physician-led committees oversee all areas of our practice. This means that OAG physician leaders drive the vision for all aspects of our organization in partnership with our CEO. Our business staff applies this direction to their activities of professional management.
OAGs care of people goes beyond the OR. Our physicians make a difference in a variety of ways, including mission work, nonprofit volunteerism, and environmental stewardship. We recognize and support these activities as they contribute to a balanced life that is good for all concerned.
For over 30 years OAG has delivered high-quality anesthesia care to patients in Oregon. Our physician-owned practice represents 275+ anesthesiologists and 25+ nurse anesthetists who provide anesthesiology services to patients in more than 30 facilities, including hospitals, surgery centers, and office-based practices.
Our strength and longevity is rooted in our commitment to attract and retain anesthesia experts who understand compassion is an inextricable part of providing expert health care. When smart, driven professionals join together for the good of the patient, the promise of high-quality health care is easily met.
A nerve block helps reduce pain after surgery by targeting the specific area affected by your procedure. Your anesthesiologist can give a single injection nerve block or provide pain relief with a continuous nerve block. Your anesthesiologist and surgeon will recommend the best option for you, based on your procedure and medical history.
A single injection nerve block offers pain relief for 6-24 hours after surgery. The numbing medication injected will surround the nerves responsible for sensation and movement of the particular area of surgery. By blocking pain signals from the nerves to the brain, this medication may make the affected surgical area feel numb and weak. As the nerve block gradually wears off, you will begin to experience some tingling and return of motion and sensation.
After receiving a nerve block, its important to be careful with the numb area of your body. You will not be able to feel any sensation in the area including pain, heat, or cold. Protect yourself against injury with the following tips:
Nerve blocks are an effective way to help reduce pain after surgery and allow your body to heal and recover. Where pain pills affect the entire body, a nerve block targets only the area where you had surgery.
A continuous nerve block delivers numbing medicine to the affected area of your body through a catheter (flexible tube) and a pump. The pain pump sends medicine at regular times to block the nerves ability to send pain signals to the brain as you recover from your procedure. You may experience numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness in the affected area.
Recovering from surgery can be a long process. Your nerve block will help reduce pain and allow your body to heal. Be sure to take proper care of the nerve block catheter and pump, by following these guidelines:
Your surgeon and anesthesiologist will discuss when you can remove the catheter attached to the pain pump. Typically, the catheter can be removed once the pain pump is empty, which takes less than seven days. To avoid infection, be sure to remove the catheter within 12 hours of the pain pump becoming empty.
Nerve blocks are a common way to reduce pain after surgery, and recent advances have made them even safer and more effective. As with any medicine, there are associated risks and complications. These are very rare, but may include: