The Lebanese Society of Anesthesia’s annual congress made a triumphant return after a two-year absence due to political, economic, and global challenges.

Despite the difficulties, we were committed to pursuing our academic mission of excellence and professional development, rising like a Phoenix from the ashes.

The theme of the congress was “Emerging from Crisis: Leaning on our Roots,” and we invited distinguished Lebanese speakers from around the world who shared their expertise.

Under the auspices of the Lebanese Order of Physicians, the hybrid meeting was held at La Citea Hotel-Achrafieh, Beirut on October 15-16, 2022, with support from the World Federation of Societies of Anesthesiologists (WFSA), the Pan Arab Federation of Societies of Anesthesia, Intensive Care, and Pain Management (PAFSA), the International Lebanese Medical Association (ILMA), and the French Society of Anesthesia & Intensive Care Medicine (SFAR).

The LOP President, Dr. Youssef Backache, inaugurated the congress and emphasized the critical role of anesthesiologists. More than 100 participants attended in person, and over 400 joined online.

The “Emerging from Crisis: Leaning on our Roots” hybrid Congress was a resounding success, featuring 26 lectures by Lebanese and international speakers, four keynote speeches, all moderated by local anesthesiologists from different hospitals and regions. In addition, local anesthesiologists delivered four successful workshops.

The congress was granted 12 CME by the LOP, providing an excellent opportunity not only to share the latest knowledge on anesthesia but also to connect with our diaspora and strengthen the Lebanese community of anesthesiologists.

Moreover, we commemorated World Anesthesia Day, which celebrated the first successful demonstration of diethyl ether anesthesia in 1846, a significant milestone in medical history.