Autobiography of a Persistent Anesthesiologist

Written both for family and friends as well as for anesthesiologists and anesthesia researchers, Autobiography of a Persistent Anesthesiologist is the fascinating story of the life and accomplishments of Dr. Edmond I. “Ted” Eger II in his own words. Both conversational and educational, this unique volume covers the family history, training, and storied career of a remarkable man and esteemed anesthesiologist and researcher. Family stories, a love of mountain climbing, and personal life events are conveyed in an informal style as if the reader is having a conversation with the author; scientific topics such as MAC, pharmacokinetics, and mechanisms of anesthetic action are covered in a precise, detailed manner intended to deepen readers’ understanding of the clinical concepts that govern inhaled anesthetic pharmacology, making them easier to understand and incorporate into practice. In this autobiography, the science of anesthetic pharmacology is inseparable from other aspects of Dr. Eger’s story—just as it was in his life. 



Edmond I “Ted” Eger II, MD (1930-2017) was the world’s leading expert on anesthetic uptake and distribution. His research at the University of California, San Francisco is the basis for the safe use of modern inhaled anesthetics administered to more than 300 million patients every year. He was the author of seven books and dozens of book chapters as well as more than 500 peer-reviewed publications; recipient of nine of the 100 most highly cited anesthesia-related publications; and recipient of numerous other awards including the American Society of Anesthesiologists Distinguished Service Award and the ASA Excellence in Research Award.  


Steven L. Shafer, MD was personally chosen by Dr. Eger to edit his autobiography. Dr. Shafer is a leader in anesthesiology, edited Anesthesia & Analgesia from 2006 through 2016, and is the current editor of ASA’s newsletter Monitor.