Our History

In 1991, Dr. Edwin Ichiriu, a prominent physician of the anesthesia community, and two young, upcoming Anesthesiologists, Drs. Neil and Reid Manago, left Anesthesia Associates, the predominant anesthesia group, to form Physicians’ Anesthesia Services, Inc. Over the proceeding decades, Dr. Ichiriu gained a reputation for his work ethic, exceptional anesthesia skills, and his compassionate care of patients. Likewise, during their short time in practice, the Drs. Manago had already established themselves as the next generation to carry on the tradition.

The new group was different in several respects. Unlike the traditional model of anesthesia practice where each Anesthesiologist is paid by the case, Physicians’ Anesthesia Anesthesiologists were salaried. This allows physicians to focus on their patients instead of worrying about payment issues. Physicians can collaborate on difficult cases so patients benefit from the experience and special talents of the entire group. In addition, since Physicians’ Anesthesia was designed as a shared liability practice, by its nature, the group only accepts the best and brightest physicians. All Anesthesiologists are board-certified or are in the process of becoming certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology.

We support the John A. Burns School of Medicine, contributing to its faculty and helping to teach medical students and residents. This allows us to follow and train the next generation of physicians. While our physicians come from various universities and backgrounds, we try to maintain our strong local ties to Hawaii. Many of our physicians have graduated from local high schools and all maintain the tradition of having a strong work ethic, exceptional anesthesia skills and compassion for patients. Physicians’ Anesthesia Services is one team.

Many things have changed over the years, but the tradition remains the same. Today, Physicians’ Anesthesia Services is now the trade name for Pacific Anesthesia, Inc. We have grown, with over 25 Anesthesiologists, some with specialized training in cardiovascular, regional, and pediatric anesthesia, as well as critical care and echocardiography. We are contracted by several major hospitals and outpatient facilities for specialized services. Growth has allowed Physicians’ Anesthesia to offer a more integrated and comprehensive service. Working with your surgeon and hospital or facility, the focus is you, our patient.