New Board 2026: Anthony Absalom  

Prof. Anthony Absalom — ESAIC Board Member 2026
In this interview, Prof. Anthony Absalom shares his vision, priorities, and motivations for his ESAIC mandate, highlighting how he aims to advance education, research, leadership, and collaboration across European anaesthesiology and intensive care.

What motivates you to take on this role with ESAIC, and what do you hope to achieve during your mandate? 

ESAIC has been my professional home for many years. I’m motivated by a strong sense of service and a belief in careful stewardship of both people and resources. During my mandate, I hope to support ESAIC’s long-term sustainability while ensuring that its activities continue to deliver real value to members across Europe and beyond and ultimately facilitate ESAIC’s goals of better perioperative care. 

Which aspects of ESAIC’s mission and ongoing initiatives are you most passionate about — and why? 

Education, research excellence, and patient safety are closest to my heart. ESAIC’s commitment to high-quality training, evidence-based practice, and international collaboration reflects the standards I value most in our specialty. 

What helps you unwind outside of work: sports, music, travel, books, cooking, or something else? 

Outside of work, I like spending time with my family, listening to classical music, and being outdoors. I’m particularly fond of kitesurfing, skiing and hiking, perhaps a nod to my South African roots combined with a European appreciation for fresh air and wide horizons. 

What do you see as the main challenges and opportunities for ESAIC over the next few years and how do you plan to address them in your role? 

The key challenge is balancing financial sustainability with ambition in a changing economic and professional landscape. The opportunity lies in ESAIC’s strong reputation and engaged membership. In my role, I aim to promote prudent financial governance that enables innovation rather than constrains it.  

How will you balance your ESAIC commitments with your clinical or professional duties, and what support or collaboration would you like from colleagues to succeed? 

I’m accustomed to balancing clinical, academic, and organisational responsibilities. Clear communication, shared purpose, and collegial teamwork are essential. I value open collaboration with fellow Board members and the ESAIC office, good governance, like good anaesthesia, is always a team effort.