Today Oct 2
National Body Language DayNational Custodial Worker’s Recognition DayNational Fried Scallops DayNational Manufacturing DayNational Name Your Car DayNational Produce Misting DayNational Smarties DayInternational Day of Non-ViolenceWorld College Radio DayWorld No Alcohol DayWorld Smile DaySurprise meAll 11 today
World Anesthesia Day poster
Download posterPin it
INTERNATIONAL DAYSCIENCE & TECH

World Anesthesia Day

Every year on October 16, the world marks the anniversary of one of the most humane breakthroughs in medicine: pain-free surgery. In 1846, a dentist's ether demonstration at Massachusetts General Hospital proved that an operation could be performed without agony, and anesthesiology was born. Today the day honors the skilled professionals who keep millions of patients safe under anesthesia.

OCT16
Friday, October 16Third Saturday in October
 days to go
Roots
The Ether Dome, Boston, October 16, 1846
Hashtag
#WorldAnesthesiaDay
Add to my calendarSend a cardEmail a friend
Apple or Outlook calendar

3 ways to celebrate

IN THE COMMUNITY

Thank an anesthesia professional

Write a thank-you note to a local anesthesia department or thank a healthcare worker in your life. Gratitude honors the specialty behind pain-free surgery.

AT HOME

Learn how anesthesia keeps patients safe

Read about the types of anesthesia and why safety research matters. Share one surprising fact, like the 230 million major procedures done under anesthesia each year.

AT WORK OR SCHOOL

Share the safe-access story at work

Mention to colleagues that nearly 5 billion people still lack access to safe anesthesia. Awareness of that gap is the first step toward closing it.

Fast facts

230 millionMajor procedures under anesthesia each year
134Societies in 150+ countries celebrate

Keep the party going

See the calendar
Black Poetry Day posterSAT · OCT 17Black Poetry DayInternational Repair Day posterSAT · OCT 17International Repair DayNational Edge Day posterSAT · OCT 17National Edge DayNational Mulligan Day posterSAT · OCT 17National Mulligan Day
FROM THE NATIONAL DAY CALENDAR STORE

Celebrate every day, all year

Official gear from the people who track 1,700+ celebrations.

Browse the shop
2027 National Day Desk Calendar2027 National Day Desk CalendarA new celebration every morning. Daily tear-off.
Scroll to Top