Anesthesiologist

Anesthesiologists are Doctors of Medicine (MDs) that concentrate on the care of surgical patients and pain relief. As with other physicians, they evaluate and treat patients and direct the efforts of those on their staffs. Some of the primary responsibilities of an anesthesiologist include examining patient to determine the type of anesthetic needed, communicating all relevant information to the appropriate medical practitioners, and administering local, intravenous, or spinal anesthetic to the patient.

Anyone interested in this medical specialty must be dedicated to a lifetime of continuing education in order to stay current with the constantly evolving nature of anesthesiology and pain management. To be successful in anesthesiology, individuals must excel academically, be incredibly detailed-oriented, calm in stressful situations, and warm and caring in order to ease patient's anxiety.


Work Environment:
The majority of anesthesiologists work in hospitals and outpatient surgical centers. Other opportunities may exist in private and group practices, urgent care centers, academic medical centers, and the military. As with most other physicians, anesthesiologists work long and hectic hours, with nearly one third working 60 hours a week or more.

High School Preparation:
Students interested in a career as an anesthesiologist should concentrate on high school courses in algebra, biology, chemistry, geometry, physics, trigonometry, anatomy and physiology, humanities, health occupations/medical professions education, psychology, and computer skills.

College Requirements:
Individuals interested in becoming an anesthesiologist must complete a premedical program at an accredited college or university. These programs are four years in length and are very rigorous. Students must then pass the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) and get accepted into a school of medicine. This may require a personal interview, additional applications, or further testing.

Upon graduation of an accredited medical school, a student then spends four more years in an anesthesiology residency (there are about 160 anesthesiology medical residency programs in the United States). Some residents take one more year of study, called a fellowship, in a specific area of anesthesiology such as critical care medicine, pain medicine, research or education. During residency training, anesthesiologists generally work toward obtaining certification from the American Society of Anesthesiologists or the American Board of Anesthesiology.