Anesthesiologists: What They Do, Career Path and Required Skills
We support and train future anesthesiologists who plan on practicing in the United States and Canada.
Anesthesiologists play a vital role in modern medicine, ensuring patients are safe and do not experience pain during surgical procedures. For aspiring medical doctors, a career as an anesthesiologist offers a unique combination of technical expertise, patient care and impactful contributions to the healthcare industry.
If this sounds interesting, our guide will highlight what you need to know about anesthesiology – from what an anesthesiologist does to the steps you can take to become one.
What is an Anesthesiologist?
An anesthesiologist is a medical doctor specializing in administering anesthesia – the medication used to manage pain and keep patients unconscious during surgery or medical procedures. They are responsible for monitoring patients’ vital functions, including heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen levels, ensuring a safe experience from start to finish. Their role is essential in almost every medical specialty, from routine procedures to life-saving operations.
What Does an Anesthesiologist Do?
So, what do anesthesiologists do? The role involves far more than putting patients to sleep for surgery. Their responsibilities encompass the full spectrum of patient care before, during and after surgical and medical procedures:
- Preoperative Assessment: Before surgery, anesthesiologists evaluate a patient’s medical history, current health status and any pre-existing conditions to determine the safest anesthesia plan.
- Administering Anesthesia: Anesthesiologists determine the right types of anesthesia (general, regional or local) for each patient and carefully administer the medication.
- Intraoperative Care: During procedures, anesthesiologists monitor vital signs such as heart rate, breathing and blood pressure, ensuring patient stability.
- Postoperative Recovery: After surgery, they oversee the patient’s transition out of anesthesia, help manage their pain and monitor for complications.
- Chronic Pain Management: Many anesthesiologists specialize in pain medicine, helping patients manage chronic pain through therapies and interventions.
Anesthesiologists play a key role in intensive care units (ICUs), labor and delivery units, and pain clinics, showcasing their versatility across medical disciplines.
Different Types of Anesthesia
Anesthesia is not a one-size-fits-all solution. There are four main types of anesthesia that anesthesiologists use, depending on the procedure and patient needs:
- General Anesthesia: This renders a patient completely unconscious and unresponsive during surgery.
- Regional Anesthesia: Numbs a larger area of the body, such as an arm or leg, while the patient remains awake. An example is an epidural during childbirth.
- Local Anesthesia: Blocks sensation in a small, targeted area, typically for minor procedures like dental work.
- Sedation: Also known as Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC), sedation combines pain relief and targeted relaxation while keeping the patient semi-awake and responsive.
Each type of anesthesia requires careful planning and precise administration to ensure safety and effectiveness.
How to Become an Anesthesiologist: A Step-by-Step Overview
If you’re wondering how to become an anesthesiologist, the journey requires years of education, training and dedication. Here is a breakdown of the pathway.
Education Path: From High School to Medical School
- High School: Focus on science and math courses, such as biology, chemistry and physics, to build a strong foundation in pre-medical subjects.
- Undergraduate Degree: Earn a bachelor’s degree, typically in a science-related field, while maintaining a strong GPA.
- Medical School: Enroll in a 4-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) program, encompassing both Basic Science and Clinical Medicine training, where you’ll learn foundational medical knowledge and gain hands-on clinical experience.
- Residency Training: Complete a 4-year anesthesiology residency program to develop practical skills in administering anesthesia and managing patient care.
- Fellowship (Optional): Some anesthesiologists pursue an additional 1-2 years of training to specialize in areas like pain management or pediatric anesthesiology.
- Board Certification: Pass the American Board of Anesthesiology exams to practice as a licensed anesthesiologist in the United States. Other locations will have similar board certification requirements.
Key Skills and Qualifications
To excel as an anesthesiologist, you’ll need a combination of medical knowledge, technical skills and personal qualities.
Attention to detail is essential when monitoring patients’ vital signs and adjusting medications with precision. Strong communication skills and empathy help you explain procedures to patients and provide reassurance before surgery. Critical thinking is crucial, as you must make quick, accurate decisions during emergencies to ensure patient safety. Finally, teamwork is key to collaborating effectively with surgeons, nurses and other medical professionals for optimal care.
CRNA vs. Anesthesiologist
The comparison of CRNA vs. anesthesiologist is a common question among those exploring careers in anesthesia.
A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is an advanced practice nurse who provides anesthesia care, while an anesthesiologist is a physician with extensive medical training.
While CRNAs and anesthesiologists share overlapping roles, anesthesiologists typically handle more complex cases and medical emergencies. Additionally, anesthesiologists have a broader scope of practice due to their specialized medical education.
Why Should You Consider a Career in Anesthesiology?
A career in anesthesiology is both financially rewarding and personally fulfilling. Let’s explore some key reasons why you might choose this path.
Job Outlook and Salary
The demand for anesthesiologists remains high due to the critical role they play in healthcare. This demand is set to continue well into the future, with a projected shortage of up to 6,300 anesthesiologists by 2036 in the United States alone. Anesthesiologists are also among the highest-paid medical professionals: an anesthesiologist salary averages $439,200. This reflects the specialized skills, responsibility and training required for the role.
Your Impact on Patients
Anesthesiologists ensure patients undergo procedures safely and comfortably, often alleviating fear and anxiety during some of life’s most challenging moments. Their expertise not only saves lives during critical moments but also improves the quality of life for those dealing with chronic pain. From supporting safe delivery during childbirth to enabling life-saving surgeries, their expertise has a profound and lasting impact on patients’ lives.
Conclusion
Becoming an anesthesiologist requires years of hard work, dedication and commitment, but the rewards are substantial, including personal, career and financial benefits.
If you’re ready to enrich your journey to anesthesiology practice, Saba University School of Medicine is here to support your goals. Our MD program provides the educational foundation, hands-on training and individualized support you need to pursue a successful career in anesthesiology. We are also committed to supporting our students every step of the way, from day one in Basic Science through applying for residency. We know what it takes to succeed and look forward to helping you achieve your goals!
You can learn more about the SUSOM student experience from a currently practicing alum by viewing this video testimonial:
If you have any questions about our school, MD program or postgraduate residency opportunities for SUSOM graduates, please don’t hesitate to contact us. And if you’re ready to chase your dreams, you can apply now!
FAQs About Medical Residency
It typically takes 12-14 years to become an anesthesiologist after finishing your secondary school education. This includes four years of undergraduate studies, four years of medical school and four years of residency training.
Becoming an anesthesiologist is challenging, as it requires years of rigorous education and training. However, for those passionate about patient care and achieving career success, the rewards are well worth the effort.
An anesthesiologist is a medical doctor specializing in anesthesia, while an anesthetist, often referred to as a CRNA, is a nurse who is trained to administer anesthesia. Both provide anesthesia care, but their education and scope of practice differ.
Anesthesiologists are among the highest-paid physicians due to their specialized training, critical responsibilities and the complexity of their role in ensuring patient safety during surgery.
For prospective students
Saba is committed to supporting prospective students with throughout the application process. Please see the following links for detailed information about each topic:
Get in touch for more information