An anesthesiologist is a specialized doctor who administers anesthesia. This medicine controls pain and may make you sleep during surgery. They also watch your health and handle pain after the surgery.
Before surgery, they check patients, decide the anesthesia needed, create plans, and work with other healthcare professionals. During surgery, they monitor your vital signs and manage your consciousness and pain.
After surgery, they handle your pain and watch for side effects as the anesthesia wears off. Anesthesiologists can also assist with long-term pain conditions, playing a crucial role in postoperative care and recovery.
To become an anesthesiologist, one must get a bachelor's degree, often in biology or natural sciences. After that, they attend medical school for four years, followed by a one-year internship. After the internship, anesthesiologists undergo a three-year residency - a supervised period for licensed doctors.
What Does An Anesthesiologist Do?
Before surgery
Before surgery, anesthesiologists collaborate with patients to assess their ability to handle anesthesia. They examine the patient's medical history, address any queries about the anesthetic process relevant to the medical procedure, and administer the anesthesia. Following this, they commence monitoring the patient's vital signs.
During surgery
Throughout the surgery, anesthesiologists oversee patients, ensuring pain management and maintaining stable vital signs. They handle chronic medical conditions, like asthma or diabetes, if present, throughout the procedure. If any issues arise during the surgery, the anesthesiologist manages and addresses them.
After surgery
After the surgery, the anesthesiologist oversees the patient's recovery from the effects of anesthesia. They communicate with the medical team about the appropriate time for the patient to go home or be transferred to the hospital. Additionally, they may assist in devising a plan for managing the patient's pain post-discharge.
While many anesthesiologists focus on surgical settings, some opt to specialize in treating and managing chronic pain. In such instances, an anesthesiologist might work with patients experiencing conditions like fibromyalgia, migraines, or other chronic ailments causing regular pain.
Here are some essential aspects of an anesthesiologist's responsibilities:
- Preoperative Assessment
- Anesthesia Administration
- Pain Management
- Monitoring and Support
- Postoperative Care
- Critical Care
- Emergency Situations
- Collaboration with the Surgical Team
What Is The Average Salary Of An Anesthesiologist?
The average salary for an anesthesiologist in the United States is $425,700. However, the salary range typically spans from $368,800 to $482,600. The variation in salary is influenced by factors such as education, certifications, additional skills, and years of experience in the profession.
How To Become An Anesthesiologist In 6 Steps?
1. Prepare and Pass the MCAT after Bachelor
Students usually start preparing for the Medical College Admission Test(MCAT) during their undergraduate years. The MCAT is a prerequisite for medical school admission, and achieving a passing score in all sections, with higher scores being advantageous, increases the chances of acceptance.
2. Graduate from Medical School
Aspiring anesthesiologists embark on a four-year medical school program, covering various medical disciplinesto lay the foundation for a residency and eventual career in anesthetics.
3. Take and Pass the USMLE
During medical school, students prepare for the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), a mandatory exam for medical licensure in all states. While the first two parts can be taken during medical school, the third portion is completed after obtaining an MD or DO degree.
4. Complete a Residency Program
Following medical school, a four-year medical residency program awaits aspiring anesthesiologists. The initial year involves diverse hospital rotations, while the subsequent three years focus specifically on anesthesia training. Various subspecialties are available for students to choose from during their residency.
5. Get State Licensure
Upon completing the residency program, individuals apply for state licensure through the state medical board. Licensure is granted to those who have successfully fulfilled all the necessary requirements.
6. Board Certification
Though optional, many anesthesiologists pursue board certification to enhance employment prospects. American Board of Anesthesiology(ABA) and American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS) give such certificates. Anesthesiologists undergo an applicationprocess and examination to attain board certification.
FAQs
How long does it take to become an anesthesiologist?
Becoming an anesthesiologist is a lengthy journey demanding substantial education and training. According to Forbes Advisor, the process typically spans 12 to 15 years, encompassing acquiring essential degrees and fulfilling residency requirements before attaining licensure and certification as an anesthesiologist.
How many hours a week do anesthesiologists work?
Anesthesiologists commonly work between 40 to 60 hours per week. The work schedule varies based on the institution, circumstances, and job responsibilities. Typically, anesthesiologists have shifts lasting 8 to 12 hours on workdays.
The duration of their shifts can fluctuate, with some days being 8 hours and others extending to 12 hours, depending on the number of scheduled procedures and other factors. Additionally, anesthesiologists are often on-call, necessitating their presence at the facility during emergencies or staff shortages.
While some private practices may follow traditional Monday-Friday hours, most anesthesiologists typically put in 40-60 hours per week. Their schedules often include on-call duties and rotational shifts and may extend to nights and weekends.