Before a patient undergoes surgery, anesthesia is administered to help ensure they don’t experience pain during the operation. This medical procedure is carried out by an anesthesiologist, a medical doctor who is specially trained to provide anesthesia care, critical care, and pain management before, during, and after surgery.
Anesthesia works in various ways, with some types numbing certain body parts, while others work on the brain to induce sleep during an invasive surgical procedure. Before pursuing a career as an anesthesiologist, it may be helpful to explore this field thoroughly to make informed decisions. This article highlights key information that aspiring anesthesiologists might want to consider.
What’s an Anesthesiologist’s Job?
Just like other physicians, an anesthesiologist is trained to manage different aspects of a patient’s medical care, including diabetes, blood pressure, heart conditions, and asthma, as they administer an anesthetic. Besides administering anesthesia, anesthesiology jobs entail ensuring patients’ body parts are padded and well-protected from any injuries, since patients will be unaware of their surroundings during the procedure.
Before surgery, an anesthesiologist assesses the patient’s health status and reviews test results to determine the safest anesthesia plan. During surgery, they closely monitor the patient’s vitals and may administer blood products, fluids, and medications to support the body’s key functions, such as those of the kidneys, lungs, and heart. After surgery, an anesthesiologist helps manage the patient’s recovery from the effects of anesthesia.
These specialists are involved in both minor and major procedures, including childbirth, where the patient does not need to be fully unconscious. They also assist patients who experience ongoing pain, such as chronic back pain from injury.
What Are the Common Types of Anesthesiologists?
Anesthesiologists may choose to specialize in particular areas of practice. A general anesthesiologist works with all types of surgeries, ensuring patients are safely put to sleep before the procedure and closely monitoring them throughout. They are responsible for selecting the appropriate anesthesia for each patient. The second type is a pediatric anesthesiologist, who focuses solely on children undergoing surgery.
Another specialty is cardiothoracic anesthesiology, which involves providing anesthesia care for patients undergoing lung and heart surgeries. Since these procedures can be more complex, anesthesiologists in this area are trained to handle the specific needs related to these operations. Obstetric anesthesiologists focus on supporting women during childbirth, while neuroanesthesiologists are trained to manage anesthesia for patients undergoing brain and spine surgeries, given their expertise in the nervous system.
How Long Does It Take to Become an Anesthesiologist?
Becoming an anesthesiologist generally takes around twelve years, involving extensive schooling and training. First, aspiring anesthesiologists must complete a four-year bachelor’s degree, focusing on subjects like chemistry, biology, and physics, which provide foundational knowledge about the human body.
Afterward, students must take the MCAT, a test designed to evaluate their problem-solving and scientific reasoning skills. Those who perform well on the MCAT can proceed to medical school, which typically lasts another four years. The first two years focus on medical theory and knowledge about the body, while the final years provide hands-on experience working with patients under the supervision of licensed physicians.
Following medical school, aspiring anesthesiologists complete a four-year residency in anesthesiology, which prepares them for independent practice. Once they complete this stage, they may be eligible to apply for licensure and can choose to pursue board certification.
Though the path to becoming an anesthesiologist can seem lengthy and challenging, it can be deeply fulfilling, as it contributes to patient care and has a strong earning potential. For those interested in this career, seeking guidance from accredited institutions and professionals can help avoid common missteps.