An Overview On Anesthesiologists

By: Renee Harp

Anesthesiology is the relief of pain in the period before, during, and after a surgery is performed. The substance used for medical treatment is called anesthesia. The doctor/profession that is trained in this specialty is called an anesthesiologist. Anesthesiologists have an essential role in surgery and patient care by checking vitals, checking anesthesia amounts, and overall helping the patient recover. Anesthesiologists don’t directly perform surgeries but they do prepare patients to go under surgery. They keep patients relaxed and numbed so they can stay pain-free the whole surgery. 92 words

The Importance of Anesthesiologists

Some people think that anesthesiologists only put patients to sleep before surgery is performed. However, anesthesiologists are perioperative physicians. They are responsible for patient care before, during, and after surgery. Before surgery, they conduct an evaluation and review the patient's history, test results, and physical condition of the patient to create a personalized anesthetic plan best for them. This could involve regional anesthesia, which numbs particular body parts, or general anesthesia, which puts the patient unconscious. 

During surgery, anesthesiologists are important when monitoring and controlling vital functions like heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and body temperature. Their goal is to ensure the patient’s safety and recovery, ensuring a smooth process through surgery to manage post-pain. 

Beyond the operating room, anesthesiologists specialize in pain management, treating both acute and chronic pain conditions. Some pursue additional training in pain medicine, helping patients with long-term pain due to conditions like nerve injuries or cancer. Their expertise extends far beyond anesthesia admin, making them essential in both surgical and non-surgical healthcare areas. 169 words

How to Become an Anesthesiologist

Becoming an anesthesiologist requires extensive education and training. The journey begins with a four-year undergraduate degree (after 4 years of high school), typically in a science-related field, to attain pre-med requirements. Afterward, aspiring anesthesiologists must complete four years of medical school, to have either a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. After medical school, they enter a four-year anesthesiology residency program, where they gain hands-on experience in surgical anesthesia, pain management, and critical care medicine. 

After completing residency, anesthesiologists must pass the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) exam to become board certified. Many also choose to pursue an additional one-year fellowship in specialized fields such as pain management, cardiac anesthesia, pediatric anesthesia, or neuro-anesthesia. 

Anesthesiologists play a huge role in patient care beyond the operating room, including pain management, intensive care, and emergency medicine. Their training is over at least 12 years after high school, ensuring they are highly skilled and prepared to make critical medical decisions, enhancing patient safety and surgical outcomes.

Works Cited

American Society of Anesthesiologists. “​Anesthesia as a Career | American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA).” Asahq.org, 2019, www.asahq.org/education-and-career/career-resources/anesthesia-as-a-career.

“Role of the Anesthesiologist | University of Maryland School of Medicine.” Umaryland.edu, 2020, www.medschool.umaryland.edu/Anesthesiology/Patient-Information/Role-of-the-Anesthesiologist/.

Wilson, Damien. “What Is Anesthesiology?” News-Medical.net, 9 Aug. 2017, www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-Anesthesiology.aspx.