What does an Anesthesiologist do?
An anesthesiologist refers to a physician that is responsible for ensuring that patients undergo pain-free, comfortable, and safe surgeries. He or she administers anesthesia before, during or after the surgery and remains by the patients’ side throughout the entire process. They possess the skills and expertise required for crucial decision making and are required for almost all surgical procedures.
In this blog, we take a look at the role, specialties, and responsibilities of an anesthesiologist.
Responsibilities of an Anesthesiologist
Before a patient undergoes surgery, they are consulted by an anesthesiologist who runs a few tests to ensure that they are medically fit to undergo the surgical procedure as well as the prescribed anesthetic. Once this stage is completed, the anesthesiologist administers a local or general anesthetic.
While the surgery is being performed, the anesthesiologist carefully monitors the patient’s temperature, consciousness, blood-oxygen levels, heart rate, and blood pressure. Extra care is given when a general anesthetic is applied and involves observing carbon dioxide levels in the breath, amount of blood being pumped by the heart, and blood pressure levels inside the lung vessels.
During the surgery, the anesthesiologist adjusts the patient’s positioning based on the type of surgical operation being performed. For instance, a stomach operation will require the patient to be placed differently as compared to a back operation. The anesthesiologist’s responsibilities also include the following:
- Making necessary adjustments
- Identifying life-threatening symptoms that may require immediate actions
- Monitoring the effectiveness of the anesthetic throughout the surgery
- Ensuring the proper functioning of all vital organs
- Taking all the steps required to maximize the safety of the patient and from them from any and all injuries
The anesthesiologist’s duty extends to the post-surgery period as well. They work closely with the patient and provide pain management medication if required. They are also needed in emergency rooms to carry out sedation or immediate pain relief procedures.
Requirements and Workplace of an Anesthesiologist
Anesthesiology is a field with a specific set of requirements that include having a certain aptitude, personality traits, and interests. The field is suitable for medical students that excel in pharmacology. The nature of the job requires candidates to be highly-observant, able to think quickly, handle stress, and possess clarity of thought – qualities necessary when patients’ lives are on the line.
The anesthesiologist is required to create an anesthetic plan based on the patient’s profile and take care of the patient during and after the surgery. Apart from the mentioned requirements, anesthesiologists must also be compassionate and caring.
It is worth noting that there is a difference between an anesthesiologist and a nurse anesthetist. An anesthesiologist refers to a physician that has studied in a medical school, enrolled in an internship, and has undergone a residency training program. A nurse anesthetist is someone who works under a certified anesthesiologist and has received extra two-year training in anesthesiology.
Subspecialties of Anesthesiologists
Anesthesiology is a complex field that is divided into many subspecialties. After completing residency training programs, anesthesiologists go on to specialize in a specific area. Some of the subspecialties are as follows:
- Obstetric Anesthesiologist: These anesthesiologists are needed during child delivery and provide assistance in pain management, handle potential emergency situations, and administer anesthesia for cesarean section procedures.
- Orthopedic Anesthesiologist: These anesthesiologists are responsible for administering safe anesthesia for a wide range of medical procedures such as joint replacement, spine surgery, orthopedic surgery, and extremity surgery.
- Pediatric Anesthesiologist: Considered to be one of the more difficult specializations, pediatric anesthesiologists deal with children and have to provide individualized services based on unique needs. After surgery, these anesthesiologists prescribe pain medications as well as pain-alleviating techniques that prove effective in providing relief and comfort. Their responsibilities also include taking care of children during radiology, gastrointestinal, and scanning procedures.
- Critical Care Anesthesiologist: These anesthesiologists cater to a wide range of thoracic, neurosurgical, vascular, cardiac surgical, and general surgical patients.
- Palliative Medicine: These anesthesiologists provide preventive care and relief for patients suffering from life-limiting conditions. They work with other interdisciplinary hospice care teams to increase the quality of life and provide the psychological, physical, and mental support needed by the patient.
- Pain Medicine: These anesthesiologists work with other medical specialists such as neurologists, psychologists, and psychiatrists to develop a combined treatment plan that seeks to provide relief for patients suffering from chronic pain.
Benefits of Being an Anesthesiologist
Although the educational journey to becoming an anesthesiologist takes around 12 to 13 years, it is a highly rewarding job that comes with a high salary and job security, autonomy and ability to make decisions, a flexible and good working schedule, as well as receiving respect from your peers.
Anesthesiologists play a vital role in any type of surgical procedure and are essential figures in the preoperative planning process. At Medical Associates Consulting, we are a team of healthcare recruiters in New York and we help physicians, pain management specialists, and anesthesiologists find their dream jobs. Contact us today for more information.
