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Job Description: An anesthesiologist is a specialist in perioperative medicine. He or she specializes in the care of a patient prior to, during, and after surgery. They evaluate and prepare a patient to undergo the rigors of surgery. The anesthesiologist plans the anesthetic for the patient and then cares for the patient during the surgical procedure. They take care of the patient's medical needs during the operation so the surgeon can concentrate on the surgery. Anesthesiologists are specialists in control of both acute and chronic pain. They also are involved in the care of critically ill patients.

Duties: Anesthesiologists may perform some or all of the following:

• Examine patient, obtain medical history and use diagnostic tests to determine risk during surgical, obstetrical, and other medical procedures
• Coordinate administration of anesthetics with surgeons during operation
• Confer with other medical professionals to determine type and method of anesthetic or sedation to render patient insensible to pain
• Administer anesthetic or sedation during medical procedures using local, intravenous, spinal or caudal methods
• Act quickly to counteract adverse reactions or complications
• Monitor the patient's blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, and level of consciousness
• Adjust the anesthetic plan, medications, fluids, and other parameters to provide a safe, pain free surgical experience for the patient
• Continue to provide the care necessary to ensure a smooth emergence from the anesthetic after the surgery
• Administer pain control medication after surgery
• Release patients when they have recovered or stabilized enough to be sent to another room or ward or to be sent home following outpatient surgery

For additional information on tasks, knowledge, skills, abilities, work activities, work contexts, job zones, interests, work styles, work values, and related occupations, visit the O*Net Online , a division of the National Center for Occupational Information.

Working Conditions: Anesthesiologists may be employed by hospitals, clinics, or outpatient surgical centers. Normally, they work long, irregular hours. They frequently work evenings and weekends to perform emergency operations. They often have to stand or sit beside patients for long periods of time in the operating room. Unexpected complications may arise during a surgical procedure; anesthesiologists must remain calm and make rapid life-saving decisions during these tense moments. Anesthesiologists are exposed to a variety of hazards. They may be exposed to infectious diseases. They often work with patients and families who are confused and afraid so they must be sensitive and unemotional while also remaining reassuring.

Educational Requirements: To become an anesthesiologist requires many years of education. After four years in college to earn an undergraduate degree, the prospective anesthesiologist must attend four years of medical school to earn a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree. He or she must then complete another four years of training in an accredited anesthesia residency program. The physician may then complete another one or two years in a subspecialty of anesthesia such as obstetrical anesthesia, cardiac anesthesia, pediatric anesthesia, or pain management. Board Certification: After completing the above training, many anesthesiologists become a "Diplomate of the American Board of Anesthesiology" (D.A.B.A) or "Board Certified". To become "Board Certified" by the American Board of Anesthesiology, the anesthesiologist must complete a minimum of 12 years of study in accredited programs as noted above. He or she must then pass a rigorous written and oral exam. Only after the physician has successfully completed these education requirements and passed these difficult exams is he considered a "Diplomate of the American Board of Anesthesiology". Some anesthesiologists complete similar requirements to become certified in their subspecialty as well, such as Pain Management Certification. When an anesthesiologist completes his formal training, but has not completed the certification exam process, he or she is considered "Board Eligible". For more information, visit The American Board of Anesthesiology or The American Society of Anesthesiologists online.

Outlook: The estimated number of anesthesiologists in Tennessee is 760. It is projected there will be an increase of 29 percent in this occupation through the year 2012 with 30 job openings annually. The number of physicians in training has leveled off and is likely to continue to decrease over the next few years, alleviating the effects of any perceived physician oversupply. However, future physicians may be more likely to work fewer hours, retire earlier, have lower earnings, or have to practice in underserved areas. Opportunities should be good in rural and low income areas because some physicians find these areas unattractive due to lower earnings potential, isolation from medical colleagues, or other reasons. For additional information on this occupation, visit the nationally recognized Occupational Outlook Handbook online.

The military services have about 12,000 physicians and surgeons including all general practitioners and specialists (such as anesthesiologists). On average, they need about 800 new physicians and surgeons each year. For more information, visit Today's Military online.

Military service: Physicians and surgeons are officers in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and the Coast Guard.

Salary

• Bureau of Labor Statistics, Tennessee Department of Labor website
• TN Department of Labor & Workforce Development website
• Bureau of Economic Analysis website

For an explanation of salary data please visit acinet.org

Last updated on: January 29, 2008