Becoming An Anesthesiologist

Companionability, Focus, and the Art of Anesthesiology

Anesthesiologists are physicians, trained to administer and manage anesthesia before and during surgical procedures. They are also responsible for monitoring and treating a patient’s critical life functions such as heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure during a surgical procedure (Anesthesiologist Career). Anesthesiology is a very difficult and competitive field and it is that way for a reason. To attain your Doctorate in Anesthesiology you have to complete twelve years of intense schooling; including a bachelor’s degree, followed by four years of medical school, a one year internship and three year’s of residency to obtain your board certification. There are many different skills
They communicate with hundreds of people each day; therefore, doing so efficiently and carefully is difficult but essential. Anesthesiologists have a large number of people working under them that require their supervision (Novak). On a daily basis an anesthesiologist has to coordinate with other physicians, nurse anesthesiologists, their assistants, and their patients (Greenwood). Anesthesiologists are the role models for their assistants and nurses; hence, setting a good example and giving clear instructions is important to their work. Also, building a secure and trusting relationship with each patient is very important. Patients know that they are putting their life in their anesthesiologist’s hands and making them feel comfortable is critical. Sometimes an anesthesiologist meets with his patients only 10 minutes prior to surgery to discuss technical issues in a straightforward manner so patients are knowledgeable about the effects each anesthetic will have on them (“Anesthesiologist Career”). Also, patients are going to be stressed out and very nervous before surgery. Anesthesiologists need to be friendly and comforting to help their patients feel better; in addition to, the patient’s family or loved ones. (Greenwood). Being an anesthesiologist does not just take intelligence and an exceptional amount of education; it requires strong communication skills such as being
Every little detail matters to anesthesiologists; from their patient’s body weight, current medications, any known allergies, pain tolerance, to the completing of a spinal injection. An anesthesiologist is given a barrage of important information each day; so, paying attention and writing down major issues is just part of what they have to do (Novak). The anesthesiologist is in charge of monitoring their patients before, after, and during surgical operations (Greenwood). Many problems can occur during surgery, so it is important to focus on all of the details. An anesthesiologist is not allowed to have a lazy or distracted day; one mistake could lead to their patient’s distress or death. During a surgical procedure he will monitor the patient’s blood pressure, heart rhythm, amount of oxygen in the blood, temperature, and level of consciousness. Paying close attention to detail at all times would be strenuous for most individuals, but anesthesiologists fight through to ensure their patients are safe and