Anesthesiologist Job Description

"An anesthesiologist is a doctor who works in the operating room to delay your pain until such time as you get his bill."

Well, this is the most common joke that is used to describe an anesthesiologist. On a serious note, an anesthesiologist is a physician who administers anesthetics during surgery or other medical procedures. An anesthesiologist is a very important person before a surgery, during a surgery and even after the surgery. With the advancements in medical science and medical procedures, to cure people of their illnesses and conditions, the need for anesthesiologists is ever increasing. The need for good and responsible anesthesiologists is felt not only by patients but even by surgeons who handle critical surgical cases.

Establishment of Anesthesiology
Anesthesiology was established as a medical field, after the discovery of nitrous oxide, also known as, laughing gas by Humphry Davy in the 1800's. Humphry Davy found during his experiments, that toothache was relived and generalized giddiness was caused due to the administration of this gas. This gas, instead of being used for medical purposes, was being used as a form of entertainment and fun. Physicians finally found the gas to be a useful substance to help relive and managing pain. There was extensive research conducted and this lead to the development of the field of anesthesiology. Know more on general anesthesia, a historical perspective.

Who is an Anesthesiologist
Wondering what is an anesthesiologist job description? Confused on what responsibilities does an anesthesiologist job description involves? Well, an anesthesiologist is a medical practitioner, who focuses on reliving pain and taking total care of surgical patients during and after surgery and other medical procedures. An anesthesiologist works in hospitals, outpatient clinics and also along with a patient care team. The following points will explain the anesthesiologist job description in detail:

• The anesthesiologist job description includes administering anesthetics to prevent the patients from feeling pain and sensations during the surgeries.
• The anesthesiologist needs to monitor the vital signs of the patient during surgery or medical procedure and carry out the necessary adjustments accordingly.
• An anesthesiologist needs to monitor the patient through the initial recovery stage and administer drugs and medications that are essential during recovery
• Anesthesiologist job description is not limited to the surgical room. An anesthesiologist may also help in pain management, to patients suffering from chronic pain such as respiratory and neurological illnesses.
• An anesthesiologist also needs to discuss with physicians and medical professionals, regarding the type and method of anesthetics to be administered to the patient.
• An anesthesiologist job description also involves the examination of the patient before the surgery, getting his medical history and determining the risk involved during surgery or medical procedures.
• Recording the amount of anesthesia administered and the condition of the patient throughout the procedure is also an anesthesiologist's job.
• An anesthesiologist positions the patient on the operating table to provide maximum comfort and providing surgical accessibility to both the patient and the surgeon.
• Anesthesiologist job description also involves providing and maintaining life support and airway management during an emergency. An anesthesiologist also helps prepare a patient before an emergency surgery.

Anesthesiologist Education Requirements
Anesthesiologist education requirements include completing the requirements that are necessary for becoming a doctor. You need a 4 year degree in a science or pre-med field. You need to successfully complete medical school and 3 to 8 years residency or internship in general medicine. Pre-med students need to have an undergraduate knowledge in Physics, Biology, Mathematics and inorganic and organic Chemistry. You also need to complete an accredited program in anesthesiology. During the residency program the anesthesiologist can work towards obtaining certification from the American Board of Anesthesiology or the American Society of Anesthesiologists.

Anesthesiologists are regulated in the 50 states and U.S Territories. You can become a credentialed and licensed anesthesiologist through the following procedure:

• One needs to fulfill the required amount of training and/or degree from an accredited school of medicine or osteopathy.
• Successful completion of an accredited program of anesthesiology.
• One needs to pass a national exam.
• And lastly, one needs to apply for license in the the state where one is going to practice in.

Skills Required in an Anesthesiologist
The following things are required in an anesthesiologist.

• An anesthesiologist job requires having the ability to make quick and correct judgments. Considering the risks involved, one needs to have the focus and ability for crucial decision making.
• An anesthesiologist needs to be a good listener and understand what people are saying. This very important as even a minor point missed may prove to be life-threatening during surgery.
• Proper knowledge and skill to handle and operate the equipment and systems involved during the medical procedure.
• Good reading and comprehension skills as it is very important to understand the work related documents.

Anesthesiologist Salary
The good news for those aspiring to become an anesthesiologists, is that they are one of the highest-paid doctors. The anesthesiologist salary range varies according to the geographic region, experience and sub-specialty. According to certain websites, anesthesiologists in Los Angeles have the highest median annual salary at $165, 000. Most of the anesthesiologist earn a minimum of about $300, 564. The starting anesthesiologist salary range is about $225,000. The locum tenens anesthesiologist salary range can vary from about $1,200 per day to $1,350 for cardiac or pediatric cases. They can earn about $6000 to 6,700 per week on assignment. They also have the benefit of traveling, practicing in different settings and having an flexible schedule.

An anesthesiologist may have to work in emergency situations like handling victims and patients of heart attack, shock, drug overdoses, traumatic injuries, etc. requiring immediate medical care. An anesthesiologist needs to be a team player as he will be working with surgeons, nurses and other medical practitioners. An anesthesiologist needs to be intelligent and with a lot of patience and perseverance. Good manners, communication skills, ability to handle anxious patients and remaining calm with stressed out surgeons, are very important personal skills required in an anesthesiologist. An anesthesiologist should be able to maintain a level head and should be able to concentrate during long and critical surgical procedures. If the anesthesiologist job description fits your medical career plans, then start working hard towards a fulfilling and successful career as an anesthesiologist. Know more on nurse anesthetist.