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How To Become an Anesthesiologist?

how to become an anesthesiologist

Becoming an anesthesiologist is a lengthy and challenging process, but it is very rewarding. This career path requires years of schooling and training, but the result is a high-paying job that helps people in their time of need.

So, let’s take an in-depth look at exactly what an anesthesiologist does, the average salary, and How To Become an Anesthesiologist.

how to become an anesthesiologist

What Is Anesthesiology?

Anesthesiology is the medical practice that deals with the prevention and relief of pain. It was coined in the early 1800s by Sir James Young Simpson, who was also the first person to use general anesthesia in a surgical procedure. The history of anesthesia is full of pioneering moments, including the first successful operation under general anesthesia in 1846.

This was performed by a dentist named William T.G. Morton, who used sulfuric ether to anesthetize a man before a vascular tumor was removed from his neck. Another notable procedure was performed by Dr. John Snow, who gave a chloroform-laced cloth to Queen Victoria for the births of Prince Leopold and Princess Beatrice.

A variety of gasses…

It was discovered in the early 1800s that certain gases could be used to put people to sleep, and anesthesiologists today still use a variety of gases and drugs to achieve the desired level of anesthesia. Typically, these gases are nitrogen and oxygen, which are mixed in a tank to produce a gas called nitrous oxide.

What Does An Anesthesiologist Do?

Anesthesiologists are responsible for providing pain relief and sedation to patients before, during, and after surgery. They work with a team of specialists to ensure that the patient is safe and comfortable throughout the entire procedure. Anesthesiologists also play a key role in resuscitating patients who experience critical health emergencies.

The average salary of an Anesthesiologist

Anesthesiologists are amoung the highest-paid medical professionals in the United States. The average salary for this career path is around $269,000 per year, depending on the country of employment. Anesthesiologists may also be eligible for additional benefits and bonuses depending on their employer.

A Day In The Life Of An Anesthesiologist

Anesthesiologists typically work long hours, but they also have a lot of flexibility in their schedules. They may be called into work on short notice, but they also have the option to take time off when needed.

Practicing anesthesiologists typically work in a hospital setting, but they may also work in a clinic or private practice, which tends to pay more.

By your side from beginning to end…

At the start of the day, anesthesiologists typically meet with their patients to discuss the surgery and answer any questions they may have. They then proceed to prepare the patient for surgery by administering anesthesia. During the surgery, they will monitor the patient’s vital signs and adjust the anesthesia as needed.

After the surgery is complete, they stay with the patient until they are fully recovered in case there are any complications.

how to become anesthesiologist

What Skills Should An Anesthesiologist Possess?

Anesthesiologists should be able to think on their feet and make quick decisions to keep the patient safe. They must also be good listeners in order to understand the patient’s needs and concerns. Anesthesiologists must have excellent communication skills to work effectively with other members of the surgical team. They must also be able to stay calm under pressure and handle stressful situations.

The Steps To Becoming An Anesthesiologist

So, how do you become an anesthesiologist? Firstly, you will need to complete a bachelor’s degree in anesthesiology, nursing, or another relevant field. You will need to have a GPA of at least 3.5, and you will need to complete a number of prerequisite courses.

You will then need to complete a medical degree from an accredited medical school. This will mean passing the MCAT exam and completing many years of schooling.

Degree, Residency, and Board Exams!

After you have completed your medical degree, you will need to complete a residency in anesthesiology. This will typically take four years to complete. A residency is a placement in a hospital or clinic where you will gain hands-on experience in providing anesthesia.

In four years, once you have completed your residency, you will be eligible to become a board-certified anesthesiologist. This will mean passing a series of exams administered by the American Board of Anesthesiology.

What does Board Certified mean?

Board-certified anesthesiologists are medical professionals who have met the highest standards of excellence in their field. They have undergone rigorous training and passed a series of exams to prove their knowledge and skills. Board-certified anesthesiologists are held to the highest standards of care, and they can be trusted to provide safe and effective anesthesia care to their patients.

Where To Find Anesthesiologist Jobs?

There are many ways to find anesthesiologist jobs. You can search for job postings on websites like Indeed and LinkedIn. Or you can contact hospitals and clinics directly to inquire about job openings. Anesthesiologists are in high demand, so it is important to keep your resume up to date and be proactive in your job search.

About To Start Your Studies?

Congratulations on your decision! We recommend using the Oxford Textbook of Anaesthesia, the Modern Anesthetics (Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology, the Hadzic’s Textbook of Regional Anesthesia and Acute Pain Management, as well as the Stoelting’s Pharmacology & Physiology in Anesthetic Practice for your exam preparation.

To become ‘Board Certified,’ I’ve found the Anesthesiology Examination and Board Review, and the Rapid Review Anesthesiology Oral Boards, along with the McGraw-Hill Specialty Board Review: Anesthesiology Examination & Board Review, and Critical Care Examination and Board Review all available online in 2023.

Lastly, I thought you might want to take a look at my guides on the Top Highest Paying Medical Jobs, the Best 6 Figure Jobs, and finally, my CRNA Job Description to see if it’s a position you might be interested in.

Final Thoughts

So, is anesthesiology the right career for you?

If you have the dedication and drive to complete a lengthy schooling process, then anesthesiology may be the right choice for you. The average salary is high, and the job is both challenging and rewarding.

Good luck on your journey to becoming an anesthesiologist!

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