Anaesthesiologist

Anaesthesiologist

Summary of profession

An anaesthesiologist is responsible for administering local or general anaesthetic (a substance that induces insensitivity to pain).

Working hours, patterns and environments

Anaesthesiologists practice in every setting in which anesthesia is delivered: traditional hospital surgical suites and obstetrical delivery rooms; critical access hospitals; ambulatory surgical centers; the offices of dentists, podiatrists, ophthalmologists, plastic surgeons and pain management specialists; and military, Veterans Affairs’ and public health service health care facilities.

Education and skills

An anaesthesiologist is a medical doctor, so you will need to have a strong aptitude for math and science if you want to become one. You will have to be a pre-medical undergraduate student and a significant portion of your college courses will be in biology, chemistry, physics andadvanced mathematics.

Job growth and opportunities

As medical technology continues to advance, anaesthesiologists can stay in-demand by familiarizing themselves with the latest techniques, equipment and
procedures in their fields.