What Is an Anesthesiologist?
An anesthesiologist is a physician who specializes in the use of anesthesia to suppress or manage the pain that would otherwise be associated with surgery and other medical procedures. Anesthesia is a medical technology for masking pain that was first developed in the 19th century. The anesthesiologist’s role in pain management begins before surgery, continues during the procedure, and finishes with the patient in post-operative recovery. Anesthesiologists are also involved in infant deliveries, critical care, and palliative medicine.
Anesthesiologists are extensively educated, completing four years of medical school, an internship and residency in anesthesiology, and additional years of training in their specialty. Prior to practicing, anesthesiologists are licensed and board certified by professional governing bodies. They maintain certification throughout their careers with supplemental training and testing.
What Does an Anesthesiologist Do?
An anesthesiologist commonly assists in patient care as part of an interdisciplinary team conducting surgery or another invasive medical procedure. In this role, the anesthesiologist will administer anesthesia to the patient, while monitoring their vitals to ensure the procedure’s safe completion. The anesthesiologist will also assist in post-operative care and pain management, as appropriate. Depending on the procedure, the anesthesiologist might deploy one or more of the following types of anesthesia:
- Local anesthesia: This is the least extensive use of anesthesia. You’ll receive an injection that numbs the location of entry for an invasive procedure. You’ll be awake for the operation but free of pain.
- Regional anesthesia: This is a more extensive use of anesthesia to numb a greater part of your body. As with a local anesthetic, you’ll be awake but without pain. An example of a regional anesthetic is the epidural that many women receive when giving birth.
- General anesthesia: A general anesthesia affects your entire body, causing you to sleep through a surgery or procedure. General anesthetics are administered in both liquid (IV drip) and gaseous (anesthesia mask) forms. You’ll feel no pain and have no memory of the procedure when you awake.
- Monitored anesthesia: This is a graduated form of anesthesia administered by IV. Your degree of consciousness, ranging from drowsiness to deep sleep, will depend on the strength of sedation and the nature of the operation. Monitored anesthesia is commonly used in minimally invasive procedures.
Anesthesiologists are found in both private-office and hospital settings. Many are also involved in university-based research programs.
What Types of Anesthesiologists Are There?
Anesthesiologists are trained in one or more specialties:
- Ambulatory anesthesia: A specialization in same-day or minimally invasive procedures.
- Cardiac anesthesia: A focus on cardiac (heart) surgeries.
- Critical care: Pain management for critically ill patients.
- Obstetric care: Anesthesia for labor, delivery, and related procedures.
- Pain management: Expertise in helping cancer and other patients with chronic pain.
- Palliative care: Pain management in hospice settings for the terminally or severely ill.
- Pediatric anesthesia: Anesthesia for children and adolescents.
- Neurosurgical anesthesia: A specialization in brain and spinal surgeries.
- Regional anesthesia: Expertise in pain control for infant deliveries, lower-body surgery, and other major invasive procedures.
Anesthesiologists often choose a subspecialty after completing a residency. Their training in the subspecialty occurs over the course of a one- or two-year fellowship.
When Should You See an Anesthesiologist?
You will typically require the services of an anesthesiologist whenever you’re scheduled for an invasive medical procedure. The following procedures are often done with monitored anesthesia:
- Bronchoscopy
- Colonoscopy
- Cystoscopy
- Endoscopy
- Plastic surgery
- Repairs of bone fractures
- Skin surgery
- Surgical procedures on teeth
Anesthesiologists typically use a regional anesthetic for:
- Foot surgery
- Hand surgery
- Hip surgery
- Knee surgery
- Vaginal and cesarean deliveries
General anesthesia is utilized for:
- Abdominal surgery
- Back surgery
- Head surgery
- Heart surgery
- Lung surgery
Outside of a surgical context, anesthesiologists provide pain-management services for patients in emergency rooms, critical-care units, and hospice facilities.
What Can I Expect at My Visit to an Anesthesiologist?
A visit to an anesthesiologist is usually triggered by a referral from your primary care physician (PCP) or another specialist on your medical team. In your initial meeting, your anesthesiologist will review your case, evaluate your health, determine your suitability for an anesthetic, and share with you the benefits and risks of sedation for surgery. During the procedure, the anesthesiologist will administer your anesthetic and monitor your vitals, to protect your health and safety while undergoing the operation. Finally, after surgery is completed, your anesthesiologist will oversee your transition into post-operative care, managing any remnant effects of the anesthetic and supplying additional pain medication, as needed.
If you’re undergoing an invasive medical procedure or need help with pain management, the Baptist Health anesthesiology team is ready to serve. For more information, learn more about Surgical Services or schedule an appointment.
Anesthesiologist FAQs
Is an anesthesiologist a doctor?
Yes. Anesthesiologists are medical or osteopathic doctors with 12 to 14 years of education and many hours of clinical practice in a variety of settings.
Is an anesthesiologist the same as an anesthetist?
No. An anesthesiologist is a physician with an expertise in anesthesia, pain management, and surgical safety. A certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) is an advanced practice nurse with training in anesthesia. The latter is a valuable member of the healthcare team but has a lesser background in medical science and works under the supervision of an anesthesiologist.
Are anesthesiologists present during the entire surgical procedure?
Yes. Administering an anesthetic is only one part of an anesthesiologist’s job. During surgery, he or she is also responsible for monitoring vital signs and will typically be the first to observe a development that may call for a change in the surgical procedure or strategy.