In the United States of America, anesthesiologists are doctors (MD or DO) who
have chosen to specialize in anesthesiology. The majority of anesthesiologists
in the United States have completed a four year undergraduate college degree,
including pre-med requirements. Like other physicians, anesthesiologists
complete four years of medical school. However, a few medical schools offer a
six year program following high school. (In such programs, the first two years
fulfill the pre-med requirements, and the following four years are the
traditional medical education.)
An anesthesiologist is a physician; a highly trained medical specialist who
makes anesthesia related medical decisions and is responsible for the safety and
well being of the patient. This includes maintaining the patient in a state of
controlled unconsciousness, providing pain relief and monitoring the patient's
critical life functions as they are affected throughout surgical, obstetrical or
other medical procedures.
The anesthesiologist's role extends beyond the operating room. The
anesthesiologist is responsible for the preoperative assessment of the patient,
making medical judgments about the best anesthesia plan for that individual
based on his or her current health, what medications they are taking, the type
of surgery, etc. The anesthesiologist is also responsible for the well being of
the patient postoperatively while the person emerges from the effects of the
anesthesia. Additionally anesthesiologists help stabilize critically ill or
injured patients, in intensive care units. They are often involved in the
management of acute postoperative pain, chronic and cancer pain; in cardiac and
respiratory resuscitation; in blood transfusion therapies; and in respiratory
therapy.
As long as there is a demand for
surgery and relief from pain, there will be
a need for qualified anesthesiologists. The number of surgeries has been on the
rise, totaling more than 40 million a year, almost evenly split between
hospitals and outpatient facilities.
Anesthesiologist Assistants (AAs) are highly skilled health
professionals who work under the direction of licensed anesthesiologists
to implement anesthesia care plans. AAs work exclusively within the
anesthesia care team environment as described by the American Society of
Anesthesiologists. An AA may not practice outside the field of
anesthesia or apart from the supervision of an anesthesiologist.
The specific job descriptions and duties of AAs may differ according to local
practice. State law or board of medicine regulations or guidelines may further
define the job descriptions of AAs. The constant ingredient, no matter what the
local regulation, is that AAs always practice under the medical direction of a
qualified anesthesiologist.
Anesthesiologist assistants and certified registered nurse anesthetists are
both defined as "non-physician anesthetists" within the Centers for Medicare and
Medicaid Services section of the Code of Federal Regulations.
The professional organization for AAs is the American Academy of
Anesthesiologist Assistants (AAAA)
www.anesthetist.org.
