Anesthesiologist

An anesthesiologist is a doctor who specializes in the administration and management of anesthesia during surgery. Anesthesiologists need to complete a broad-based education because they are in charge of monitoring the health and well-being of a patient during surgery. They need to be aware of the patient’s reaction to the anesthesia, as well as be able to care for any pre-existing conditions the patient may suffer from, such as diabetes or allergies.

5 Things You Need to Know

  1. Anesthesiologists complete 12 years of schooling, including a four-year college program, four years of graduate school and four years of residency.
  2. You can choose your own anesthesiologist if you prefer, usually with the assistance of your doctor. However, it’s not automatically assumed you will want to make the choice, so you have to let your doctor know.
  3. You will have a meeting with your anesthesiologist prior to your surgery so that he or she can get to know you and your medical history.
  4. An anesthesiologist will also be responsible for you while you are coming out of the anesthesia.
  5. Not all anesthetics are the same. General anesthetic renders you unconscious, while regional anesthetic numbs a particular body area and local anesthetic numbs a particular spot.

3 Questions You Need to Ask Your Anesthesiologist

  1. How many similar procedures have you completed?
  2. Will you have people assisting you during surgery? Who are they and how will they be involved?
  3. Do you have experience with pre-existing conditions (e.g., high blood pressure)?

Also Known As: Anaesthetist, anaesthesiologist

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