You may not think about anesthesiologists until you or a loved one needs surgery. Anesthesiologists are crucial members of the medical team. Their responsibilities are to be with you during every step of your surgery. For instance, they meet with you before to find your other illnesses like diabetes or asthma that you are being treated for. They administer pain medicine and monitor your vitals during surgery. In addition, anesthesiologists also monitor your pain after surgery. Their goal is to maintain your comfort. Here are some facts to help you learn more about anesthesiologists.

Education

Anesthesiologists go through the same rigorous education as other physicians. Yes, they are physicians. First, anesthesiologists obtain a four-year degree, graduate from medical school, then receive a doctorate degree. Once they reach that stage, anesthesiologists must go through a four-year anesthesiology residency.

Choice

Anesthesiologists aren’t assigned to you. Doctors can refer anesthesiologists, but you can also find the anesthesiologist you want to be with you during surgery. Most times you will not just pick one from the phonebook, but have prior knowledge if you had other surgeries or received other recommendations. However, be sure to inform your doctors in advance so they can make arrangements.

Abilities

Anesthesiologists have to do more than just apply their years of education to the job. They need the abilities to be there for patients when they need them the most. For instance, anesthesiologists must remain calm under pressure or crisis situations. In addition, anesthesiologists need to be great communicators. They may have to listen and understand information and communicate so that people can understand what is happening.

Skills

They must have good reading comprehension skills, know how to control equipment used in surgery and be a problem-solver. Anesthesiologists need the skill to listen without interrupting patients. Also, they have to be team players. In some surgeries, anesthesiologists may be working with doctors and nurses they don’t know.

Employment

Anesthesiologists can work in various medical facilities. For instance, they can work in hospitals or outpatient clients. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the salary for anesthesiologists can differ depending on experience. Anesthesiologists who have just finished their residency or have up to two years' experience can earn, on average, $256,000 per year. However, if they have expertise in a particular area, anesthesiologists with one year of experience can make $321,000 a year.