Salary: Median—$321,686 per year
Employment Outlook: Very good
Definition and Nature of the Work
Anesthesiologists are physicians who focus on surgical patients and pain relief. They administer anesthetics, which are medicines to prevent patients from feeling pain and sensations; closely monitor patients' vital signs during surgery and adjust anesthetics accordingly; monitor patients through the first recovery stages after an operation; and administer appropriate medications during recovery. In addition to helping patients through surgery, anesthesiologists may also help treat patients with conditions causing chronic pain. Many specialize in specific types of problems, such as respiratory or neurological illness. More than ninety percent of the anesthetics used in health care are administered by or under the direct supervision of an anesthesiologist.
An anesthesiologist's first contact with a surgical patient is usually during a "preoperative interview." At that time the anesthesiologist reviews the patient's medical history and medications, discusses the upcoming surgery, and reviews the options for anesthesia and pain-killing drugs. The anesthesiologist also becomes familiar with the patient's preexisting medical conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, and plans how to manage those conditions during surgery.
The anesthesiologist is responsible for a patient's life functions as the surgeon and other members of the medical team operate. In the first phase of surgery,
During surgery, an anesthesiologist carefully monitors the patient's vital signs—including heart rate and rhythm, blood pressure, breathing, and kidney function—and adjusts anesthetics as needed.
When surgery is finished, the recovery phase begins. The anesthesiologist administers medications to reverse the effects of the anesthetic, returning the patient to consciousness if a general anesthetic has been used. After surgery, patients are moved to a recovery room, where the anesthesiologist is still responsible for the patient's vital functions. In the recovery room, nurses and other specially trained staff closely monitor the patient under the supervision of the anesthesiologist. Eventually, the anesthesiologist determines when the patient has recovered sufficiently to leave the recovery room.
There are three main types of anesthesia administered during surgery: general, regional, and local. General anesthesia renders the patient unconscious and unable to feel pain or any other sensation. Many general anesthetics are gases or vapors administered through a mask or breathing tube, whereas others are liquid medicines introduced through a vein. Regional anesthesia numbs an entire area of the body requiring surgery. Local anesthesia is used to numb a specific part of the body (such as the foot or hand). Both regional and local anesthetics are administered via injections. In addition to anesthetics, patients requiring regional and local anesthetics often are given sedatives to help them relax during surgery and put them to sleep.
Anesthesiologists work in hospitals or outpatient medical facilities where surgery is performed. Some work in emergency rooms, where they handle victims of heart attacks, shock, drug overdoses, traumatic injuries, and other serious health problems requiring immediate care.
Anesthesiologists work as part of a team. In surgery, the team includes the surgeons performing the operation and the nurses supporting them. Anesthesiologists often work directly with a nurse anesthetist who helps administer medications to the patient during surgery.
The job of the anesthesiologist requires intelligence, perseverance, and years of sophisticated training. Besides great technical skills, an anesthesiologist needs a good bedside manner, especially during the preoperative interview when the anesthesiologist must be able to calm the patient while eliciting important information. Anesthesiologists must themselves keep calm during high-stress situations, and they need to be able to maintain peak levels of concentration during long surgical procedures.
Education and Training Requirements
Anesthesiologists are highly educated medical professionals. They must undergo extensive training in addition to their basic medical education.
Like any other physician, an anesthesiologist must successfully complete a four-year undergraduate degree and a four-year medical school program. After medical school, an anesthesiologist takes an additional four years of specialized training.
During the first year of specialized training, an anesthesiologist serves a general internship and is trained in diagnosis or treatment in other areas of medicine. This is followed by an intensive three-year residency program on the technology and medical aspects of anesthesiology. Besides anesthesiology, an anesthesiologist must also study cardiology, critical care medicine, internal medicine, pharmacology, and surgery. An anesthesiologist may choose to specialize in a particular field, such as neurosurgical anesthesiology, and undergo additional training in that field.
Once an anesthesiologist has completed college, medical school, and residency and specialized training, his or her education is by no means finished. New developments in the field of anesthesiology require anesthesiologists to continually update their knowledge and skills through professional seminars and continuing education courses. All students interested in pursuing anesthesiology need a strong background in physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics.
Getting the Job
Like all physicians, anesthesiologists must be driven, self-motivated individuals willing to work long hours under intense pressure. In addition, a medical education is extremely costly and requires a huge financial commitment. An estimated 80 percent of all medical students borrow money to cover their education expenses.
Anyone interested in pursuing a career in medicine should consider volunteer work at a local hospital or health clinic. That is a good way to gain firsthand experience in working with patients, doctors, nurses, and health care managers.
Advancement Possibilities and Employment Outlook
Anyone who has made it through medical school and residency training to become a fully licensed and practicing anesthesiologist has already made it to the top of his or her chosen field. He or she may decide to pursue a position as the anesthesiology department head within a specific hospital or health care facility. Individuals wishing to quit their medical practice can often find work as teachers.
In 2003 anesthesiologists accounted for approximately 5.4 percent of the 567,000 physicians in the United States. The growing and aging population will increase demand for physicians' services in the coming years. Employment of physicians and surgeons will grow faster than average for all occupations through the year 2014. Opportunities for individuals interested in becoming physicians and surgeons are expected to be very good.
Working Conditions
Anesthesiologists work in hospitals and medical facilities offering inpatient and outpatient surgery. They divide their time between patients' rooms, operating theaters, and post-operation recovery rooms. The job can be extremely stressful and may demand long hours. Anesthesiologists are often "on call," during which time they must be prepared to show up for emergency procedures at all hours of the day and night.
Earnings and Benefits
Anesthesiologists are near the top of the pay scale among all physicians. In May 2004 the median annual income for anesthesiologists who had been in practice for more than one year was $321,686.
User Comments Add a comment…
4 days ago
Awesome!!! Great just what i was looking for thanks! I've always wanted to study anesthesiology!
10 days ago
My names Chris and im 23 and havent started even my first year of college lol. this site helped me alot to understand and navigate me in a direction that not only interests me but that will challenge every aspect of my life. i know i started late but I WILL BE AN ANESTHESIOLOGIST! Good Luck to all physicians!!!
12 days ago
Hi..i'm a senior and this info is really helpful..i've been wanting to be an anesthesiologist ever since my mother rold me about it and watching it on t.v. I am so ready to graduate so i can start my college years...and get my DREAM job!!!! thanx again for the great info...it's VERY helpful..
25 days ago
my name is Brandon and i am in 10th grade. i am takeing multiple extra med. classes in high school and i want to no if WVU is a good university for my undergraduate and where should i go after that... is john hopkins good or can i go somewhere else
28 days ago
Hey, thank you so much, this info really help's me out a lot. I cant wait to start my schooling to get my M.D and so on. But i would also like to thank "Shelby Salas" for telling me about this, it's really what i want to do. Thank you.
about 1 month ago
i am about to start applying for college and i have always wanted to be an anesthesiologist. i had a couple questions. If i dont get into the best college will that keep me from getting in to medical school? and What is a recommended major in college for pursuing this career?
about 1 month ago
Nice little write up, very broad but still useful, I'm currently in nursing school for my BSN and plan on becoming a Nurse Anesthetist, is there a program for going from a CRNA to an anesthesiologist or do you still have to go through med school and then 4 years specialized training?
about 1 month ago
Im in 10th grade and I want to be an anesthesiologist and I am taking all the medical and math classes I can in highschool. Is UT a good school to go to for my undergraduate? Where should I go after that? Any information is greatly appreciated.:] Thanks
2 months ago
yeah i've been interested in the practice of medicine ever since my first visit to the ER and i am facinated about how docters can save peoples lives and i also want to do that as well im planning to be a anthesiologist wellthis was great info.
2 months ago
hi my name is angela i am an 7th grader but will be going into 8th after the summer ends.i ahve been interested in anesthesia ever since i was a 7 year old the practices of medicine have always facinated me and how one injection can change so many funtions of the body.i plan on going to Uconn and am aware of the 4 years of college 4 years of medical school and the 4 years of internship or residency and the i also knwo that their will be new development inm the field of medicine and their will be seminars on the new found anesthetics in hgihschool i plan on taking organic and inorganic chemistry,physics,calculas,biology,biochem and maybe cell biology and genetics but are these the courses i should take? are their any others? and what sould my SAT scores and grades be to egt into uconn please answer these questions and share your expirences wiht me.thank you.
3 months ago
Hello my name is Warren I am a 10th grade student abouot to be a junior and I have my heart set on being a anesthesiologist. I am fully aware of the job discription and I hope I can prepare myself enough to actually get the job. But im not sure which colleges offer this program. How do i get some experience now in this field?
3 months ago
hey BANKSTON how about you try to spell ANESTHESIOLOGY right before you cut other people down. great article thanks
3 months ago
Hey Bankston, how about you try using correct marks like commas and periods instead of one big RUN ON sentence before YOU correct people. Okay buddy? THANKS!
3 months ago
Dude this has all the topics i havce to do for my career report. everything. all i iad to do was copy, paste
3 months ago
i love this site! all the information i need
3 months ago
Hey, my Hannah and I'm an 8th grade honors student. I've wanted to be a doctor for as long as I can remember. I kinda first wanted to be an anesthesiologist when I attempted to say the word when I was 10. Ever since then I have wanted to be one. I've found out more about the job, but I would like to know what courses I should take through high school (I'm taking honors biology and an engineering class next year) and college. Thanks! Hannah @(*-*)@
3 months ago
Hi everyone, Im a nurse anesthetic,this is my 2nd year, and Im going back to school for Anesthesiologist, it would be triple the money that Im making now. Whoever is getting into the medical field, good look and its worth it.Study hard and make that six figure income.
3 months ago
Yeah sweetheart, here's your advice: learn how to type and spell correctly! You need to grow up a lot. You'll get no where with speech like that.
3 months ago
Hello i am in 10th grade and i want to become an anesthesiologist idk if i am smart enough though because i am not the best at math. and if any1 could pls tell me the best classes to take in highschool to prepare that would be greatly appreciated.
4 months ago
Just a note to all the people wanting to become doctors: I'm a med student and probably not for much longer. I wanted to become the best; you know, have the most honorable profession, a great paycheck, etc, etc. I was the best at everything and got into a VERY competitive 6 year med program straight from highschool. But even though I thought I wanted to be a doctor so badly, to help people, etc, it wasn't enough. I keep up fine in grades but I learned quickly college courses are nothing like highschool courses. Unless you absolutely LOVE chemistry, biology, and physics in highschool you will have a very hard time with the courses in college. I did fine in those courses in highschool and thought pharmacology and organic chemistry couldn't be that different. I was wrong. You need to do what you truely love, otherwise you are going to find it very hard to go through the rest of your life as a doctor. Highschool classes are pretty irrelevant. In college you need Bio 1 and 2, but usually also cell bio and biochem. You need chem 1 and 2 and organic 1 and 2. A few physics and calc classes. Beyond that, unless you get into a program like mine, you also need to take the MCAT. I would recommend for those wanting this career: Do NOT go through nurse's training first. Waste of time. It's probably not the best thing to go to a community college for ungrad either. You'll have a tough time getting into med school. In the end, you really have no idea what you're getting your self into until you get there, so if you think you want to be an anesthesiologist, or any other medical professional, go for in. But make sure your heart is in the right place.
4 months ago
I really want to pursue this career but my strongest subject is not science. should i commit myself to this career even though i'm not strong in it or should i do it anyway beause it's what i want to do?
4 months ago
Hello, this article was exceptionally helpful. I intend to follow the medical field and I stumbled across being an Anesthesiologist. I'm going to go to Stanford University and I'm wondering what classes are going be the most helpful and clubs that will stand out the most for the best job opportunities.
4 months ago
i have a close friend of mine who is working in this field as we speak. she totally loves it and work her butt of to get where she is today. i admire her ability and strength to get to where she is today and hope that one day i can do the same. i have always been interested in the medical field and thought pediatrics was my calling. after searching around a bit and reading this site i've become quite fond of this field and just might pursue it. i'm now in my 2nd year of college and have taken most of the basic classes for nursing. i think im ready to be an Anesthesiologist =)
4 months ago
I am an 10th grade student and I have my heart set on being an Anestheiologist. I was wondering on which colleges would be best to persue this career. i am planning to graduate early from highschool and i want to get started as soon as possible. The article was a lot of help. THANKS!
4 months ago
Hey Andre how about you try to spell COLLEGES right before you try pursuing a career in anasthesiology there buddy
4 months ago
I am a 9th grader who takes all honor classed , and i would like to become an anesthesiologist. I would like to know could i get some information on colleges to make my dream come true, i would like to go to a college in ga
4 months ago
hola my name is rachel n im a freshamn n high school. i know i want 2 be n the medical field but i dont know what career 2 persue. i think becoming an anesthesiologist would be awesome but i would also like 2 be an orthopedic surgeon and i have no clue which way 2 go. could somebody give me any advice? thanks so much **Rachel
4 months ago
I am an 11th grade honor roll student and I am looking to become an Anesthesiologist, and I would like to get some information on colledges that would help me to persue my career. Right now I am looking at anything in Atlanta, Georgia!!
4 months ago
Hello. I have been thinking about doing this job for not very long. But i think it sounds really kewl and i think i could learn to <u/> really<u/> like it! so yeahh. The only thing that i am worried about is if i were to do something wrong and then the patient be really ill after that, or them have something wrong with them, or even them dying. I dont know if i want this job or not, only for that reason. But another thing that i like aboit the job is that it pays VERY good money!!! well yeahh. I juss wanted to tell you guys that! Thanks for reading my comment! -Taylor Ashley
4 months ago
why do anethesiologists wear scrubs? are they like pajamas? i heard some wear suits at nicer hospitals is this true?! i would want to wear whatever because then i can wake up and go there like it aint no thang and i could play xbox 360 all day until i have to operate or the wii because i already am really good at surgery on it. this is why i want to be an anesthesiologist my life is decided.
5 months ago
This website helped me alot
5 months ago
I must say, this article is wonderfully written. Not only has it proved informative, it has encouraged many to direct interest towards this profession. I, as well as those who read this article really appreciate this. Although I am in 7th grade, I have seriously though about persuing this profession as a career and I have ultimately decided my choice. With much gratitude to this piece of writing, this article has aided me very much and I, among others appreciate that extensively.
5 months ago
im a 14 year old boy trying to look for a career for my future. i was always soo intrested into trying to become an anesthesiologist and now i have the additional information about this career. im awfully scared of how long it would have to take before you could have an anesthesiology licence. im still thinking about it, and i have lots or time anyways. well i would just like to say this is a very very very helpful site!!
5 months ago
hI! im studying to become a dentist right now and i want a D.D.S degree and this is my first year in college. im in my second semester. i really want to start things out the right way and not lose any time so here are my questions and i hope i can get them answered! Right now im planning on taking the basics or general ed classes then get my B.A in biology since (what i have heard) you need a degree in a science to become a dentist. so thats what im doing right now. Then after that im planning on going to a dental school and continue my education. So to become an anesthesiologist, can i continue the path that on right now but just go onto med school to study to become an anestheisiologist? I really dont want to waste time and i want to do this the correct way from the start. please help me out! im willing to do anything to become something big later on in my life!
5 months ago
thanks for the info it helped alot i was thinking about going to college and i wanted to be a psychiarist then i thought about an anesthesiologist. bust the info was very useful.
5 months ago
I am so glad that i found this website. I am currently writting a reasearch paper in my ninth grade Honors L.A. class on anesthesiologists. This website provided useful information to prepare me to draft my paper.
5 months ago
Right now i am entering a transistional stage in my life Right now im studying physical therapy at Des Moines University, but they do not offer very many classes in anesthetics should it be wise for me to continue my masters in physical therapy or just use my B.A. and move on to a place like University Hospitals in Iowa City because physical therapy is not really where my heart desires thank you for the very brief outlook on becoming in anesthesiologist
5 months ago
What school do you reccomend?
5 months ago
I am a freshman in college and i am so glad i read this article. I was already thinking about being an anesthesiologist, but I didn't fully understand their role. But now that I do, I want to pursue this career!
5 months ago
It helped me do better in school and thrive this carrer. I was doing a project over it in school.
5 months ago
it was very helpful and i am also in 7th grade and wan the become a anesthesiologist. but one thing that threw me off was it said 321,686 per year and in other websites it said 321,686 over a year well thanx bye
5 months ago
WOAH! this article is A+++!!! I'm in 7th grade and i want too be an anesthesiologist soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo bad! Everyone always says I would be good at helping people and i think i would be to. My 5th grade teacher thought i was really smart and told me i could be one. I have all a's but not for Mrs. Apple class but she's hard and i dont think shes that great of uh teacher so i think that shouldnt count. my aunt was one. what do i need to do to be an anesthesiologist? i will take every class i need to do this because i think it would be awesome. i am in algebra 2 right now way ahead of my class. i am not in the best english yet. can i still be an anesthesiologist? if i cant i just want to be another ologist cuz they seem like the coooooooolest jobs!!! cardi -ologist, paleyont -ologist. that last one is cool even though it's old things. thanks too the article writer. A+
5 months ago
Hi my name is Cynthia and for a really ling time I've been trying to decide what to become and in a way my time is up but luckily I have decided to become an important Anestisiologist. Im in my Senior year at High School, I graduate this year and i have a plan. My plan is to go to community college, take my basics,major in biology, then persue into a medical school. The thing is can I still become this even if I go to a community college?? Also im graduating with a minimum credits but i have a gpa of 5.1 do these things get in the way of becoming the person i want to be??What about knowing chemistry, phisics and calculus??? I never took those courses in high school what should I do?? Does that get in the way?? Another thing, a lot of people tell me that I should become a nurse first and from there move up to an anistisiologist, should I really do that?? In a way I feel that by doing that i'll just be waisting my time and will just take longer to become what I want to be, will it??? or it something should do.
5 months ago
Wow! Well first off I have wanted to do something in the medical field for as long as i can remember. My mother is a neuro nurse of 25 odd years and has had a great impact in my decision. I started looking at the field of anesthesiology for about a year now. This article has granted me with a lot of information so Thank you to the contributors of this website. I am 15 years old and a sophomore looking at attending college in about a year or so if anyone has any other information I would greatly appreciate it so send me a email at themuzzy@hotmail.com and let me know. And if your a doctor of anesthesiology feel free to email me and let me know anything that you know that could help me accomplish my dream. Thanks, Zack
5 months ago
I used to want to be a pathologist until I realized that even though the pay is well, I really do not want to be stuck in a room full of dead people. I am very good in math. I'm a freshman and right now I'm taken Algebra 2 and Biology while most of my friends are taking algebra 1a and Science 1. I do find biology to be a little hard though. Thank you for the information because I can take this job into serious account.
5 months ago
I have been thinking aboutthis position for about two years now, and I am still persueing this. I was woundering what would be the best school in Alabama to go to would be. If anyone who reads this and is in the medical field, who would like to share with me what they think about this position if you would e-mail me @ 4wheelintyler@comcast.net
5 months ago
i need more information.
5 months ago
This information is very helpful and informative, thank you. Though, I am concerned about the education requirements... Is it accurate, 12 years of medical training? There are several other websites I have visited that stated you required only 4 to 6 years of formal training to accquire the position..
6 months ago
im a third form student at the Bishop gibson high scholl in Manchester,JAmaica in the west indies(Caribbean)im doin a career project and i have an interst in Anesthesiology and i found this website...it is really interestin...i got my info addeed it to ma project and im very glad cuz couldnt get n e information before...this is interestin and I AM DETERMINED TO BECOME AN ANESTHESIOLOGIST NO MATTER WAT!!!! i am praying that n e one who reads this wud be able to help me cuz ma mother cannot afford this expensive education...I WUD BE TRULY TRULY GRATEFUL!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU VERY MUCH...********>>>>>>><<<<<<<<JAMAICAN GURL ( =
6 months ago
whoaaaa i really want to persue this career. they make bankkk. :D. this is one career that really caught my eye. i look forward to going to school and persuing my dream. :D even if i does take forever :/ ahahah lmao
6 months ago
i thik that is info is good
6 months ago
i would like to know what classes u have to take?? Biology?? this site is really good n what college would u recomend?? My email is hailey_turtle46@hotmail.com. thanks=]
6 months ago
Wow what great information! I am also planning on becoming an anesthesiologist. This site showed me things that I didn't know before. Im planning on using what I learned here in a research project im currently doing. It's definitely going to help me greatly in my paper.
6 months ago
Before you decide you want to become any doctor, some of you need to do some major research. Most of you are doing it for the money, the "drama" you think you will endure because of grey's anatomy and other TV shows. explore your options. get to know the profession before you jump into it. you need to be extremely caring and have a passion for medicine. yeah the money is a nice perk, but you should be in it because you yearn to help people. don't forget about all that malpractitioners insurance that you will have to pay. its a highly stressful and demanding job, as well as rewarding. do the research, don't rely on one source.
6 months ago
What should an aspiring anesthesiologist's college major be? Biology?
6 months ago
This is interesting with vital info i would love to become an anesthesiologist and am willing to work hard for it.
6 months ago
I am a 11th grader who is looking to be a anestheiologist when i grow up. I am just so confused to where i go after high school
6 months ago
I am a ninth grader who is really looking forward to be a anesthesiologist when i grow up. I have been looking in the medical feild seeing wich occupation i would like and anestesiology really cought my eye.
6 months ago
I'm only in 7th grade but I'm trying to find out what I want to do. I think this might be it. Now I actually know what an Anesthsiologist is. The information is really good. Whoever wrote this, I give you an A+! I hope I can be this or at least have a good education and eventually a good job after all of that stuff.
6 months ago
well. i will want to be somewhere in the medical field. right now im 14 and in 8th grade..and im trying to choose what i want to be..im doing great in school..well i dont want to lie im not doing so well in math..do you have to be GREAT a math for this job? i googled this site and this site gives alot of good info.
6 months ago
This web site has really opened my eyes and heart. I chose this carrer based on past experiences of people helped by anesthesiologist and this articel gave me a good theral vision of what this career might be like. I may bot be a excellent student but, ehrn it comes down to what i want i will wrok my butt of to complete this difficult but, rewarding proffesion!~ if you have more info for me or you want to discuss this career with me e-mail me to la_chicana2011@hotmail.com
6 months ago
Wzzam I would like to be a anesthesiologist and I know that its hard but I think that I am READY FOR WHATEVER! Im from NEW ORLEANS WHERE MY HOOD WAS DEMOLISHED AND MOST OF MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY THINK THAT LIFE IS OVER! I FELL THERE PAIN AND SO I WOULD LIKE TO SHOW THEM THAT THERE IS HOPE. I ALWAYS DREAM OF BECOMING A DOCTOR AND A GREAT LEADER. SO IM GOING TO BE THE FIRST ANESTHESIOLOGIST OUT GHETTO TO REPRESENT NEW ORLEANS. IM A JR WITH A 4.0 GPA, SO LOOK OUT WORLD IM ABOUT TO MAKE BLACK HISTORY!!!!!!!!!!!!
7 months ago
im a tenth grader at pchs and i have a passion for the medical feild i reallly want to be a anesthesiologist or either a heart surgeon im am about ot get engaged and i know i am going to have to go to college for about 11 yrs and that doesnt matter cause things i want in life i strive for im just scared its going to mess up my relationship.. i really want this so what classes do i need and what jobs do i need to apply for cause i want this career more than ive ever wanted anything email me at huntersgirl06@hotmail.com
7 months ago
I am in the tenth grade and am having to pick my classes for my junior year of high school. I was wondering what is a bigger part of anesthesia, Biology 2, AP Chemistry, or Physics? and also, my school offers a class called Health Careers. It is mostly about becoming a CNA. I do not want to become a nurse, but would this class still help me in the long run? If anyone can help me (ASAP-i have to turn in my schedule in a month) please e-mail me at hayleyg13@yahoo.com. thank you. =]
8 months ago
Im a senior in high schooland in the beginning i planned to study criminal in vestigation but while sitting through a class presentation a girl introduced anesthesiology.it was her dream and the first thing ui heard were the benefits this web site is great but still all i saw were the benefits to be honest with myself i want to live good but IM NOT LAZY I WILL WORK FOR WHAT I WANt!after reading comments from med students and therre debts and them basically having no life its scary i would love inside information because now im tworn if any alredy doctors, anesthesiologist,pharamist,AAs or med Students who have advice please feel free to email me at Jass_mail17@yahoo.com. thanx
8 months ago
Well Im Kathy && Im In The 8th Grade && I Was Wondering Where Is The Best Location To Work As An Anesthesiologist
8 months ago
I am an anesthesiologist who finished residency in 2005. I have noticed alot of questions about what classes people should take to prepare for it. Its important to understand that there really aren't any specific classes you will encounter in HS or even college that will prepare you. The basic requirements for med school are physics 1&2, bio 1&2, gen chem 1&2, organic chem 1&2, calculus, and I think an english course - as well as the dreaded MCAT. I can promise you that any information learned in a college level course will be glazed over in the first two weeks of that same course in med school (pharmacology for example). The point is that you shouldn't stress about what will prepare you the best. Being organized and motivated with good study habits is what prepares you best - med schools wil prepare you...that's why it takes 8 years after college to become an anesthesiologist. Also, as far as having extracurricular activities is concerned, it is FAR better to have volunteer work at a food kitchen or homeless center rather than a hospital. Anyone can wheel patients around a hospital as a transporter, but that doesn't give you a special edge over another candidate. A Med School admissions committee will look much more favorable upon someone who VOLUNTEERED at a center for disadvantaged people or abused children that someone who took a job at a hospital ER answering phones - it demonstrates compassion and empathy...med school prepares you with how to deal with patients and their problems. Someone who says they have experience dealing with sick people because they volunteered at a hospital is like saying Brett Favre's wife is prepared to be an NFL quarterback because she's been around her husband for years. Trust me...med schools don't really care if you worked in a hospital. As far as anyone going to med school to be an anesthesiologist just for the money...those people drop out after their first year because it really is hard to deal with all the BS of becoming a doctor just for the money. But it is an extraordinarily rewarding profession...good luck to all.
8 months ago
Well . . . im in 9th with a 4.5 GPA I have to say this site was a life saver! If been toying with the idea of being either and anesthesiologist or pharmacist. My greatest problem however is dealing with blood. Thanks to this site i have a pretty good idea of what i'll be diving into which can only help in my quest.
8 months ago
id also like to know exactly what classes i would need to take. my email is kim101188@msn.com thx
8 months ago
I think that this information will help me in the future thank you for this information.
8 months ago
i really thouht this article helped me since 8th grade i chose this job on carrer day now im in IB in 9th grade and wanted to kno what classes I should take im taking classes ahead of me now im in biology. i know you got this question a lot but if you would help me i would be very greatful thanks!
8 months ago
when i plan in college i want to be an anesthesiologist ( to be honest i was trying to lean how to say anesthesiologist) but yeah i i was watching discovery health channel i i've found some interesting facets about anesthesiologist and stuff and i though it would be nice to be an anesthesiologist.
8 months ago
I wonder how many of the people here just want to be an anesthesiologists just because of t.v. or of the pay check. Sure the money is probably great, but come on, life isn't about money. I want to be an anesthesiologists because I want to take away pain. Sounds cheesy, I know, but its a better reason than money. Rethink ya'll decisions and reasons and ask "Is it really worth it?" All the school and the work and hours. It is for me.
8 months ago
I loved this website it really helped me for a paper i'm doing in high school and this is also a career i'm looking into when i get older so it helped me realize what i'm going to have to do to get the job
8 months ago
i want to be a anesthesiologist, so how long do you have to be in collage and medical school? this site is good. email me for any answers @.............. artyomchekmasov@gmail.com
8 months ago
Congrats to whoever wrote the article! After reading this artile I've made up my mind and this is the career I would love to accomplish. This information was extremely useful, however there were some things that were not mentioned. For instance what kind of classes would I have to take and what skills are needed in this field. What kind of mathemathical level is required? Thank you so much God Bless You
8 months ago
I loved this site on anesthesiologist because it gave me a lot of info about a project i was doing.
8 months ago
good accurate information. it helped me out for my high school project on medical career choice.
9 months ago
Thank you for the wonderful and very helpful articles. When I grow up, It would be my destiny to become an Anasthesiologist. I will have a trophy wife with a big future, and have a house on the hill and vactions home in Tahoe, and raise 3 or 4 kids. Of course we'll have a fish, dog and cat, to care for as well. I hear this is a good paying job, and hopeful will reap benefits from it soon. thanks for listening, Study hard, Hard work in school pays. I love you all. Wish me all the luck in the world, as I will do for you. Someday, we'll meet at a conference, and we'll give each other a sincere hugs for our great accomplishment. Ciao!
9 months ago
I want to become an anesthesiologist when I grow older. I'm currently in 9th grade and I would like to know what sort of classes I should take to prepare for this. So, email me, please. This site was great, it has so much information. Thanks
9 months ago
this information was one of the few that i had found through hours of researching online. thank you, for making it posible.
9 months ago
i have been intrested in anesthesiology since i have been in 7th grade, i am now in 9th grade and looking out for all the requirements need for this job. And i think that this dicription here is better than the Eureka program at school. Anesthesiology is very intresting and i have decided to further my knowlege in it so that one day i will be come one :]
9 months ago
WOW! I'm doing a project on becoming an anesthesiologist and this information is very informative and helpful. Thank you.
9 months ago
I find this site very helpful. Im in the 9th grade and cant decide whether to do this or be a pharmacist but i think that anesthesiologist is a good choice for me.
9 months ago
Become an anesthesiologist is a passion it is not just b.c girls like us watch those show it is b.c we love to help ppl and i think that no guys should say anything there just mad b.c females r smartier then males. :)
9 months ago
hello i find this article extremely interesting. I am a 10th grader at a health caerers school.i was doing a project fro health careers and i realized that may love anesthesiology. Can any one send me any more info on this subject to my email at Praisery08@yahoo.com?
9 months ago
I decided to be an anesthesiologist in the fourth grade when we started a Career Crusing program on the computer. We then did a paper on a matchmaker results thing and I have wanted to be one ever since.
9 months ago
I think its funny that all the girls want to become an MD.. lol they watch all the soaps on tv and plan there future around it... lol becoming a doctor doesnt mean your gonna live a dramatic life of love and heartbreak in the er... it means ur going to school for a VERY VERY long time to save lives lol
9 months ago
I am currently in medical school and would like to offer all of those interested in pursuing a career in medicine some advice. This website is very helpful but it does not include some information that I think is very helpful. Medicine is very competitive and you must do very well in college to get into school (3.7 or greater GPS and you MUST do well on the MCAT). The MCAT is like that ACT or SAT for med school. This id just on average so you can get in with lower scores. My point is it takes a lot of work. I find it very interesting that most people just say they love medicine because they see the average salaries plastered all over the internet. I am currently over a $100,000 in debt, and I maybe get 4-5 hours a sleep a night. I just got off of a surgery rotation where I pulled 100+ weeks. I think it is great that so many people want to go into medicine, but get some exposure first. When you actually get to do some medicine you will realize that a lot of the stuff that you deal evereyday is pretty gross and far from what is seen on Grey's anatomy. Next time you hear about how much doctors make you should think twice. It takes a lot of work.
9 months ago
I'm in 10th grade and just recently have I became interested in being and anesthesiologist. I would like to know what classes I should take to prepare to be this. thanks
10 months ago
Im in 10th grade and i am thinking of becoming an anesthesiologist. If anyone has any info on what classes would be best take in high school to prepare for this carrer boomer_sooner_fan6@yahoo.com thank you
10 months ago
This site was very useful. I'm in the 9th grade and wish to pursue a career as an anesthesiologist. I was wondering which kinds of classes I have to take in high school. Does your grade point average have to be very high or can it be lower? Is getting a job after a residency easy to find or will it take a while to find a job? Could you also give me some more information on this career( pros and cons).
10 months ago
In my highschool we need to creat a career passport and one of the assigments is to interview a person in that field of work. i was wondering if there was an Anestheiologist willing to help.
10 months ago
I agree with everyone else when I say this information was very helpful, please send me any other information worth sharing. Thanks!
10 months ago
I needed this infor for a school project and it had everything I needed! THanks!
10 months ago
I'm in ninth grade and i really want to pursue a job in the medical field. I had nurse anesthesia on my mind for a while, but I decided I would go the extra mile and become an anesthesiologist. I want to know which classes I should take, so please email me. This information was great.
10 months ago
I am a freshman in college i attend Florida A & M University i did not know what I wanted to do in life all i knew was that I wanted to have a career that would fiance everything I wanted and needed and I wanted to provide a good life for my family and give my children a better life than I had and I think this will be a good field
10 months ago
If i was getting into the medical field, this would be my choice of work...This was very useful to me in my report...THANKS!!
10 months ago
I am planning on persuing this field of medicine. I am currently in my second year of pre-med. I would appreciate it if you could send me any new information relavent to this profession.
10 months ago
will you be able to send me something on anesthesiology
10 months ago
This is the most helpful information I have found on "everything" on an anesthesiologist. The information is clear, providing me a better understanding. I am majoring in anesthesiology.
10 months ago
Anesthesiology is a career I have had in mind for a little while. I would love the excitement and enjoy the privledge of getting to meet new people. It would be the best ever.
11 months ago
I want to become an anesthesiologist when I grow older. I'm currently in 9th grade and I would like to know what sort of classes I should take to prepare for this. So, email me, please. This site was great, it has so much information. Thanks.
11 months ago
This site was VERY useful to me. Im 20 and Im trying to figure out which field interests me and this is a good option for me.
11 months ago
Watching Grey's Anatomy has inspired me to do this job. Also, my friend's father is an anesthesiologist and he loves his job. I really want to become one. I'm in 9th grade and I am a 4.0 student, so hopefully I can keep up my grades and get a scholarship to college and med school, to become an anesthesiologist. I understand there are long hours. But I am going to work SO hard for this.
11 months ago
I really appreciate all this information. I am seriously considering going into this field. If you have any information on anesthesiologist assistants and their licensure and whatnot could you please contact me?
11 months ago
I would like to be that i really into it can you send me info about what classes to take in high school at mccly_jehmar@yahoo.com thank you
11 months ago
thank u 4 the good info. it helped me out a lot. i'm an 11th grader that has decided to become and anesthesiologist.
12 months ago
i am also in 9th grade and i have a relative that is kinda a n anesthesiologist and i am interested in becoming one if anyone has any ideas as to classes i should take in high school shoot me an email jghickeyii@gmail.com or just some tips
about 1 year ago
The information provided was very helpful. The emphasis on precision and vigor schedules leaves little time for fun activites. Time will pass you by anyways. If you are going to do something you might as well do it and be at the top - but the difference is actually doing it not justing telling the world youre going to do it. You have to do it. This is something I want to do. Its not going to be easy...but being a part of something that can help save peoples lives - what else could be better?
about 1 year ago
Thank -you so much for the information i'v been interested in finding out more about this ever since my uncle ; a doctor, told me this job. not too long ago the medical postion i was hoping to lean to in future life was a chiropracter untill i found this although im in grade 10 , i'm beging my job serch for a better planed out future life thanks alot :)
about 1 year ago
Im only going in to grade 9 and i am trying to find out what kind of jobs are right for me. i came across this degree and i have a good feeling about this profession. Im willing to give up long hours and hard work to become such. Ive always dreamed about becoming a doctor of some sort one day. Im very interested in this job option and will research it and hopefully one day become it. Thanks for the help with the information from this site. (: Cassandra
about 1 year ago
Im 26 years old and a married mother of three. Im seriously thing about becoming an anesthesiologist. I want to give my children a better life and I know it takes alot of years and hardwork but, despite the naysayers I will pursue this career.
about 1 year ago
well im only in 10th grade but im looking at what i want to do career wise. and im torn between this and being a pediatrican. but i dont know if i could handle all the school. i know im still young and i have time ot figure this out but i figure why not have head start right? i dont know. :\
about 1 year ago
Thanks for the 411...i got an a on my project thanks too this website =)
about 1 year ago
I am an anesthesiologist. I love what I do. That's key. If you don't LOVE anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, sick and diseased people... then don't do it. Working as a physician is incredibly time-consuming. Many (most)of my colleagues have undergone at least 1 divorce. Practicing medicine is fun and interesting. The part that's not fun is dealing with payment issues from insurance companies, patients threatening you with lawsuit (oh yes.. you will get sued sooner or later), hospital administration regulating how you practice, the injustices of being a junior partner, not getting paid for work you do, getting paid a pittance for what you do, getting paid nothing for your services and then having a patient try to sue you! I finished my training many years ago with 82K in student loan debt. With interest, I've paid at least tripple that. Your debt will be far greater. Hours and hours of study, exams, deferred gratification and deferred family life. If your in it for the money, your motives are all wrong. There are much easier and faster ways to make money. You've got to love medicine and be willing to take the crap that comes with it. Talk to a doc you know about the downside of being a doctor. I love what I do and I'm staying put, but it wasn't/isn't all fun and games and glory.
about 1 year ago
thanx 4 the info..i really want 2 go into this field!ill be a junior in august so i need 2 find some stuff out
about 1 year ago
This information was very helpful I enjoyed reading it and I thought it was good direct information. It was short sweet and to the point.
about 1 year ago
I liked this site. It was very useful and it also gave me more information about an anesthesiologist and what it does. I am probably going to try and become this career as I get older!!
about 1 year ago
this was outstanding information when i get older im planning on becoming one because im really interested but know i know more so thank you for your info i appresiate it a lot -sarah
about 1 year ago
This was great information. I am planning on being an anesthesiologist when i get older. This information helped me know what i am going to be doing in the future.
about 1 year ago
This is very great information. This will help me to know what i am looking forward to doing for my career when i get older. I'm planning on being an anesthesiologist when i get older. This imformation gave me great information on my career.