Pros and Cons of Becoming an Anesthesiologist

A young person with a bright future ahead, after attaining an M.D degree has the freedom to choose any field from a wide array of surgical specialties such as orthopedics, neurosurgery, urology, cardiac surgery, ophthalmology, plastic surgery, dermatology, internal medicine, radiology, emergency medicine and anesthesiology. But the question is, why should anyone opt for Anesthesiology as a career? Like any other profession, becoming an Anesthesiologist has its share of pros and cons. In an operating room, apart from the surgeons, the most pivotal role is played by an Anesthesiologist. Through years of education and training, these expert professionals keep the patient unconscious and comfortable during surgeries. The perks that they receive are more, when compared to normal doctors.

Pros of being an Anesthesiologist:

1. Variety in anesthesia practice: Anesthesiologists cater to the needs of patients of various age group ranging from newborns to toddlers to adults and the aged. They anesthetize patients for surgeries of the brain, heart, abdomen, chest, bone, eye etc. Would-be mothers who opt for C-section as well as normal childbirth also need to go through anesthesia. Anesthesiologists not only run intensive care units but they are considered to be the medical directors for operating rooms as well.

2. Lifestyle and perks: Anesthesiologists do work hard, but if they choose to take a month off, he or she can easily be replaced, whereas it is very difficult on the part of physicians to take extended time away from patients. This is especially beneficial for women anesthetists who are mothers as well as they can work less than a full-timer so as to spend time with their children and family. The best part is that they get the opportunity to earn a lot. Anesthesiologists are counted among the highest earning individuals in the US.

Anesthesiologist at Work

3. Using cool gadgets and modern technology: Anesthesiologists get the opportunity to work with a whole lot of cool gadgets and advanced technology. Anesthesia workstations are filled with computerized devices that they use to monitor patients.

4. Focusing on acute care: Anesthesiologists focus on acute care rather than chronic care or clinic care. While some doctors like sitting in a clinic for more than forty hours a week and listening to patients, other doctors choose acute care where thrilling things may happen in each and every moment. Chronic care in hospitals can be emotionally tedious. As per statements given by doctors, controlling a patient’s breathing, circulation and airway is more interesting than just prescribing pills.

Cons of choosing Anesthesiology:

1. Tight schedules and crazy working hours: The schedule of an Anesthesiologist is always packed, they toil hard. In case of early morning surgeries, they have to arrive well in advance in order to arrange the equipment, check the patient and make him or her unconscious before the commencement of any surgery. Each and every emergency surgery, be it a gunshot wound, heart transplant, accident or C-section, requires an Anesthetist. Working around the clock can surely leave you worn out.

2. Thankless job at times: Anesthesiologists are often forgotten by patients who were asleep during the process, thus making their job a pretty thankless one. Patients may not remember the job that was done well, but they shall definitely remember the problem. Anesthesiologists should carry liability insurance and can be sued for malpractice as well.

3. Risk factor: Some situations may be challenging, disasters may be inevitable and the stakes are high if a serious mistake is committed on the part of the Anesthesiologist. Suppose in an operating room, failure to insert a breathing tube can cause brain death in minutes. Many doctors are not emotionally suited for practicing Anesthesia for they may not be able to handle such high levels of stress.

Being an Anesthesiologist may have its own challenges, but many consider it to be the most interesting job in the world. Pros and cons are a part and parcel of any profession. The positive aspects of Anesthesiology definitely overshadows the negative facets of this occupation.

Written by Betty Simmons for Healthcare Marketers

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