Board of Pathology requires 1 additional year of credentialing clinical activity for certification. Total of 4 years. The anesthesiologist is a physician-specialist who, following medical school graduation and at least four years of postgraduate training, has the principal task of providing pain relief and maintenance, or restoration, of a stable condition during and immediately following an operation, an obstetric or diagnostic procedure. The anesthesiologist assesses the risk of the patient undergoing surgery and optimizes the patient's condition prior to, during, and after surgery. Anesthesiologists diagnose and treat acute and longstanding pain problems.
Anesthesiologists diagnose and treat patients who have critical illnesses or are severely injured.
Anesthesiologists direct resuscitation in the case of patients with cardiac or respiratory emergencies including the provision of artificial ventilation. They also supervise and teach others involved in anesthesia, respiratory and intensive care. Anesthesiologists may specialize in Critical Care Medicine as practiced in critical care and intensive care units, post-anesthesia recovery rooms, and other settings. The American Board of Anesthesiology awards a General Certification in the specialty. Which Medical Specialist For You, The American Board of Medical Specialties, November 1992.