He or she specializes in care of a patient prior to, during and after surgery. This includes evaluating and preparing a patient to undergo the rigors of surgery. The anesthesiologist plans the anesthetic for the patient and then cares for the patient during the surgical procedure. The anesthesiologist adjusts the anesthetic plan, medications, fluids, and other parameters to provide a safe, pain free surgical experience for the patient. After the surgery, the anesthesiologist continues to provide the care necessary to ensure a smooth emergence from the anesthetic and pain control after your surgery.
Anesthesiologists are specialists in control of both acute and chronic pain.
They also are involved in the care of critically ill patients. After four years in college to earn an undergraduate degree, the perspective anesthesiologist attends four years of medical school to earn an Doctor of Medicine degree. The physician may then complete another one or two years in a subspecialty of anesthesia such as Obstetrical Anesthesia, Cardiac Anesthesia, Pediatric Anesthesia, or Pain Management. He or she must then pass a rigorous written and oral exam. Some anesthesiologists complete similar requirements to become certified in their subspecialty as well, such as Pain Management Certification.