If possible, volunteer in the operating room, the recovery room, or the pre-op area. Better anesthetic techniques will allow for safer surgery. I have done extensive overseas volunteer work for Operation Smile. We perform cleft lip and palate surgery. Through this program, I've traveled all over the world from Kenya, to Romania, to Vietnam, to Russia.
Anesthesiologists often work long hours.
I average about 65 hours per week. Fortunately, I love my work and I am still able to get to many of my children's activities, such as soccer, gymnastics, and music. Partly because of my long hours, my wife decided to stay home with our children. Our family life has benefited enormously from her ability to be there for our children on a consistent basis, and I am then free to practice my profession with less worry.