Healing Through Sleep: A Career in Anesthesiology

Maybe you have a proven skill for putting people to sleep. Instead of putting your skills to use as a bad comedian or a good hypnotist, why not become an Anesthesiologist?

Seriously though Folks, an Anesthesiologist does far more than put people to sleep. Without the services of these trained medical professionals, surgical procedures would not be possible.

Using medically approved substances, administered through shots and machinery, Anesthesiologists make sure that patients feel no pain or sharp, harsh sensations during surgery. They may put them into a deep sleep, or administer just enough anesthesia to relax the patient during the procedure.

This isn't as easy as it sounds. Far from giving a patient just one good shot that sends them to Happyland, an Anesthesiologist is active in virtually every phase of the surgical procedure. He/she will be present in the planning stages, assessing the patient's needs before the operation. The Anesthesiologist must learn of any allergies and pre-existing conditions that the patient has before the surgery, to avoid administering any substances that might cause a bad physical reaction.

During the surgery itself, an Anesthesiologist will be present to monitor and adjust the amount of anesthesia administered, as well as monitoring the patient's vital signs. If any problems or emergencies arise, the Anesthesiologist will be there to help.

Following the operation, the Anesthesiologist will confer with patients to ensure the success of their procedure, and to help prescribe medications. From beginning to end, this experienced medical professional makes a difference in the patient's care.

An Anesthesiologist, furthermore, is a verified physician. In order to be certified in this profession, one must graduate from a four-year college, attend medical school, and complete related medical training including internships and residencies.

Like any other medical specialty, it takes a great deal of hard work, persistence and dedication to become an Anesthesiologist. Yet the rewards are great; on average, an Anesthesiologist earns more than $300,000 per year. And they have the option of working almost anywhere. Virtually every medical center, be it a hospital, a clinic, or a large physicians' facility, has an Anesthesiologist on staff.

Anesthesiologists also benefit from the great respect and overall importance that is associated with their position. They work side by side with surgeons and nurses, operating intricate electrical equipment as well as administering drugs. As such, these professionals are valued, irreplaceable members of any surgical team. And like other varieties of doctors, they command the honor and respect of their co-workers and community members.

In the medical field, the days of biting on a rag or bullet to suppress one's pain are long gone. Thankfully.:) The science of anesthesiology has allowed patients to literally sleep through what could be the most difficult times of their lives. As trained specialists in the healing arts, Anesthesiologists administer the medicinal drugs that comfort and ease; thus ensuring the successful continuance—as well as the eventual completion—of the healing practice. Investigate a career in anesthesiology today!