Anesthesiology

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About Anesthesiology

Physician anesthesiologists are primarily responsible for the safety and well-being of patients before, during and after surgery. This may include placing them in the state of controlled unconsciousness called “general anesthesia,” the provision of “regional anesthetics” where only a portion of the body is made numb or administering sedation when indicated for the relief of pain or anxiety. These anesthetics provide continuous pain relief and sustain patients’ critical life functions as they are affected throughout surgical, obstetrical or other medical procedures. (Source: American Society of Anesthesiologists)

Associated Societies

Quick Facts

The following information comes from the National Resident Matching Program’s Charting Outcomes in the Match 2014 (PDF) based on matched applicants in the United States.

  • Step score averages:
    • Mean Step 1 of US Matched Applicants: 230
    • Mean Step 2 CK of US Matched Applicants: 241
  • Average number of research experiences: 2.5
  • Average number of abstracts, presentations, and publications: 3.3
  • Work and Volunteer:
    • Average number of work experiences: 2.9
    • Average number of volunteer experiences: 6.6
  • Mean number of contiguous ranks of US matched applicants: 14.4
  • Mean number of contiguous ranks of U.S. matched applicants: 12.4

    Residency Programs and Fellowships

    Residency Programs

    • Length of program: Four years (three years + one transitional or all four years in categorical)
    • Number of accredited programs: 131
    • Transitional year needed: Yes (unless categorical program)
    • Combo programs: Emergency/Anesthesia, Pediatrics/Anesthesia, Internal Medicine/ Anesthesia
    • Common variations among programs: Academic vs. community; adjacent cRNA program (nurse anesthetist) vs. only the residency; some are heavier in cardiac or regional anesthesia; having high fidelity simulation or not

    Fellowships

    • Ambulatory anesthesia
    • Cardiac anesthesia
    • Critical care
    • Neuroanesthesia
    • Obstetric anesthesia
    • Pediatric anesthesia
    • Pain anesthesia
    • Practice management
    • Public policy
    • Regional anesthesiology and acute pain management
    • Transplant anesthesia
    • Trauma anesthesiology

    Similar Specialties to Consider

    • Surgical subspecialties
    • Internal Medicine (pulmonology especially)

          Looking into the Future/Changes in Health Care

          Many anesthesiologists are expanding their footprint outside the operating room and becoming more involved with patient care before and after surgery. Others are active in operating room and hospital leadership and are going back to school for M.B.A. or M.H.A. degrees. You may want to take a look at information about the expanding role of anesthesiologists in the perioperative surgical home initiative, led by the American Society of Anesthesiologists. (Sibert MD, 2015)

          Additional Information

          See the Career Essentials Pilot Page regarding specialty specific advice in Anesthesiology for more detailed information or resources.

          References