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What is the most challenging thing about being an anesthesiologist?
Something that makes your job scary
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Doc’s Answer
Monica the decision to pursue a career as an anesthesiologist is a personal one that depends on your priorities and goals. Weigh the pros against the cons to determine if this career path aligns with your values, interests, and lifestyle. Remember that every career has its advantages and drawbacks. Anesthesiology offers a high level of job satisfaction, financial rewards, variety, and a strong job outlook. However, it also comes with a demanding education, a high-stress environment, long and unpredictable hours, and potential legal liability. In the end, it's essential to reflect on what matters most to you and how these factors will impact your happiness and fulfillment in life. If you're passionate about helping others and have the dedication to handle the challenges, a career as an anesthesiologist might be the perfect fit for you.
12 YRS TO BECOME A ANESTHESIOLOGIST
Most paths to becoming an anesthesiologist take around 12 years to complete, which includes 4 years of an undergraduate program, four years of medical school, 4-5years of residency training in anesthesiology, and typically followed by 1-2 years in a fellowship subspecialty training.
VITAL ROLL OF A ANESTHESIOLOGIST
• BEFORE SURGERY
Anesthesiologists work with patients before surgery to ensure they can tolerate anesthesia. They review the patient's medical history and answer any questions about the anesthetic process related to the medical procedure. They will then administer the anesthesia before the surgery and begin monitoring the patient's vital signs.
• DURING SURGERY
An anesthesiologist monitors a patient throughout the surgery to manage pain and keep vital signs in check. They will also manage any chronic medical conditions that a patient may have, such as asthma or diabetes, throughout the surgery. If a problem arises during the medical procedure, the anesthesiologist will oversee the management of this as well.
• AFTER SURGERY
Once the surgery is complete, the anesthesiologist will monitor a patient's recovery from the anesthetic effects and inform the medical team when a patient can go home or be moved within the hospital. They may also help to create a plan to manage a patient's pain once they are discharged.
Hope this was helpful Monica
12 YRS TO BECOME A ANESTHESIOLOGIST
Most paths to becoming an anesthesiologist take around 12 years to complete, which includes 4 years of an undergraduate program, four years of medical school, 4-5years of residency training in anesthesiology, and typically followed by 1-2 years in a fellowship subspecialty training.
VITAL ROLL OF A ANESTHESIOLOGIST
• BEFORE SURGERY
Anesthesiologists work with patients before surgery to ensure they can tolerate anesthesia. They review the patient's medical history and answer any questions about the anesthetic process related to the medical procedure. They will then administer the anesthesia before the surgery and begin monitoring the patient's vital signs.
• DURING SURGERY
An anesthesiologist monitors a patient throughout the surgery to manage pain and keep vital signs in check. They will also manage any chronic medical conditions that a patient may have, such as asthma or diabetes, throughout the surgery. If a problem arises during the medical procedure, the anesthesiologist will oversee the management of this as well.
• AFTER SURGERY
Once the surgery is complete, the anesthesiologist will monitor a patient's recovery from the anesthetic effects and inform the medical team when a patient can go home or be moved within the hospital. They may also help to create a plan to manage a patient's pain once they are discharged.
Hope this was helpful Monica
Thank you for the advice.
Monica
Updated
Mavis’s Answer
Being an anaesthesiologist in an active surgery is challenging in different ways
1. He must know the correct dose and how long it takes before the patient recovers from the anaesthesia
2. He is constantly checking the vitals of the patient
3.In cases of maintenance, he is also a time keeper, thereby administering anaesthesia at intervals to keep the patient under anesthesia till the surgery is completed
4. He has to be precise, accurate and active at all times and unlike the chief surgeon and his assistant, he doesn't always get an assistant...
5. An anaesthesiologist job therefore is just as important as the surgeons
1. He must know the correct dose and how long it takes before the patient recovers from the anaesthesia
2. He is constantly checking the vitals of the patient
3.In cases of maintenance, he is also a time keeper, thereby administering anaesthesia at intervals to keep the patient under anesthesia till the surgery is completed
4. He has to be precise, accurate and active at all times and unlike the chief surgeon and his assistant, he doesn't always get an assistant...
5. An anaesthesiologist job therefore is just as important as the surgeons
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Monica
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Yo Monica! First off this is really amazing to you for even considering anesthesiology. Both, Doc Frick and Mavis laid down some seriously good insights. They’ve already hit on the big stuff—like the crazy-long training (yep, 12 years of your life) and the high-stakes environment where you’re basically holding someone’s life in your hands. No pressure, right? But at the end remember I totally can say it will be worth it if you have a passion and dedication.
Doc Frick is right about the balance, high rewards but high stress. And Mavis paints the picture of being the behind-the-scenes hero, juggling doses and keeping patients stable while the surgeons do their thing. They weren’t kidding when they said anesthesiologists don’t always get the spotlight, but trust me without you, nothing’s happening in that OR.
Now, a little extra challenges you had also want to know ofcourse.
👉 You’re working with people in some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. If something goes wrong, that’s on your shoulders, and that mental load? It’s heavy. You’ve gotta have emotional resilience and know when to decompress. Therapy, hobbies, and a strong support system are your best friends. So there is emotional weight
👉 Medicine doesn’t sit still. New drugs, new techniques—there’s always something to catch up on. If you love learning and can handle keeping your brain in “study mode” forever, you’ll thrive. Staying sharp with continued education is the move to avoid falling behind. So there is constant learning.
👉 Anesthesiologists make rapid, critical decisions. If you freeze under pressure, this gig will eat you alive. But if you’re calm in chaos and trust your training, you’ll be golden. Mindfulness exercises and staying cool under fire will be your superpower.
If you are wondering if this path is for you, then just Ask yourself:
Do you love both the science and human side of medicine? Because anesthesia is a mix of chemistry, physiology, and real-time patient care.
Are you okay with working behind the scenes? You won’t always get the glory, but you will be the MVP.
Can you stay calm under pressure? Emergencies happen, and your steady hands could save a life.
Do you have the stamina for the long haul? It’s a marathon—not a sprint.
If all that sounds like a challenge you’re up for, anesthesiology could be your calling. And hey, if you’re still unsure, try shadowing an anesthesiologist to get a real taste of the job. Nothing beats firsthand experience.
Whatever you choose, you got this—and the world definitely needs more badass anesthesiologists out there. 💪✨ All the best Monica stay amazing!
Shadow an anesthesiologist or someone in the operating room! Hit up local hospitals or surgery centers and ask if they offer shadowing programs or informational interviews. Many healthcare professionals love sharing their experiences, and seeing the action firsthand will give you a real feel for the job. If shadowing isn’t an option right away, check out virtual shadowing experiences or medical webinars online—they’re a solid sneak peek into the world of anesthesia! It’s all about getting that inside scoop and seeing if the fast-paced, high-stakes vibe clicks with you. Go for it—you’ve got nothing to lose and everything to learn!
Start brushing up on subjects that anesthesiologists live and breathe—biology, chemistry, and physiology. These are the building blocks of everything they do. If you’re still in school, focus on excelling in these areas. If you want to go the extra mile, there are tons of free resources online (think Khan Academy or YouTube channels like Ninja Nerd) that break down human physiology and anesthesia basics in a super approachable way. Understanding how the body reacts to medications and how systems like the heart and lungs work will give you a head start—and you’ll know pretty quickly if this kind of science lights you up or not. Plus, it’ll look amazing on college or medical school applications down the road.
Doc Frick is right about the balance, high rewards but high stress. And Mavis paints the picture of being the behind-the-scenes hero, juggling doses and keeping patients stable while the surgeons do their thing. They weren’t kidding when they said anesthesiologists don’t always get the spotlight, but trust me without you, nothing’s happening in that OR.
Now, a little extra challenges you had also want to know ofcourse.
👉 You’re working with people in some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. If something goes wrong, that’s on your shoulders, and that mental load? It’s heavy. You’ve gotta have emotional resilience and know when to decompress. Therapy, hobbies, and a strong support system are your best friends. So there is emotional weight
👉 Medicine doesn’t sit still. New drugs, new techniques—there’s always something to catch up on. If you love learning and can handle keeping your brain in “study mode” forever, you’ll thrive. Staying sharp with continued education is the move to avoid falling behind. So there is constant learning.
👉 Anesthesiologists make rapid, critical decisions. If you freeze under pressure, this gig will eat you alive. But if you’re calm in chaos and trust your training, you’ll be golden. Mindfulness exercises and staying cool under fire will be your superpower.
If you are wondering if this path is for you, then just Ask yourself:
Do you love both the science and human side of medicine? Because anesthesia is a mix of chemistry, physiology, and real-time patient care.
Are you okay with working behind the scenes? You won’t always get the glory, but you will be the MVP.
Can you stay calm under pressure? Emergencies happen, and your steady hands could save a life.
Do you have the stamina for the long haul? It’s a marathon—not a sprint.
If all that sounds like a challenge you’re up for, anesthesiology could be your calling. And hey, if you’re still unsure, try shadowing an anesthesiologist to get a real taste of the job. Nothing beats firsthand experience.
Whatever you choose, you got this—and the world definitely needs more badass anesthesiologists out there. 💪✨ All the best Monica stay amazing!
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