Medical Career Advising Resources Project - Anesthesiology
Professional Description
An anesthesiologist is trained to provide pain relief and maintenance, or restoration, of a stable condition during and immediately following an operation or an obstetric or diagnostic procedure. The anesthesiologist assesses the risk of the patient undergoing surgery and optimizes the patient’s condition prior to, during, and after surgery. In addition to these management responsibilities, the anesthesiologist provides medical management and consultation in pain management and critical care medicine.
Anesthesiologists:
- Diagnose and treat acute, long-standing, and cancer pain problems
- Diagnose and treat patients with critical illnesses or severe injuries
- Direct resuscitation in the care of patients with cardiac or respiratory emergencies, including the need for artificial ventilation
- Supervise post-anesthesia recovery
Association Contact Information
- American Society of Anesthesiologists
1061 American Lane
Schaumburg, IL 60173-4973
Website
Source: American Medical Association. Graduate Medical Education Directory 2011-2012