Department of Anesthesiology
An anesthesiologist is a board-certified physician who has attained either a doctor of medicine (MD) or doctor osteopathic medicine (DO) degree and chosen to specialize in the field of anesthesiology. These professionals are trained to safely administer anesthetics to induce a temporary loss of sensation or consciousness for the performance of a medical procedure. This involves a variety of drugs ranging from local numbing agents to general anesthesia. Anesthesiologists are an integral part of the surgical team, which includes surgeons, surgical assistants, nurses, and surgical technologists.
Concentrations
The core function of anesthesiology is the practice of anesthesia. This involves the use of topical, injected, or inhaled medications to produce a loss of sensation. Without anesthesia, many surgical and non-surgical procedures would be intolerable or unfeasible.
To administer anesthesia safely, the anesthesiologist must have expert knowledge of physiology, pharmacology, and the techniques used to support vital organ functions during an anesthetic procedure.
Anesthesiologist subspecialties include:
- Cardiothoracic anesthesia
- Critical care anesthesia
- Neurosurgical anesthesia
- Obstetric anesthesia
- Regional anesthesia (utilized in orthopedic surgeries)
- Pediatric anesthesia
- Hospice and palliative anesthesia