What Does Anesthesiologist Do? How To Become an Anesthesiologist?
Who is an Anesthesiologist?
An anesthesiologist is a highly trained medical doctor who is responsible for administering anesthesia during surgery or any other medical procedure. They are an invisible yet vital part of modern medicine, ensuring that patients remain safely unconscious and free from pain throughout the procedure.
During surgery, the role of the anesthesiologist is very important. They ensure that the patient remains unconscious throughout the procedure and does not feel any kind of pain or discomfort. If there is any medical emergency during the procedure, the anesthesiologist responds immediately and helps in saving the patient's life.
Origin of Anesthesiologist Word
The word Anesthesiologist is derived from Anesthesia, which literally means "loss of sensation" or "state of unconsciousness".
The word Anesthesia comes from the Greek language, "an" (without) and "aisthesis" (sensation), which together mean "without sensation".
What is Anesthesia?
Anesthesia is a medical procedure or drug that temporarily eliminates a person's consciousness or ability to feel pain. It is commonly used during surgeries or medical procedures to ensure that the patient does not experience any pain or discomfort.
This medicine is mainly used in the following situations:
- During surgery
- In dental treatments
- During delivery
- In diagnostic procedures
- In the treatment of serious injuries or deep wounds
- During painful medical procedures.
What does Anesthesiologist do?
- Checking the patient's health status before the operation.
- Administering anesthesia according to the patient's condition.
- Monitoring the patient's blood pressure, oxygen level, heart rate, and other vital signs during the operation.
- Bringing the patient back to consciousness and managing pain during recovery.
- Making quick decisions and providing treatment if any complication arises during the operation.
How to Become an Anesthesiologist?
1. Pass Class 12th
First, you must pass Class 12th in the science stream with subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics.
2. Clear the Medical Entrance Exam
After completing 12th, it is essential to qualify for NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test). NEET is conducted every year by the NTA (National Testing Agency). Without this exam, admission to the MBBS course is not possible.
3. Obtain an MBBS Degree
After qualifying NEET, take admission in a government or private medical college and pursue MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery).
4. Pursue MD in Anesthesiology
After MBBS, pursue MD (Doctor of Medicine) in Anesthesiology or a Diploma in Anesthesia (DA) course.
5. Gain Practical Experience and Complete Residency
During and after MD, gain hands-on experience in hospitals, especially in operation theaters and ICUs.
6. Register with the Medical Council
Get registered with your State Medical Council or the Medical Council of India to legally work as an Anesthesiologist.
Essential Soft Skills for Anesthesiologist
1. Attention to Detail
An anesthesiologist must pay close attention to even the smallest medical details of a patient, such as allergies, medical history, blood pressure, sugar levels, etc. A small mistake while giving anesthesia can be life-threatening, so it's crucial to monitor every physical reaction and machine reading carefully.
2. Quick and Accurate Decision-Making
A patient's condition can change at any moment during surgery. In such situations, an anesthesiologist must make quick and accurate decisions to ensure patient safety.
3. Clear and Effective Communication
An anesthesiologist must communicate clearly and effectively with surgeons, nurses, and other medical staff. It is also important to explain the procedure, risks, and care instructions to the patient in a clear and understandable way.
4. Mental Calmness and Stability
The operation theater is a high-pressure environment where every second matters. An anesthesiologist needs to remain mentally calm and stable to perform effectively in rapidly changing situations.
5. Empathy and Patient Trust
A good anesthesiologist understands the patient's fears and anxiety, and helps them feel reassured. A compassionate attitude provides emotional comfort and helps build trust between the doctor and the patient.
Career Options for Anesthesiologist
1. Cardiac Anesthesiologist
A Cardiac Anesthesiologist administers anesthesia during complex heart-related surgeries such as bypass surgery, heart transplant, and valve replacement procedures.
2. Neuro Anesthesiologist
A Neuro Anesthesiologist works in surgeries related to the brain and spinal cord, such as brain tumor removal or spinal surgeries.
3. Pediatric Anesthesiologist
A Pediatric Anesthesiologist specializes in administering anesthesia to children during surgery. Since children's physical structure, drug response, and mental state differ from adults, this field requires special training and high patience.
4. Obstetric Anesthesiologist
An Obstetric Anesthesiologist provides anesthesia during surgeries or childbirth procedures related to women, such as during labor or cesarean sections.
5. Critical Care Specialist
A Critical Care Specialist manages and monitors critically ill patients in the ICU, ensuring proper medication and life-support systems are in place.
6. Pain Management Specialist
A Pain Management Specialist helps treat chronic or long-term pain conditions like cancer pain, back pain, arthritis, and more.
7. Anesthesia Professor
If you have a passion for teaching, you can become a professor or lecturer in Anesthesiology at a medical college or university.
8. Anesthesiology Researcher
An Anesthesiology Researcher conducts research on new anesthetic drugs, machines, and techniques to improve patient care and safety in the field of anesthesiology.
Anesthesiologist Salary
1. Anesthesiologist in India
| Experience Level | Monthly Salary (Approx.) | Annual Salary (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (0-3 yrs) | ₹60,000 - ₹1.2 lakhs | ₹7 - ₹14 lakhs |
| Mid-level (4-9 yrs) | ₹1.5 - ₹2.5 lakhs | ₹18 - ₹30 lakhs |
| Senior-level (10+ yrs) | ₹3 - ₹4.5 lakhs | ₹36 - ₹54 lakhs |
2. Anesthesiologist Salary in India (By Sector)
| Sector | Monthly Salary |
|---|---|
| Government Hospitals | ₹1 - ₹2 lakhs/month |
| Private Hospitals | ₹1.5 - ₹4 lakhs/month |
| Super-speciality Clinics | ₹3 - ₹6 lakhs/month |
| Freelance/Contract | ₹3,000 - ₹10,000 per surgery |
3. Anesthesiologist Salary in Other Countries
| Country | Average Annual Salary | Monthly (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $300,000 - $450,000 | ₹2 - ₹3.7 crores/year |
| Canada | CAD 250,000 - 400,000 | ₹1.5 - ₹2.5 crores/year |
| United Kingdom | £80,000 - £120,000 (NHS) | ₹84 lakhs - ₹1.2 crores |
| Australia | AUD 250,000 - 500,000 | ₹1.3 - ₹2.6 crores/year |
| Germany | €80,000 - €150,000 | ₹72 lakhs - ₹1.4 crores |
| UAE | AED 30,000 - AED 70,000/month | ₹80,000 - ₹1.9 lakhs/month |
Challenges Faced by Anesthesiologists
1. High Professional Responsibility
The profession of an anesthesiologist is as respectable and crucial as it is filled with responsibilities and mental pressure. The safety of the patient especially during surgery rests entirely on the anesthesiologist. This role demands constant precision and alertness, as even a minor error can lead to severe consequences.
2. Irregular Work Hours
One of the biggest challenges in this profession is irregular working hours. Surgeries can be scheduled at any time, day or night, on holidays, or during emergencies, requiring anesthesiologists to always be prepared and available.
3. Mental Pressure and Need for Quick Decisions
During surgery, situations can change rapidly. In such moments, an anesthesiologist must monitor every patient signal and make the right decisions instantly. This demands extreme mental alertness, as timely decisions can be the difference between life and death.
4. Lack of Recognition and Credit
When a surgery is successful, the credit often goes to the surgeon. However, the anesthesiologist plays an equally vital role, from putting the patient to sleep to safely waking them up post-surgery. Despite their critical contribution, there is limited awareness and recognition among the general public.
Anesthesiologist FAQ
An anesthesiologist is a medical doctor who administers anesthesia to patients during surgery and monitors their vital signs to ensure they stay pain-free and safe throughout the operation.
Yes, becoming an anesthesiologist in India starts with completing an MBBS degree, which is the basic medical qualification required.
Yes, students must qualify NEET-UG to get admission into an MBBS program, which is the first step to becoming an anesthesiologist.
Yes, an anaesthetist (or anesthesiologist) is a qualified medical doctor who specializes in anesthesia and perioperative care.
To become an anesthesiologist in India:
- MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery)
- MD/DNB in Anesthesiology or a Diploma in Anesthesia (DA)
Additional fellowships or certifications can be pursued for specialization.
The typical path includes:
- MBBS - 5.5 years (including internship)
- MD in Anesthesiology - 3 years
- Diploma in Anesthesia (DA) - 2 years (less common)
NEET-PG is required for MD/Diploma admission.
No, to become a full anesthesiologist, MBBS is compulsory.
However, paramedical courses like Diploma in Anesthesia Technology are available after 12th, but these lead to technician roles, not doctor-level positions.