Anesthesiology
Physician Anesthesiologist
Physician anesthesiologists are highly skilled medical doctors, MD. or DO., who specialize in the field of anesthesiology.
As physicians with significantly longer and more extensive training than other classifications of anesthesia practitioners, physician anesthesiologists are the most qualified to make anesthesia related perioperative medical decisions. Physician anesthesiologists are primarily responsible for the safety and well-being of patients before, during and after surgery.
This may include placing patients 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. A physician anesthesiologist is the director of the Anesthesia Care Team.
American Society of AnesthesiologistsAnesthesiologist Assistants
Anesthesiologist assistants are highly skilled professionals who work under the direction of licensed anesthesiologists, specialist physicians, and as part of anesthesia care team to design and implement anesthesia care plans.
They accompany the patient before, during and after anesthesia to ensure quality and continuity of care. Anesthesiologist assistants are trained to assist in life-saving measures, such as CPR, and advanced cardiac life support.
American Society of AnesthesiologistsNurse Anesthetist
A nurse anesthetist is a registered nurse who has satisfactorily completed an accredited nurse anesthesia training program. Nurse anesthetists are nonphysician anesthetists who specialize in the provision of anesthesia care and participate in the administration of anesthesia in a variety of surgical cases. They are frequently supervised by a physician anesthesiologist, but may also work under the supervision of other physicians.
American Society of Anesthesiologists