Anesthesiologists play a significant role in surgery and in other areas of medical treatment too. Prior to surgery, anesthesiologists interview patients, take their medical history, and order necessary pre-operative tests. When warranted, they also have the responsibility to cancel or postpone the operation, until the patient is optimally prepared for surgery.

During surgery itself, from the first administration of the anesthetic to the end of the procedure, they are the patient’s advocate in the OR, providing not only pain relief but serving as the guardian of the patient’s “breath of life.” Their years of medical school and their extensive training in physiology and pharmacology ensure they are able to recognize and respond quickly to medical emergencies during surgery.

Once surgery is over, their responsibility extends to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), where they monitor patients during recovery from the anesthetic and also provide post-operative (post-op) pain relief.

In addition to their special role in surgery, anesthesiologists also provide sedation and pain relief for treatments/tests including MRI and CAT scans, and bone marrow tests. They handle trauma cases in the ER. They provide pain relief to women in labor. They diagnose and treat patients with chronic, acute and cancer pain. They also perform research to develop better anesthetic agents and safer techniques for administering anesthesia.

To become an anesthesiologist requires 12 years of study including:

• 4 years of college, including pre-med courses

• 4 years of medical school

• 1 year of general medical internship

• 3 years (minimum) of anesthesia residency

• 1 year fellowship in a specialty area (optional)

To provide the best possible care during surgery, The New York State Society of Anesthesiologists recommends that you furnish your anesthesiologist with the following information. Complete the checklist and, should you need surgery, bring it with you to the hospital or clinic.

List any medications you take regularly:
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List any allergies:
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List any previous illnesses, operations or hospitalizations:
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Describe any problems you or your family have had with anesthesia:
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List any dental work (dentures, caps, bridges):
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Describe any smoking habit (number of years, pack per week):
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