Anesthesiologists are medical personnel that help in pain relief and keep patients safe before, during and after surgery and other medical procedures. Aside drug administration, anesthesiologists monitor the patient’s vital signs such as breathing, blood pressure, consciousness, and heart rate. Academically, the requirements for an anesthesiologists includes a bachelor’s degree, a medical degree, residency and a medical license from the state. Income earned by anesthesiologists is high and suitable to their heavy responsibilities.
Undergraduate degree: A four-year bachelor’s degree is required before one successfully becomes an anesthesiologist like Dr. Robert St. Thomas. It is not necessary to major in any specialty. Premed courses offered include biology, English, organic chemistry, physics and calculus. While at college, the student may volunteer in a healthcare environment. This boosts your chances in the competition for admission into the medical school.
Medical degree: Once he has gotten his bachelor’s degree, the anesthesiologist is required to pursue a professional degree (M.D; D.O etc). The first two years sees the students taking courses in basic subjects such as anatomy, biochemistry and medical ethics. The last two years are spent in the hospitals and the clinics. Supervised by licensed physicians, the students gain a wealth of experience from rotations in various specialties such as pediatrics, family practice and surgery.
Residency and fellowship: Upon completion of the medical degree, the anesthesiologist is required to go for a residency in anesthesiology to become specialists. Students can find residency programs in any specialty with the help of the National Residency Matching Program. Anesthesiologist also complete a one-year internship plus three extra years as residents in anesthesiology. To get the US board certification, the student must spend at least four years in the medical school.
Licensing and board certification: All anesthesiologists and other physicians must be licensed by the state. Every state sets its unique criteria. However, one common thing is that you must complete a medical degree and a residency, alongside passing the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination. Upon completion of their residencies, they must take the US Medical Examination. Upon completing their residencies, board certifications will be given by passing written and oral examination from the American Board of Anesthesiology.