What does an Anesthesiologist actually do?
An Anesthesiologist is a physician who evaluates a patient’s medical risks, plans and manages anesthesia, monitors vital functions, treats complications, and helps guide recovery before, during, and after procedures.
An Anesthesiologist is a physician who evaluates medical risk before a procedure, develops the anesthesia plan, manages breathing and circulation during care, diagnoses and treats complications, and oversees recovery and disposition. The specialty extends well beyond administering medications.
Three facts for reporters
- Anesthesiologists complete medical school and a four-year Anesthesiology residency after college-level premedical preparation.
- The physician role begins before anesthesia starts: assessment, diagnosis, risk anticipation, planning, and contingency preparation.
- During and after the procedure, Anesthesiologists manage physiology, medical problems, rescue, pain, and recovery.
Full TSA resource: What does an Anesthesiologist do before, during, and after my procedure?
Independent patient resource: Made for This Moment — Role of the Anesthesiologist ↗
Sources
- ASA — Role of the physician Anesthesiologist
- ASA — Statement on the Anesthesia Care Team
- TSA — What does an Anesthesiologist do before, during, and after a procedure?
Reviewed By
- Physician reviewer:
- Jeremie J. Perry, MD, FASA Verify certification and MOCA status (opens in a new tab)
- Board certification:
- Anesthesiology — American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA)
- Last reviewed: