Anesthesiologist

What does an anesthesiologist do?

Similar to your primary care doctor, your physician anesthesiologist manages all aspects of your medical care (blood pressure, diabetes, asthma and heart conditions), while administering an anesthetic that makes you or part of your body unaware of pain from the procedure being performed.

Anesthesiologists help to ensure your safety when you’re undergoing surgery or an invasive procedure, making sure your body parts are well padded and protected from injury while you’re unaware of your surroundings.

Anesthesiologists have important responsibilities before, during and after a surgery or procedure:

• Before surgery: Your anesthesiologist is responsible for assessing your health and test results, your fitness for the planned surgery and determining the safest anesthesia plan for you.
• During surgery: Your anesthesiologist monitors your vital signs during surgery, manages your medical conditions, and administers fluids, blood products and medications to support your bodily functions, such as the function of your heart, lungs and kidneys. They may work alone or with an anesthesia care team that may consist of nurse anesthetists or physician anesthesiologists in training.
• After surgery: Your anesthesiologist is responsible for your wellbeing after surgery while you’re recovering from the effects of anesthesia. They’re typically the healthcare provider who decides when you have recovered from the effects of anesthesia and are ready to go home or go to another room in the hospital.

Anesthesiologists also have an important role in taking care of people who are having minor surgery or who may not need to be unconscious with a general anesthesia, such as people in labor ready to deliver a baby.

They care for people after major surgery in the intensive care unit. They also help people who have serious pain from an injury or chronic pain, such as ongoing back pain, within a pain management team in the hospital or in an office setting.