Who are anesthesiologists?

1. Today's anesthesiologists are physicians who complete a four-year college program, fours years of Medical School and four more years of anesthesiology residency.
2. They apply their knowledge of medicine to fulfill their primary role in the operating room, which is not only to ensure your comfort during surgery, but also to make informed medical judgments to protect you. These include treating and regulating changes in your critical life functions -- breathing, heart rate, blood pressure -- as they are affected by the surgery being performed.
3. These medical specialists are the doctors who will immediately diagnose and threat any medical problems that might arise during your surgery or recovery period.

The Role of an anesthesiologist extends beyond the operating room and recovery room. Anesthesiologists work in intensive care units to help critically ill patients to stable condition.

In childbirth, anesthesiologist manage the care of two persons; they provide pain relief for the mother while managing the life functions of both the mother and the baby.

Anesthesiologists also are involved in pain management, including diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic problems.

Adapted from: "Anesthesia & You .. Know Your Anesthesiologist" Copyright 1993 by the American Society of Anesthesiologists. 520 N. Northwest Highway; Park Ridge, Illinois 60068-2573