Who Is An Anesthesiologist?
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Who Is An Anesthesiologist?
When preparing for surgery, many patients think of the anesthesiologist as the “physician behind the mask" who sends them into sleep before the procedure and wakes them when it’s over. What they may not realize is how much the anesthesiologist does between those two points.
Anesthesiologists serve a central role in the operating room, making decisions to protect and regulate your critical life functions. They typically are the first to diagnose and treat any medical problems that may arise during surgery or the recovery period.
The practice of anesthesiology is broad and transcends the operating room as well. Anesthesiologists are experts in pain medicine. They help patients with chronic disease live better lives through pain management treatments for everyday. Additionally, their work in critical care units saves countless lives. Anesthesiologists treat patients with multiple complications from pulmonary and cardiac issue to infection control and advanced life support.
Click on the links below to find out more about the physicians behind the mask:
Know your Anesthesiologist
Role of the Anesthesiologist
Types of Anesthesia Providers
Qualifications of an Anesthesiologist
Anesthesia Care Team
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The Conquest of Pain
Try to imagine today's health care without surgery. It's almost impossible. Now try to imagine surgery without anesthesia.
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Actual Accounts
Get real stories from patients, and read about their experiences with an anesthesiologist.
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Anesthesia Topics Quick Links
Choose a topic:
Featured Video:
Smoking and Surgery
Learn why stopping smoking before surgery can have an impact on your outcome.
In Case of Emergency
Download, print, fill out, and keep this checklist. It just may save your life.
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Come Prepared
Ask your anesthesiologist questions about what to expect before, during, and after your procedure.
Get Questions
The ASA does not employ physician anesthesiologists on staff and cannot respond
to patient inquiries regarding specific medical conditions or anesthesia administration.
Please direct any questions related to anesthetics, procedures or treatment outcomes
to the patient’s anesthesiologist or general physician.