Is Anesthesiology a Difficult Job? Insights from a Daily Routine

Medical careers often come with their unique set of challenges, and anesthesiology is no exception. The difficulty of this specialty depends on various factors, including individual abilities and study habits. Anesthesiology, a field that requires a PhD-level education, is not for the faint-hearted but offers its own set of rewards.

Balancing Routine and Stress

Most of the work in anesthesiology is routine, often involving nothing much until a critical moment. This can be as simple as supervising nurse anesthetists for multiple cases or helping with labor epidurals and C-sections. Despite this, anesthesiologists are always on high alert because they are solely responsible for a patient's life during surgery. Their work is akin to that of firefighters, police officers, and air force pilots, involving frequent night and weekend shifts.

Anesthesiologists must be highly precise. Too little anesthesia can leave a patient awake during surgery, while too much can be life-threatening. This level of precision and responsibility is crucial, making their work both challenging and rewarding.

A Day in the Life of an Anesthesiologist

An average day in the life of an anesthesiologist involves a wide array of tasks:

Preparation and Evaluation

Starting early with a coffee, the day begins with a review of the day's assignments. Tasks include:

Examining patient records, labs, and medical histories. Performing preoperative evaluations with patients. Formulating the best anesthetic plan.

Efficiency is paramount as the first cases often start around 7:30 AM.

Induction and On-Call Responsibilities

Throughout the day, the anesthesiologist must:

Help with the induction of anesthesia for all cases. Admit patients to the recovery room and PACU as needed. Respond to emergencies, such as emergent airway management in the ER. Observe and manage patients in the pre-admission testing clinic and preop clinic.

The day is filled with a mix of operational tasks and unexpected challenges, requiring quick thinking and timely responses.

Après Operative Care and Variability

Postoperative tasks include:

Writing post-anesthesia notes for each patient. Assisting with nerve blocks and other procedures. Managing emergencies, such as in the ICU or trauma cases.

Evenings may involve night calls, further adding to the variability of the job.

The Perks and Challenges of Anesthesiology

While anesthesiology poses significant challenges, there are perks as well:

Minimal paperwork in surgery. The ability to maintain a high level of precision and control over patient care. The satisfaction of ensuring patient safety during critical moments.

However, the stress is real, with the constant presence of the need for quick and decisive action. For those who thrive in high-pressure situations, anesthesiology can be incredibly fulfilling, but it comes at a cost of long and unpredictable hours.

Conclusion

Anesthesiology is a challenging yet rewarding career. While it may be 99% routine and 1% stress, the personal and professional satisfaction of being a guardian of patient life makes it a job worth pursuing for those who are passionate about medical care.