Anesthesiologist Job Functions & Roles
This is the anesthesiologist’s overall goal during any surgical procedure.
Ensuring the surgery runs safely and smoothly.
This type makes you completely unconscious.
What is general anesthesia?
This organ is most important for pumping blood during surgery.
What is the heart?
This is the type of degree anesthesiologists must earn first.
What is a medical degree (MD/DO)?
This doctor specializes in anesthesia care.
What is an anesthesiologist?
Anesthesiologists continuously track these to make sure the body is functioning properly (heart rate, breathing, blood pressure).
Vital Functions/Vital Signs
This type numbs a large part of the body, like from the waist down.
What is regional anesthesia?
Anesthesiologists closely monitor this organ to make sure you are breathing properly.
What are the lungs?
After medical school, doctors complete this specialized training.
What is a residency?
These nurses assist with anesthesia care.
What are nurse anesthetists?
After surgery, anesthesiologists are responsible for controlling this to help patients recover comfortably.
What is postoperative pain?
This type numbs only a small, specific area (like for stitches).
What is local anesthesia?
This system controls your awareness and is affected by anesthesia.
What is the nervous system?
Anesthesiologists must understand this specific subject to safely give medications.
What is pharmacology?
This assistant helps anesthesiologists during procedures.
What is an anesthesia assistant?
This skill allows anesthesiologists to safely administer anesthesia and operate precise medical equipment.
Hand-Eye Coordination
This type relaxes you and may make you sleepy, but you may still be awake.
What is sedation?
This part of the brain is responsible for basic functions like breathing and heart rate.
What is the brainstem?
This exam is required to get into medical school in the U.S.
What is the MCAT?
This team member helps monitor patients after surgery.
What is a recovery room nurse?
This ability is critical because anesthesiologists often work in intense, high-pressure situations.
Staying calm under stress!
This type is commonly used during labor to block pain in the lower body.
What is an epidural?
These are tiny electrical signals in your body that anesthesia helps regulate during surgery.
What are nerve signals?
This branch of science focuses on how the body functions and is critical for anesthesia.
What is physiology?
This is the name of the unit where patients wake up after surgery.
What is the PACU (Post-Anesthesia Care Unit)?