Career as an Anesthesiologist or Radiologist

One career that has interested me is that of an anesthesiologist, a specialist whose main duty is to “plan, perform, and maintain a patient’s anesthesia during surgical, obstetric, or other medical procedures” (Hayes, 17). This means that an anesthesiologist must review a patient’s medical history in order to select the best drug to administer before the patient undergoes a medical procedure. The patient is numbed by the anesthetic administered by the anesthesiologist, and he must act as a caretaker for the patient as the procedure goes on. For example, the anesthesiologist frequently measures the patient’s “blood pressure, breathing, heart rate and body temperature throughout surgery” (18).

In addition, the anesthesiologist ensures that no mishaps occur when the medical procedure is taking place by orienting the patient in such a way that will facilitate the surgeon’s job. Although most of an anesthesiologist’s work takes place in the operating room, he or she talks with the patient before the procedure happens in order to explain the drug that will be administered. Therefore, an anesthesiologist also serves as a sort of counselor, who comforts the patient before their procedure and answers any questions that may arise. Some anesthesiologists lead anesthesia care teams, consisting of “anesthesiology residents, nurse anesthetists, and anesthesiologist assistants” (19). All of these members of the care team have tasks to complete, directed by the anesthesiologist.

An anesthesiologist has to attend to all of these duties with precision because a patient’s life in on the line. It is not surprising, then, that the salary range of an anesthesiologist averages “$190,000 per year” (23). According to an article by CNNMoney pu...

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...tors. Radiologists who “specialize in interventional radiological procedures spend more time with patients,” so there is a sense of immediate satisfaction in helping treat patients. Overall, this career sounds very interesting, and I welcome the intellectual challenge.

Works Cited

Atchley, Dana W. Physician: Healer and Scientist. New York: Macmillan, 1961.

Diagnostic Radiology. Dept. home page. Yale School of Medicine. 13 Nov. 2012 .

Konner, Melvin. Becoming a Doctor: A Journey of Initiation in Medical School. New York: Penguin, 1987.

“11. Anesthesiologist.” Best Jobs in America. 2009. 13 Nov. 2012 .

Bolster, Carole, et al. Exploring Health Care Careers: Real People Tell You What You Need to Know. 2 vols. Ed. David Hayes. Chicago: Ferguson, 1998.