What Kind of Skills or Qualifications Do Anesthesiologists Need?
Anesthesiologists are physicians who administer anesthetics during surgery and other treatments to alleviate pain and discomfort. They monitor a patient's pain during all stages of the operation, from the surgery itself through the recovery period, and administer drugs when necessary. They review the patient's medical history and conditions to decide on the correct course of action. Anesthesiologists, like all doctors, require many years of formal education and training.
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Bachelor's Degree
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All anesthesiologists need a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university as a prerequisite for acceptance into medical school. Aspiring anesthesiologists typically major in a laboratory-based natural science such as biology or chemistry, but this is not always the case. The important thing is for candidates to do well in the required classes for medical school, which include biology, organic and non-organic chemistry, physics, calculus, anatomy and English. While in college, aspiring anesthesiologists should begin to build their resumes by volunteering at local hospitals or health clinics.
Medical Degree
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Like other physicians and surgeons, all anesthesiologists must complete a medical degree program at an accredited medical school. Acceptance into medical school is based on an applicant's academic transcript, MCAT scores, professor recommendations, personal interview and experience. These programs usually take four years and include courses in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, immunology, obstetrics, psychology, microbiology, internal medicine, neurobiology and medical ethics. Students spend the first two years of medical school primarily in the classroom, and the final two years gaining supervised clinical experience in their specialty. Upon graduation, candidates take the U.S. Medical and Licensing Examination (USMLE) and must pass it to become licensed.
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Residency
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After medical school, anesthesiologists are required to complete a residency program, which in their case lasts four years. The first year is typically a medical or surgical internship, followed by three years of intensive training in anesthesiology. During the residency, students study and practice pre-operative patient evaluation, intensive care pain management, post-operative pain evaluation, chronic and acute pain management and pre-existing disease factors in surgical care, according to Education-Portal.com. At the end of the residency, candidates must pass a written and oral examination approved by the American Board of Anesthesiology.
Skills and Personal Qualities
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Certain skills and personal qualities are required for anesthesiologists. Candidates must be highly apt in math and science. This career is particularly well-suited to organized, analytical, detail-oriented individuals who enjoy solving problems. Candidates should also enjoy working with patients and helping others. Strong communication skills, both written and oral, as well as excellent teamwork skills, are essential. Candidates must commit to a lifetime of learning, as advances in the field happen each year.
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References
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