Becoming An Anesthesiologist

Becoming An Anesthesiologist

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Deliverypath Service

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Salem Anesthesia is fortunate to have the best Anesthesiologists on our team. Their education, training and expertise is impressive and very appreciated by our surgical centers, CRNAs and patients.

Surgical care is a complex and dynamic effort. A team of medical experts must work together in order to provide the best outcomes for patients. A vital member of this team is the anesthesiologist. An anesthesiologist is a medical doctor who plays a critical role in the preparation, execution, and recovery stages of surgery. Additionally, the anesthesiologist leads teams of certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) and certified anesthesiologist assistants (CAAs). This level of expertise requires comprehensive knowledge of pain management, medication, health metrics, and how to meet each patient’s personalized needs. Throughout the entire process (pre-surgery, surgery, and post-surgery), the anesthesiologist prioritizes the safety of the patient while practicing sound judgment in order to create the highest likelihood of optimal outcomes. Members of the medical team look to the anesthesiologist as an expert in pain management. From constantly monitoring patient vitals to making a quick lifesaving decision while a patient is on the operating table, the anesthesiologist is an elite medical professional whose expertise plays a critical role in patient education and patient care.

This fast-paced and deeply impactful career attracts many individuals who want to make a positive impact on the lives of others. This field is expected to increase in demand in the coming years. In order to become an anesthesiologist, a person must obtain a four-year bachelor’s degree and a four-year medical degree (resulting in a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree). Additionally, they must complete four years of residency in an anesthesiology program. They also have the option of participating in a 1-2 year fellowship to receive training in specific areas of medicine.

The four-year bachelor’s degree can be completed at various colleges and universities across the country. While majors vary, many anesthesiologists have undergraduate degrees that include pre-med coursework in fields related to biology, chemistry, or medical sciences. In terms of four-year medical degrees and anesthesiology residency programs, there are several options to choose from in the state of North Carolina:

University Location MD/OD Program Anesthesiology Residency
Campbell University Buies Creek, NC Yes No
Duke University Durham, NC Yes Yes
East Carolina University Greenville, NC Yes No
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NC Yes Yes
Wake Forest University Winston Salem, NC Yes Yes

*note NC State has an anesthesiology program in their Veterinarian Sciences department

As individuals consider pursuing a career in anesthesiology, they will find a number of elite options in North Carolina. The knowledge and skills gained in these medical degree programs, along with the experience obtained in the rich residency programs our state offers, serve as a remarkable foundation for anesthesiologists to grow as they provide comprehensive medical care to patients.

Salem Anesthesia truly values the remarkable anesthesiologists in our group!