How To Become An Anesthesiologist

My mom has worked in hospitals since before I was born. From being a nurse to becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, she spent a lot of time in hospitals, which meant her family did too. After spending many nights and even holidays at them, hospitals became like a second home to me; and the staff, a family. I learned to love everything about hospitals: the smell, cleanliness, layout, and even the chaos. I saw how controlled yet sincere everything was. I saw and learned things wandering around hospitals that many others will never understand.

Working in medicine has a certain appeal to it. The jobs are fast-paced and offer variability. While there are so many different positions, anesthesiologists are a key member in any medical setting. Anesthesiology is defined as, “the branch of medicine concerned with anesthesia and anesthetics” (Merriam-Webster). Anesthesiologists like to joke that they put people to sleep for a living, which is true, but there is so much more to anesthesiology. Being an anesthesiologist is a very rewarding job that offers high pay, flexibility, and intellectual stimulation.

There is a lot of detail in the MCA but there are some key principles that are important to understand.

For Medical School a. Students need to take anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, microbiology, pathophysiology, and pathology. c. One must obtain a medical degree B. Required formal training 1. Next, a physician must do a year of internship a. Practicing general medicine or surgery b. One must obtain a final medical licensing examination 2.

In college, a student must study courses to prepare for medicine, such as biology, chemistry, and some advanced mathematics (“Becoming A Doctor” 1). The first four years, the student would take pre-medical courses while earning their Bachelor’s degree and taking courses that are required for their degree plan. Then the college graduate will advance into medical school, where for four years the student learns about the area of medicine they choose (“Becoming A Doctor” 1). It generally takes seven to eight years to finish a medical doctor’s education (“Becoming A Doctor” 1). After medical school, the graduate will apply for an internship that would last about one year. Then after the internship, they become a resident and practice medicine under the supervision of a senior doctor (“Becoming A Doctor” 1). Altogether, it is about 11 years before one actually becomes an independent doctor (“Becoming A Doctor”

If you wanted to go farther in your education, and go higher in your position you could go to school to be a radiologist. To be a radiologist it requires more schooling, and it will cost a lot more for the schooling since you are going longer, but you the salary and benefits will be even

This includes obtaining a Bachelor's Degree, then a Master's Degree, and finally entering into a Doctorate or Ph.D. program.

As a Wilmington resident of seventeen years, my choice to attend the University of North Carolina Wilmington is ‘without a shadow of a doubt’ an easy one. In eighth grade, I began to seriously decipher through colleges, and attempted to decide which one was meant for me. UNCW wasn’t initially my first choice, but as I got older, matured, did extensive research, and with my college years growing nearer, it became very evident that it was where I needed to be.

Education: Bachelor’s degree, high grades and scores on medical college admission test, doctor of medicine degree

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are one of the most advanced types of nurses. They are responsible for providing quality anesthesia and anesthesia-related care in order to facilitate diagnostic, therapeutic and surgical procedures (America Association of Nurse Anesthetists, 2010). While their services are mainly used in the surgical setting, CRNAs can also provide assistance for pain management associated with obstetrical labor and delivery or for chronic and acute pain. Although they typically work under the supervision of Anesthesiologists, based on states regulations and by laws, they may also work independently (Kansas University Medical Center, 2014).

The first steps to becoming either an elementary school teacher or physician assistant are very similar and require a completion of secondary school. To pursue medicine

Anesthesiologist are medical doctors that use special drugs and gases called anesthetics, to keep patients pain free during surgery (Career Cruising). You may ask why people would want to do this job. Some anesthesiologist enjoy listening and talking to patients and love to be able to take care of people and help them get better. Becoming an anesthesiologist contains a strong education and being super experienced and this is what makes it such an important job.

Photo # 1 exhibits a Physician who specializes in Obstetrics and Gynecology. As you can see from the photo, the physician is the one who is holding the yellow handled cautery while performing a cesarean section on a 39 week old mother. The Physician has completed several years of school. In order to even become a physician they must complete a four-year undergraduate degree, such as a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology. Students may consider taking courses in biology, chemistry, and anatomy and physiology. They must also pass the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) to gain entry into medical school. The next course is to complete a 4-year medical school program, internship and residency in a hospital. An internship is usually a year long, while a medical residency may last between 3-7 years. Finally they must receive a state licensure this is mandatory, licensure requires passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination in order to be an OB-GYN.

The decisions we make in life shape us into the person we are today. People don’t always make the best decisions but there is always something to be learned from each one made. Although I know this to be true, I am still reluctant to make any major decision in my life without extensive planning and research. Some would say growth is impossible without failure but I prefer to get it right the first time. I have always played it safe when it came to my future. I started examining possible careers around fifteen. At the time I did not know myself well enough to choose a career. I wanted to make a lot of money so I chose to be an Anesthesiologist solely based upon a five minute google search on the highest paid professions.

Answer ALL the questions, as listed below, following the instructions provided in the Course Outline (Assessment #3 - Take Home Examination, pages 9-10).