An anesthesiologist is a medical doctor who has completed medical school, an internship, and 4 years of specialized education in anesthesiology. In Canada, an anesthesiologist is certified as a specialist physician by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, and has the designation Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada (FRCPC).
In rural and remote areas of Canada, there is a special group of doctors providing anesthesiology care… General Practice Anesthetists. These are skilled family doctors who have also completed additional training in one of the university departments of anesthesiology.
Anesthesiologists keep patients safe and comfortable in several settings. The most well-known is in the operating room during surgery; but in modern health care systems, the role of an anesthesiologist extends far beyond the operating room. Anesthesiologists provide medical assessments of patients prior to their surgery – improving patient safety by making sure that pre-existing health conditions are optimally managed. Anesthesiologists also provide care after surgery – especially for those patients requiring intensive (life support) care, or specialized pain management techniques.
Anesthesiologists also care for patients who do not require surgery. Women experiencing childbirth, patients undergoing interventional (radiology or cardiology) procedures, people with intractable mental health conditions, and those with severe chronic pain conditions all benefit from the expertise of anesthesiologists.
Not all painful surgeries and procedures require a general anesthetic (a drug-induced coma). An increasing number of British Columbians opt for a regional anesthetic (part of the body is frozen, but the patient may remain awake or partially sedated). In either situation, there is an anesthesiologist always at your side to ensure your comfort and safety during the procedure.
