An anesthesiologist is a specialized physician focused on providing medical care to patients before, during, and after surgical procedures. This involves administering anesthesia, monitoring the patient’s vital signs, and managing their pain levels. The journey to becoming an anesthesiologist is an extensive and rigorous process that requires a significant commitment to education and training.
Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
The foundational step toward a career in anesthesiology is earning a four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. While medical schools do not require a specific undergraduate major, aspiring physicians can major in humanities, arts, or any other field, provided they complete the required science coursework.
A high grade point average (GPA) is a significant factor in a competitive medical school application. Pre-medical course requirements include:
- A year of general chemistry with labs
- A year of organic chemistry with labs
- A year of biology with labs
- Physics
- Biochemistry
- English
Beyond academics, meaningful extracurricular activities are an important component of a successful application. Gaining experience in a clinical setting through hospital volunteering allows prospective students to understand the healthcare environment. Shadowing physicians, particularly anesthesiologists, provides direct insight into the daily responsibilities of the profession. Engaging in scientific research, whether in a basic science lab or a clinical setting, demonstrates a commitment to the scientific principles that underpin medicine.
Ace the MCAT and Apply to Medical School
The next major hurdle is the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). The MCAT is a standardized, multiple-choice examination designed to assess problem-solving, critical thinking, and knowledge of natural, behavioral, and social science concepts. A high score on this exam is a large factor for gaining admission to medical school, and applicants often dedicate months to intensive preparation.
The medical school application process lasts about a year. Most aspiring M.D.s (Doctor of Medicine) will use the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS), a centralized online portal that sends their application to multiple medical schools. Similarly, those seeking a D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) degree will use the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS). This application cycle begins in the summer following the junior year of college, continuing through the senior year. Applicants submit their primary application, followed by secondary applications specific to each school, and then participate in interviews.
Complete Medical School
Medical school is a four-year program that culminates in earning a medical degree, either an M.D. or a D.O. Students delve into foundational sciences such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and pathology, establishing the scientific knowledge base required for patient care.
The latter two years of medical school transition students from the classroom to the clinic. During these clinical rotations, students become active members of medical teams, rotating through various specialties. These rotations provide broad, hands-on experience in different fields of medicine, and it is during this time that many students solidify their interest in a specific specialty like anesthesiology. Rotations include:
- Internal medicine
- Surgery
- Pediatrics
- Psychiatry
- Obstetrics and gynecology
Progress through medical school is also marked by a series of licensing examinations. Near the end of the second year, students must pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA) Level 1. Before graduation, they must also pass USMLE Step 2 or COMLEX-USA Level 2, which assesses their clinical knowledge and skills. Passing these exams is necessary to advance to residency.
Complete an Anesthesiology Residency
Upon graduating from medical school, the path to becoming an anesthesiologist continues with a mandatory four-year paid residency program. The application process for residency is managed through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), and the outcome is determined by a system known as the National Resident Matching Program, or “The Match,” which pairs applicants with residency programs across the country.
The first year, known as the intern year or postgraduate year one (PGY-1), is spent in a broad specialty like internal medicine or surgery to build a strong foundation in general patient care before focusing on anesthesia. Following the internship, the physician enters three years of dedicated anesthesiology training, referred to as the CA-1, CA-2, and CA-3 years. During this time, residents learn to manage all aspects of perioperative care, from preoperative patient evaluation to complex anesthetic techniques and postoperative pain management. It is also during the intern year that residents take the final licensing exam, the USMLE Step 3 or COMLEX-USA Level 3, a prerequisite for full medical licensure.
Obtain Licensure and Board Certification
After successfully completing residency, a physician must obtain two distinct credentials to practice independently. The first is a state medical license, which is a legal requirement to practice medicine in a particular state. This is granted by the state’s medical board after verifying the physician’s education, completion of residency, and passing scores on all parts of the USMLE or COMLEX-USA.
The second credential is board certification, which is a professional standard signifying a high level of expertise in a specialty. For anesthesiologists, this certification is granted by the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA). The process involves passing a series of examinations after residency is complete. These include a written exam taken after the first year of residency and an advanced exam at the end of training. The final step is an applied exam, which includes both an oral examination and a clinical skills assessment.
Consider a Fellowship for Sub-specialization
While board-certified anesthesiologists are fully qualified to practice, some may choose to pursue further expertise in a specific area of the field. This is accomplished through a fellowship, which is an additional one to two years of training after residency. A fellowship allows a physician to become a sub-specialist with advanced knowledge and skills in a particular domain.
There are numerous sub-specialties available for anesthesiologists to consider based on their interests. Common fellowship options include:
- Pediatric anesthesiology, focusing on the unique needs of children
- Cardiac anesthesiology for open-heart surgeries
- Obstetric anesthesiology for labor and delivery
- Pain medicine for managing chronic pain conditions