DR ARGHYA MUKHERJEE

Who is an anesthesiologist?

Anesthesiology is the medical specialty that focuses on the total perioperative care of patients before their surgery, while they are in their surgery, and after surgery.  An anesthesiologist is a physician (MD or DO) practicing anesthesia. They are doctors specializing in perioperative care, preparing anesthetic plans, and the administration of anesthetics during the operation.

What do anesthesiologists do?

Anesthesiologists help ensure the safety of their patients who are undergoing surgery. They provide care for the patient to prevent pain and distress. In addition to making sure that the patient goes through the operation safely, the anesthesiologist also tries to reduce post-operative pain. They monitor the patient's bodily functions which include:

• heart rate and rhythm
• breathing
• blood pressure
• body temperature
• fluid balance

What is the difference between anesthetist and anesthesiologist?

An anesthetist is a registered nurse trained to safely administer anesthesia. A nurse anesthetist can give anesthesia, monitor a patient’s vital signs, and adjust anesthesia as needed during a procedure, with specialized training in anesthesia. An anesthesiologist is a licensed MD or DO who specializes in administering anesthetics before the procedure, during the procedure, and after medical procedures. He or she also monitor a patient’s vitals during the procedures and adjust anesthesia as needed.

Do anesthesiologists perform surgery?

Anesthesiologists don't perform surgery but make a plan for the operation and supervises the administration of medication. They don't physically provide most anesthetics but supervise anesthesia assistants while they provide the anesthetic to the patient.

Do patients ever meet their anesthesiologists?

In most hospitals, the anesthesiologists do meet their patients prior to the operation as it’s extremely beneficial to patients, in terms of preparing them, relieving their anxiety, conveying crucial information regarding the surgery, getting their doubts cleared, decreasing their complications after surgery and improving their satisfaction with their care.

Why are anesthesiologists so important for an operation?

Anesthesiologists are highly skilled professionals and the most important members of the medical team for patient's safety and care. They ensure that the patient is ready for the operation and are concerned with getting the patient safely through the procedure.