Advice for med student considering Anesthesia

[mur]

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In my understanding, I think everyone knows that CRNA will not be equivalent to MD/DO Anesthesiologist by any measure. Again, it is clear that there will be no way CRNA will provide equal and safe medical care as physicians. I know many CRNA’s who are very intelligent and provide outstanding care, but the problem is even if they are doing outstanding job at OR, what if something serious happen? Do they really have the skill and the knowledge to examine, diagnose, and treat the patient? People may think that today’s anesthesia is safe and serious problems are rare, but we can’t just risk patient life. Off course there is a shortage of Anesthesiologist and supervision will not be practical everywhere, but by any means there should be an Anesthesiologist back up for the unexpected. Even if this is the reality, unsupervised CRNA cares are expanding everywhere. I am not Anesthesiologist and not sure for the job market, but when I search job openings on the internet there are only few and most of them are for pain and cardiac. In my observation, if these changes continue, it will be tough for Anesthesiologists in the near future as CRNA’s will take all the jobs. This may not be scary for current Anesthesiologist on practice or for residents, but it is scarier for medical students who are considering Anesthesiology and I am one of them. Anesthesiology is the only specialty that I will love to do in the future, but what scares me is that what if I didn’t get a job after finishing my Training? Do you think it is wise to consider another specialty early on? I will appreciate any advice for this matter. I know this issue is in every specialty, but the one in Anesthesiology is different and scary. Thank you

 

[goosegas]

You seem to have a lot of opinions on the matter for a med student.
CRNA's have been around and giving anesthesia for over a 100 years. They aren't going any where.
Anesthesiologist have also been around and giving anesthesia for just as long. They aren't going anywhere either. There are plenty of opportunities for both providers going forward.
Choose anesthesia because its want you want to do and don't worry about the CRNA's.

 

[MasterHypnotist]

You answered your own question. If it is the only job you will love to do in the future according to what you wrote, you have to choose anesthesia. There will be jobs, may take a little more effort to find at cyclical somewhat difficult times, but if you are good, you will find a job.

 

[IlDestriero]

I still don't know any unemployed anesthesiologists. The sky is not falling.
100% of our residents and fellows got jobs. Just as they have for the last 50 years.
Really good jobs are always competitive and rarely ever advertised anywhere. It's all word of mouth, networking, etc.

 

[etudiante04]

If you really want to pursue anesthesia, you will have a job.