Anesthesiologist = Extremely Right-of-Center?

[igottaquestion]

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It's not just something I'm curious about. Two other medical students ponder the same question in this thread:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=606524

So this thread poses two questions, the first a sincere one for career guidance purposes and the second a rhetorical one:
1) Do anesthesiologists tend to be extremely right-of-center?
2) Are the anesthesiologists in this forum content with giving that impression to others?

I've been coming to this forum to learn about anesthesiology as a career. Among useful ones, this forum is consistently riddled with what I would characterize as alarmist, far-right-of-center threads. Ultimately, I do take responsibility for clicking on those threads and participating in discussion. There's no denying that. But even if I weren't to click on them, the blatantly right-of-center, incendiary titles of these threads leave a distinct impression on future doctors and other members of the public perusing this forum. Does this typify the political orientation of most anesthesiologists?

In either case, do you really want to give this impression to others? My future, face-to-face interactions with anesthesiologists will certainly trump the soured impressions I've formed from this anonymous forum. But the fact remains that I do have a soured impression of anesthesiology, and unless I choose to do an anesthesiology elective (less likely given my soured impression) my only exposure to the field (as for so many other medical students) will be through my time on a surgery or ob/gyn rotation. So I ask you to consider that this forum is your chance to get medical students interested in your field, if that's something you care about.

When I typed in the title of this thread, five "similar" threads located in "Sociopolitical Issues" and "The Lounge" popped up. I already asked in one political thread in the anesthesiology forum why the mods don't send blatantly political threads to more appropriate forums such as those two. A few minutes ago I answered my own question, seeing that one such thread was actually started by a mod. The same mod just closed down a thread about a dental lawsuit (which another mod re-opened), leaving these other political threads as they are. This isn't my forum, so if that's how the powers-that-be want to run things, then that's the way it is. I just have the opinion that it's a disservice to the recruitment of future anesthesiologists.

 

[BLADEMDA]

It's not just something I'm curious about. Two other medical students ponder the same question in this thread:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=606524

So this thread poses two questions, the first a sincere one for career guidance purposes and the second a rhetorical one:
1) Do anesthesiologists tend to be extremely right-of-center?
2) Are the anesthesiologists in this forum content with giving that impression to others?

I've been coming to this forum to learn about anesthesiology as a career. Among useful ones, this forum is consistently riddled with what I would characterize as alarmist, far-right-of-center threads. Ultimately, I do take responsibility for clicking on those threads and participating in discussion. There's no denying that. But even if I weren't to click on them, the blatantly right-of-center, incendiary titles of these threads leave a distinct impression on future doctors and other members of the public perusing this forum. Does this typify the political orientation of most anesthesiologists?

In either case, do you really want to give this impression to others? My future, face-to-face interactions with anesthesiologists will certainly trump the soured impressions I've formed from this anonymous forum. But the fact remains that I do have a soured impression of anesthesiology, and unless I choose to do an anesthesiology elective (less likely given my soured impression) my only exposure to the field (as for so many other medical students) will be through my time on a surgery or ob/gyn rotation. So I ask you to consider that this forum is your chance to get medical students interested in your field, if that's something you care about.

When I typed in the title of this thread, five "similar" threads located in "Sociopolitical Issues" and "The Lounge" popped up. I already asked in one political thread in the anesthesiology forum why the mods don't send blatantly political threads to more appropriate forums such as those two. A few minutes ago I answered my own question, seeing that one such thread was actually started by a mod. The same mod just closed down a thread about a dental lawsuit (which another mod re-opened), leaving these other political threads as they are. This isn't my forum, so if that's how the powers-that-be want to run things, then that's the way it is. I just have the opinion that it's a disservice to the recruitment of future anesthesiologists.

You are way off base here. Like most fields in Medicine there is a wide diversity of opinions. I know a few Anesthesiologists that are very "left of center" and wholeheartedly support the Pelosi Agenda.

IMHO, Anesthesiologists are similar to Surgeons, Cardiologists, etc. in their opinions.

 

[Scrub MD]

I don't think being right of center is unique to Anesthesia when considering medicine in general. Most doctors (that I know) are right of center. I think when you see the abuses of the system (Octomom) day in and out, you grow to hate more government intervention and control.

 

[Arch Guillotti]

I am left of center but personally choose not to participate in the vast majrity of the political type threads that revolve endlessly around here. Banging my head against a wall would accomplish about as much w/arguing w/ some of the blowhards around here I am not a complete blowhard and am very skeptical of many things going on w/politics these days but nonetheless I lean left. This forum has traditionally been very different from the rest of the forums on SDN (AFAIK since I don't go to many of the others). The threads are allowed to stay because that is what the forum wants and quite frankly sometimes it seems like we have run out of anesthesia topics to talk about.

The tone of this forum should be the last thing in the world that influences your choice of specialty. After this is an anonymous internet forum. We just have a lot of folks around here with very spirited opinions. Anesthesiology is the greatest specialty there is out there.

 

[Bertelman]

If you're going to characterize all anesthesiologists by the lot in this forum, here's some more thoughts to ponder...

1) All medical students are neurotic freaks that endlessly pine over perfect anatomy scores

2) All pre-meds want to either
a) be neurosurgeons
b) practice Derm, Rads or gas

3) Everyone on SDN scored 230 or better on Step 1

4) Specialties like FP, OB/Gyn and Cardiology either don't know how to use the internets or don't care to join an educational community

Either you haven't been around SDN very long, or you haven't yet appreciated how each forum is dominated by a few distinct voices. I works that way in the lounge, in Sociopolitical, basically everywhere. It just so happens that the predominant voices here lean right. To be honest, I can't remember the last time there was so much policy talk on this forum. I think it's a combination of the recent political upheaval, the terrible financial state of this country (I hope no one still believes McCain's refrain that our economy is strong), and a few newer, distinct voices like Blade that bring passionate topics to bear.

This forum was traditionally a casual place with a variety of fun topics. It's also a place which likes to take care of its own, so the threats from outside moderators are frequently rebuffed. That's for good reason that I don't care to explain right now.


I'm not finding this thread you speak of in the Lounge. Please share. That place is pretty freaky- I'd be surprised if we were getting much play there. Gimlet knows what I'm talking about...huh? huh?

 

[RxBoy]

Normally this forum is not too political but we're currently facing some significant reforms in health care. Quite frankly I would be very upset if my specialty didn't address this.

And just to be clear, left does not mean your a democrat and right does not mean you're a republican.

For example, I am fiscally conservative. I believe in small government, minimal foreign intervention, minimal taxes, pro free market.

I am also socially liberal. I could care less if gays got married, firmly believe in separation of church and state, and believe in independent rights.

I hated the neocons agenda of big government with bush, I hated the democratic big government spending with Obama. So I wouldn't classify my self as a rightest. I'm more of a Libertarian.

 

[DMBFan61]

Normally this forum is not too political but we're currently facing some significant reforms in health care. Quite frankly I would be very upset if my specialty didn't address this.

And just to be clear, left does not mean your a democrat and right does not mean you're a republican.

For example, I am fiscally conservative. I believe in small government, minimal foreign intervention, minimal taxes, pro free market.

I am also socially liberal. I could care less if gays got married, firmly believe in separation of church and state, and believe in independent rights.

I hated the neocons agenda of big government with bush, I hated the democratic big government spending with Obama. So I wouldn't classify my self as a rightest. I'm more of a Libertarian.

Amen brother. 👍

 

[coprolalia]

And just to be clear, left does not mean your a democrat and right does not mean you're a republican.

For example, I am fiscally conservative. I believe in small government, minimal foreign intervention, minimal taxes, pro free market.

I am also socially liberal. I could care less if gays got married, firmly believe in separation of church and state, and believe in independent rights.

I hated the neocons agenda of big government with bush, I hated the democratic big government spending with Obama. So I wouldn't classify my self as a rightest. I'm more of a Libertarian.

👍

-copro

 

[lfesiam]

Amen brother. 👍

Amen DMB. Will have mini premium beer kegs at my house for match week.

To OP: an attending once told me:
College: democrat
Medschool: democrat
Residency: democrat
First Big Pay Check: republican
Geriatric years: democrat again

As for me: socially liberal, support renewable energy, environment conservation, healthcare for everyone, - but fiscally conservative like rxboy here.

 

[Planktonmd]

It's not just something I'm curious about. Two other medical students ponder the same question in this thread:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=606524

So this thread poses two questions, the first a sincere one for career guidance purposes and the second a rhetorical one:
1) Do anesthesiologists tend to be extremely right-of-center?
2) Are the anesthesiologists in this forum content with giving that impression to others?

I've been coming to this forum to learn about anesthesiology as a career. Among useful ones, this forum is consistently riddled with what I would characterize as alarmist, far-right-of-center threads. Ultimately, I do take responsibility for clicking on those threads and participating in discussion. There's no denying that. But even if I weren't to click on them, the blatantly right-of-center, incendiary titles of these threads leave a distinct impression on future doctors and other members of the public perusing this forum. Does this typify the political orientation of most anesthesiologists?

In either case, do you really want to give this impression to others? My future, face-to-face interactions with anesthesiologists will certainly trump the soured impressions I've formed from this anonymous forum. But the fact remains that I do have a soured impression of anesthesiology, and unless I choose to do an anesthesiology elective (less likely given my soured impression) my only exposure to the field (as for so many other medical students) will be through my time on a surgery or ob/gyn rotation. So I ask you to consider that this forum is your chance to get medical students interested in your field, if that's something you care about.

When I typed in the title of this thread, five "similar" threads located in "Sociopolitical Issues" and "The Lounge" popped up. I already asked in one political thread in the anesthesiology forum why the mods don't send blatantly political threads to more appropriate forums such as those two. A few minutes ago I answered my own question, seeing that one such thread was actually started by a mod. The same mod just closed down a thread about a dental lawsuit (which another mod re-opened), leaving these other political threads as they are. This isn't my forum, so if that's how the powers-that-be want to run things, then that's the way it is. I just have the opinion that it's a disservice to the recruitment of future anesthesiologists.

OK,
First I am sorry that you feel that Anesthesiologists are not what you want them to be but if you have such a feeling so early in your career you probably should not waste your time exploring this specialty.
Second: This forum has never been your typical politically correct SDN forum and this is one of the main reasons why many of us stay around, so if you feel that this is not something you can accept you might want to visit other forums where the mods are "watching" threads for political issues that you find inappropriate.
Third: If you choose to stay around I can assure that there is a wealth of knowledge and experience around here that you can benefit from as long as you are not too sensitive.
Fourth: if you find the current political discussions shocking and inappropriate you might want to search the history of our forum and you will find that you haven't seen anything yet.
Good luck.

 

[Arch Guillotti]

Normally this forum is not too political but we're currently facing some significant reforms in health care. Quite frankly I would be very upset if my specialty didn't address this.

And just to be clear, left does not mean your a democrat and right does not mean you're a republican.

For example, I am fiscally conservative. I believe in small government, minimal foreign intervention, minimal taxes, pro free market.

I am also socially liberal. I could care less if gays got married, firmly believe in separation of church and state, and believe in independent rights.

I hated the neocons agenda of big government with bush, I hated the democratic big government spending with Obama. So I wouldn't classify my self as a rightest. I'm more of a Libertarian.

I also agree w/most of that.

 

[RabbMD]

You will probably find more libertarian views here. In addition, I firmly believe that ones political views are largely determined by ones loci of control beliefs. In general anesthesiologist control lots of thinks very quickly in the OR. Professionally we believe in quick diagnosis, actual mechanisms, and quick treatments. In general that follows a strong self determination locu of control viewpoint. While it is possible to have liberal views and have strong views that success is determined by factors within ones own control, I feel from my limited experience that is an exception.

So basically, I think in general the personality types attracted to anesthesiology are the types more likely to be right leaning on fiscal and and personal responsibility views.

Anyone else agree/disagree?? Just a theory I have, no real evidence aside from personal/empirical.

 

[Adoran]

Interesting.

Anesthesiology is the field that first caught my attention when I thought of making Medicine my life. I've read a couple of books about specialty choice (even though I don't have to choose for quite a while), and all indicators have pointed towards Anesthesiology... favorite subjects, personality type, lifestyle, technology...

And most of you share my political views, as well. Amazing 🙂 RxBoy's statement gets a big thumbs up from me 🙂

 

[Noyac]

It's not just something I'm curious about. Two other medical students ponder the same question in this thread:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=606524

So this thread poses two questions, the first a sincere one for career guidance purposes and the second a rhetorical one:
1) Do anesthesiologists tend to be extremely right-of-center?
2) Are the anesthesiologists in this forum content with giving that impression to others?

I've been coming to this forum to learn about anesthesiology as a career. Among useful ones, this forum is consistently riddled with what I would characterize as alarmist, far-right-of-center threads. Ultimately, I do take responsibility for clicking on those threads and participating in discussion. There's no denying that. But even if I weren't to click on them, the blatantly right-of-center, incendiary titles of these threads leave a distinct impression on future doctors and other members of the public perusing this forum. Does this typify the political orientation of most anesthesiologists?

In either case, do you really want to give this impression to others? My future, face-to-face interactions with anesthesiologists will certainly trump the soured impressions I've formed from this anonymous forum. But the fact remains that I do have a soured impression of anesthesiology, and unless I choose to do an anesthesiology elective (less likely given my soured impression) my only exposure to the field (as for so many other medical students) will be through my time on a surgery or ob/gyn rotation. So I ask you to consider that this forum is your chance to get medical students interested in your field, if that's something you care about.

When I typed in the title of this thread, five "similar" threads located in "Sociopolitical Issues" and "The Lounge" popped up. I already asked in one political thread in the anesthesiology forum why the mods don't send blatantly political threads to more appropriate forums such as those two. A few minutes ago I answered my own question, seeing that one such thread was actually started by a mod. The same mod just closed down a thread about a dental lawsuit (which another mod re-opened), leaving these other political threads as they are. This isn't my forum, so if that's how the powers-that-be want to run things, then that's the way it is. I just have the opinion that it's a disservice to the recruitment of future anesthesiologists.

That's because the mod that closed the thread is a dentist and can't separate himself from the topic. We will deal with him.

As far as the forum not being yours, then who's is it if it isn't for the med studs? In my opinion, it is most certainly yours and you should participate as much as you wish. But as you are aware, you may disagree fairly often here which is fine and also which is what makes this forum so different. Speak up and see what happens.

 

[racerx]

Normally this forum is not too political but we're currently facing some significant reforms in health care. Quite frankly I would be very upset if my specialty didn't address this.

And just to be clear, left does not mean your a democrat and right does not mean you're a republican.

For example, I am fiscally conservative. I believe in small government, minimal foreign intervention, minimal taxes, pro free market.

I am also socially liberal. I could care less if gays got married, firmly believe in separation of church and state, and believe in independent rights.

I hated the neocons agenda of big government with bush, I hated the democratic big government spending with Obama. So I wouldn't classify my self as a rightest. I'm more of a Libertarian.

+100 👍👍👍

 

[GoodmanBrown]

I agree with what most others have stated, i.e. you'll find a lot of libertarianism here and some pretty strong opinions.

One point which I don't think has been made, though. Health care reform in any form (and probably more so from a Democratic side of things) will inevitably change reimbursement of physicians. At this juncture, it's hard to argue that anesthesiologists aren't sitting pretty well as doctors go. I was recently talking with a CA-1 (so this is 2nd hand), but he was saying most of his CA-3 friends had offers of ~$350K and 8-12 weeks of vacay.

Compare that to the primary care physician I shadowed (and primary care in general), who makes about 150K, works ~60 hrs/wk, and takes only 3 or so weeks vacation per year. In the grand scheme of things, anesthesiologists have a lot more to lose by Democratic reform that PCPs. So, this probably makes them, as a group, more hostile to the changes that a Democrat might bring to health care.

 

[urge]

Something something kitchen and heat something get out.

 

[cfdavid]

It's not just something I'm curious about. Two other medical students ponder the same question in this thread:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=606524

So this thread poses two questions, the first a sincere one for career guidance purposes and the second a rhetorical one:
1) Do anesthesiologists tend to be extremely right-of-center?
2) Are the anesthesiologists in this forum content with giving that impression to others?

I've been coming to this forum to learn about anesthesiology as a career. Among useful ones, this forum is consistently riddled with what I would characterize as alarmist, far-right-of-center threads. Ultimately, I do take responsibility for clicking on those threads and participating in discussion. There's no denying that. But even if I weren't to click on them, the blatantly right-of-center, incendiary titles of these threads leave a distinct impression on future doctors and other members of the public perusing this forum. Does this typify the political orientation of most anesthesiologists?

In either case, do you really want to give this impression to others? My future, face-to-face interactions with anesthesiologists will certainly trump the soured impressions I've formed from this anonymous forum. But the fact remains that I do have a soured impression of anesthesiology, and unless I choose to do an anesthesiology elective (less likely given my soured impression) my only exposure to the field (as for so many other medical students) will be through my time on a surgery or ob/gyn rotation. So I ask you to consider that this forum is your chance to get medical students interested in your field, if that's something you care about.

When I typed in the title of this thread, five "similar" threads located in "Sociopolitical Issues" and "The Lounge" popped up. I already asked in one political thread in the anesthesiology forum why the mods don't send blatantly political threads to more appropriate forums such as those two. A few minutes ago I answered my own question, seeing that one such thread was actually started by a mod. The same mod just closed down a thread about a dental lawsuit (which another mod re-opened), leaving these other political threads as they are. This isn't my forum, so if that's how the powers-that-be want to run things, then that's the way it is. I just have the opinion that it's a disservice to the recruitment of future anesthesiologists.

If by "alarmist" you mean that many of us have been skeptical of market fundamentals and our staggering debt, along with a disintegrating manufacturing base, then, yeah, you can call me alarmist.

 

[Jeff05]

this forum brings in the most traffic, by far than any other studentdoctor forum (that means money). these posts are DIRECTLY related to the future of our specialty. and yes, financially, the vast majority of physicians are financially conservative. makes sense. the ratio of (education+personal sacrifice+stress+sheer amount of work)/dollar pay is probably the largest for all professions of all time. so, yea, when people want to pay you less and take more of your money, we don't like that.

It's not just something I'm curious about. Two other medical students ponder the same question in this thread:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=606524

So this thread poses two questions, the first a sincere one for career guidance purposes and the second a rhetorical one:
1) Do anesthesiologists tend to be extremely right-of-center?
2) Are the anesthesiologists in this forum content with giving that impression to others?

I've been coming to this forum to learn about anesthesiology as a career. Among useful ones, this forum is consistently riddled with what I would characterize as alarmist, far-right-of-center threads. Ultimately, I do take responsibility for clicking on those threads and participating in discussion. There's no denying that. But even if I weren't to click on them, the blatantly right-of-center, incendiary titles of these threads leave a distinct impression on future doctors and other members of the public perusing this forum. Does this typify the political orientation of most anesthesiologists?

In either case, do you really want to give this impression to others? My future, face-to-face interactions with anesthesiologists will certainly trump the soured impressions I've formed from this anonymous forum. But the fact remains that I do have a soured impression of anesthesiology, and unless I choose to do an anesthesiology elective (less likely given my soured impression) my only exposure to the field (as for so many other medical students) will be through my time on a surgery or ob/gyn rotation. So I ask you to consider that this forum is your chance to get medical students interested in your field, if that's something you care about.

When I typed in the title of this thread, five "similar" threads located in "Sociopolitical Issues" and "The Lounge" popped up. I already asked in one political thread in the anesthesiology forum why the mods don't send blatantly political threads to more appropriate forums such as those two. A few minutes ago I answered my own question, seeing that one such thread was actually started by a mod. The same mod just closed down a thread about a dental lawsuit (which another mod re-opened), leaving these other political threads as they are. This isn't my forum, so if that's how the powers-that-be want to run things, then that's the way it is. I just have the opinion that it's a disservice to the recruitment of future anesthesiologists.

 

[geogil]

This reminds me of threads about 5 months ago when some med students were crying about how they couldn't post without being mocked. OP, feel free to post all you want because in teh anesthesia forums, we like to talk about more than "what are my chances:"(though there is some of that). That includes guns, liquor, cars, weightlifting. If you want to read about anesthesia, then search Jetpropilot's tag, read all 5000 posts, and if you still feel you haven't learned anything about the practice of anesthesia, then read all of Noy's, and Planks posts too. I assure, there is much info to be found here, you might have to use that 'search' tab though.

OP, if you are more left leaning, then by all means, post some well founded arguments and stir the pot. Just make sure that what you're saying has some basis in fact.

 

[2win]

this forum brings in the most traffic, by far than any other studentdoctor forum (that means money). these posts are DIRECTLY related to the future of our specialty. and yes, financially, the vast majority of physicians are financially conservative. makes sense. the ratio of (education+personal sacrifice+stress+sheer amount of work)/dollar pay is probably the largest for all professions of all time. so, yea, when people want to pay you less and take more of your money, we don't like that.

Any of you guys watch Obama healthcare meeting??? How come can you be for God sake left side oriented when that " social organizer" said that the nurses work as hard as doctors and they are not paid enough? He sees the reform (as I thought) increasing the number of midlevel practitioners, increasing spending to educate them. WELCOME TO THE MEDIOCRITY STATE!!! Now I have to pay from my taxes to educate CRNA-s....YES I AM A RIGHT WING CONSERVATIVE PHYSICIAN.

 

[Surfer]

Any of you guys watch Obama healthcare meeting??? How come can you be for God sake left side oriented when that " social organizer" said that the nurses work as hard as doctors and they are not paid enough? He sees the reform (as I thought) increasing the number of midlevel practitioners, increasing spending to educate them. WELCOME TO THE MEDIOCRITY STATE!!! Now I have to pay from my taxes to educate CRNA-s....YES I AM A RIGHT WING CONSERVATIVE PHYSICIAN.

Nurses work as hard as doctors? wow, that's a joke.

Obama also said an american family files for bankruptcy every 30 seconds due to medical costs. abc news debunks this number as absolute fiction propogated by harvard researchers who run a npo trying to get socialized healthcare. total, complete, bs.

obama is going to destroy us all.

yes, i'm a right-wing-conservative physician.

 

[pstone]

I don't think being right of center is unique to Anesthesia when considering medicine in general. Most doctors (that I know) are right of center. I think when you see the abuses of the system (Octomom) day in and out, you grow to hate more government intervention and control.

have you thought that this may be more bc of your geographic location or maybe just the circle of friends you run with happen to be right wingers?

im sure my progressive/liberal orthopedic surgeon of a cousin who's friends all tend to be african american surgeons like himself would say the exact opposite.

 

[pstone]

...yes, i'm a right-wing-conservative physician.

that last statement means to take everything you said before it with a HUGE pile of salt.

 

[Noyac]

that last statement means to take everything you said before it with a HUGE pile of salt.

While some of us may be right sided and some of us left sided your comments here are reminiscent of those picketers I see who think their clever comments mean something. You probably have a few clever bumper stickers as well. The beauty of this nation is that we have the freedom to believe as we see fit.

 

[pstone]

I am left of center but personally choose not to participate in the vast majrity of the political type threads that revolve endlessly around here. Banging my head against a wall would accomplish about as much w/arguing w/ some of the blowhards around here I am not a complete blowhard and am very skeptical of many things going on w/politics these days but nonetheless I lean left. This forum has traditionally been very different from the rest of the forums on SDN (AFAIK since I don't go to many of the others). The threads are allowed to stay because that is what the forum wants and quite frankly sometimes it seems like we have run out of anesthesia topics to talk about.

The tone of this forum should be the last thing in the world that influences your choice of specialty. After this is an anonymous internet forum. We just have a lot of folks around here with very spirited opinions. Anesthesiology is the greatest specialty there is out there.

i think this post says it all. +5 billion👍👍👍👍

 

[igottaquestion]

You will probably find more libertarian views here. In addition, I firmly believe that ones political views are largely determined by ones loci of control beliefs. In general anesthesiologist control lots of thinks very quickly in the OR. Professionally we believe in quick diagnosis, actual mechanisms, and quick treatments. In general that follows a strong self determination locu of control viewpoint. While it is possible to have liberal views and have strong views that success is determined by factors within ones own control, I feel from my limited experience that is an exception.

So basically, I think in general the personality types attracted to anesthesiology are the types more likely to be right leaning on fiscal and and personal responsibility views.

Anyone else agree/disagree?? Just a theory I have, no real evidence aside from personal/empirical.

I agree with what most others have stated, i.e. you'll find a lot of libertarianism here and some pretty strong opinions.

One point which I don't think has been made, though. Health care reform in any form (and probably more so from a Democratic side of things) will inevitably change reimbursement of physicians. At this juncture, it's hard to argue that anesthesiologists aren't sitting pretty well as doctors go. I was recently talking with a CA-1 (so this is 2nd hand), but he was saying most of his CA-3 friends had offers of ~$350K and 8-12 weeks of vacay.

Compare that to the primary care physician I shadowed (and primary care in general), who makes about 150K, works ~60 hrs/wk, and takes only 3 or so weeks vacation per year. In the grand scheme of things, anesthesiologists have a lot more to lose by Democratic reform that PCPs. So, this probably makes them, as a group, more hostile to the changes that a Democrat might bring to health care.

Both good thoughts on the first question. I think it's interesting that a similar obama political thread in the rads sub-forum has carried a less alarmed, more balanced, tone. rad folks also earn good pay. do they tend to be less fiscally conservative, or do they not perceive the same threat to their specialty? or is it just a biased sampling issue . . .

 

[GoodmanBrown]

Both good thoughts on the first question. I think it's interesting that a similar obama political thread in the rads sub-forum has carried a less alarmed, more balanced, tone. rad folks also earn good pay. do they tend to be less fiscally conservative, or do they not perceive the same threat to their specialty? or is it just a biased sampling issue . . .

I guess I would mostly advise you not to read into it too deeply. Each SDN specialty subforum has its own feel due to the handful of people who post the most often. This forum has a good number of pretty conservative/libertarian personalities who are also pretty frequent posters and not shy about sharing their opinion.

FWIW, every anesesthiologist I've ever met has been totally awesome to talk with and shadow. They're mostly laid back and have awesome senses of humor. Again, I've only met a miniscule fraction of anesthesiologists in general, just as you only see a miniscule fraction of anesthesiologists on this forum.

Besides, I'd bet good money that if you met most of these folks in real life, they'd be less strident in their views. The internet usually allows people to say things with less of a censor than person-to-person interactions. I would take anything you see here with a grain of salt.

 

[Bertelman]

that last statement means to take everything you said before it with a HUGE pile of salt.

Is that pile of salt any smaller than the one that accompanies your biased comments?

 

[BLADEMDA]

http://www.resistnet.com/#

 

[pstone]

Is that pile of salt any smaller than the one that accompanies your biased comments?

not any smaller than the one that accompanies yours. have a good day.😎

 

[pstone]

I guess I would mostly advise you not to read into it too deeply. Each SDN specialty subforum has its own feel due to the handful of people who post the most often. This forum has a good number of pretty conservative/libertarian personalities who are also pretty frequent posters and not shy about sharing their opinion.

FWIW, every anesesthiologist I've ever met has been totally awesome to talk with and shadow. They're mostly laid back and have awesome senses of humor. Again, I've only met a miniscule fraction of anesthesiologists in general, just as you only see a miniscule fraction of anesthesiologists on this forum.

Besides, I'd bet good money that if you met most of these folks in real life, they'd be less strident in their views. The internet usually allows people to say things with less of a censor than person-to-person interactions. I would take anything you see here with a grain of salt.

yea i bet your right.

 

[cfdavid]

Normally this forum is not too political but we're currently facing some significant reforms in health care. Quite frankly I would be very upset if my specialty didn't address this.

And just to be clear, left does not mean your a democrat and right does not mean you're a republican.

For example, I am fiscally conservative. I believe in small government, minimal foreign intervention, minimal taxes, pro free market.

I am also socially liberal. I could care less if gays got married, firmly believe in separation of church and state, and believe in independent rights.

I hated the neocons agenda of big government with bush, I hated the democratic big government spending with Obama. So I wouldn't classify my self as a rightest. I'm more of a Libertarian.

yeah man. nice post. agreed.

 

[Bertelman]

not any smaller than the one that accompanies yours. have a good day.😎

Before you don the Joe Cool glasses, please provide links of my posts which lean right of the moderate viewpoint.

In absence of such posts, STFU.

It's hard to parade into this forum as a newbie premed, spout the liberal agenda, I 😍 Obama, then accuse the politically conservative posters of stepping on toes or spouting BS. You're just as responsible as anyone else here, you just happen to share an opposing viewpoint. You should be the LAST person trying to muffle their opinions.

 

[Noyac]

Before you don the Joe Cool glasses, please provide links of my posts which lean right of the moderate viewpoint.

In absence of such posts, STFU.

It's hard to parade into this forum as a newbie premed, spout the liberal agenda, I 😍 Obama, then accuse the politically conservative posters of stepping on toes or spouting BS. You're just as responsible as anyone else here, you just happen to share an opposing viewpoint. You should be the LAST person trying to muffle their opinions.

I like your form. Can I borrow your "STFU"? I'll use it with some of my other fav's like, and of course the .
All which fit when referring to our new friend (not to be confused with the dentist).

 

[Bertelman]

I like your form. Can I borrow your "STFU"? I'll use it with some of my other fav's like, and of course the .
All which fit when referring to our new friend (not to be confused with the dentist).

Sure. Although I will say I may eventually offer a degree much like JPP grants a LMFAO.

I've been toying with dropping pics here like nociceptor once did, albeit much more reserved.

 

[2win]

http://www.educationupdate.com/archives/2002/oct02/issue/med-columbia.htm

[FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif]The doctor of nursing practice will offer a terminal degree for nursing professionals who want to go beyond even the master's level in specialty fields like primary care, psychiatric mental health, nurse anesthesia, acute care, and nurse midwifery, among many others, that the School of Nursing currently offers. .​

[FONT=Times New Roman, Times, serif]"The idea with having a doctoral degree is to have the nursing profession recognized at the same level of authority and accountability as other health professions," Dr. Mundinger said. "It is radical, and one of those tipping point things that will help with the re-engineering of hospital-based nursing.".

SAY WHAT???​

 

[starsop93]

My impression is that it highly depends on where you practice.

I went to med school in the midwest and just about everyone was a right-winger. On the other hand, I did residency on the west coast and fellowship on the east coast, and as a whole most anesthesiologists there were very liberal.

In my private practice setting, the surgeons and anesthesiologists for the most part are an angry, unhappy lot. And, yes, they are mostly republican...

 

[econdr]

In my private practice setting, the surgeons and anesthesiologists for the most part are an angry, unhappy lot. And, yes, they are mostly republican...

that's terrifying... negativity is contagious

were the west coast residency and east coast fellowship liberals happier? i guess my question is, do you attribute this negativity and pessimism to their political ideology, anesthesiology or "other"...

 

[2win]

that's terrifying... negativity is contagious

were the west coast residency and east coast fellowship liberals happier? i guess my question is, do you attribute this negativity and pessimism to their political ideology, anesthesiology or "other"...

Troll....Tell your mama to put back the parental control on your computer.

 

[econdr]

Troll....Tell your mama to put back the parental control on your computer.

lol you must be kidding

 

[aphistis]

While some of us may be right sided and some of us left sided your comments here are reminiscent of those picketers I see who think their clever comments mean something. You probably have a few clever bumper stickers as well. The beauty of this nation is that we have the freedom to believe as we see fit.

👍

 

[coprolalia]

While some of us may be right sided and some of us left sided your comments here are reminiscent of those picketers I see who think their clever comments mean something. You probably have a few clever bumper stickers as well. The beauty of this nation is that we have the freedom to believe as we see fit.

I have no problem with "beliefs"... so long as they're grounded in fact. But...

The first problem with beliefs is that most of them are emotionally based. The second problem is that beliefs are the first step towards activism, and activism is the first step towards change. My experience is that change, however well-intended, is sometimes but not necessarily a good thing. The pendulum usually swings too far in the other direction. And, no matter how smart or clever or well thought out those changes are, it is rare when someone can foresee all the consequences. Mostly, people proposing change consider only the positive effects. Rarely, they ponder the potential negatives.

The fundamental ethic of this country that made it strong was founded on hard work, non-meddling, and personal accountability. All three are paramount. Sadly, I believe all three of those things have flown out the window. The problems that this country is now experiencing are the summation of "change" that became Institution starting in the post-war 1940's. For that, I blame lawyers, accountants, and bad legislation.

-copro

 

[hoyden]

You will probably find more libertarian views here. In addition, I firmly believe that ones political views are largely determined by ones loci of control beliefs. In general anesthesiologist control lots of thinks very quickly in the OR. Professionally we believe in quick diagnosis, actual mechanisms, and quick treatments. In general that follows a strong self determination locu of control viewpoint. While it is possible to have liberal views and have strong views that success is determined by factors within ones own control, I feel from my limited experience that is an exception.

So basically, I think in general the personality types attracted to anesthesiology are the types more likely to be right leaning on fiscal and and personal responsibility views.

Anyone else agree/disagree?? Just a theory I have, no real evidence aside from personal/empirical.

I agree with you absolutely.

 

[hoyden]

that last statement means to take everything you said before it with a HUGE pile of salt.

I think you shouldn't go to medical school to become a doctor - go to a nursing school - if this stupid socialist-like destruction is ever going to be implemented - you'd be better anyway 😀

 

[starsop93]

that's terrifying... negativity is contagious

were the west coast residency and east coast fellowship liberals happier? i guess my question is, do you attribute this negativity and pessimism to their political ideology, anesthesiology or "other"...

Yes the liberals were much happier. Does being miserable make my colleagues conservative, or does conservatism make them miserable?? I don't know the answer. I work in the same place, am very liberal, and, am, for the most part, much happier than they are.

The point is that there happen to be a lot of loud conservative voices in medicine, but apparently more physicians support democrats over republicans. My feeling is most physicians are truly libertarian in ideology, and neither party is ideal for most.

 

[econdr]

Yes the liberals were much happier. Does being miserable make my colleagues conservative, or does conservatism make them miserable?? I don't know the answer. I work in the same place, am very liberal, and, am, for the most part, much happier than they are.

The point is that there happen to be a lot of loud conservative voices in medicine, but apparently more physicians support democrats over republicans. My feeling is most physicians are truly libertarian in ideology, and neither party is ideal for most.

I've got a theory. We live in a leftward moving world. If that goes against your ideology it would be pretty disconcerting. If things got more and more conservative every day (they did for 8 years), I'd be pissed off too.

But at any rate, I still can't dismiss the entire specialty of anesthesiology as a bunch of disgruntled angry conservatives. It just so happens that those who are the most passionate and ideological tend to make the most noise on message boards. For instance, if you were to check out the politico.com forums on November 3 2008, you'd see such ugly hateful often racist anti-Obama postings that you'd think he didn't stand a chance in this country.

Those who were okay with him and his policies didn't waste time out of their day to post on message boards. They just got organized and voted...

 

[2win]

I've got a theory. We live in a leftward moving world. If that goes against your ideology it would be pretty disconcerting. If things got more and more conservative every day (they did for 8 years), I'd be pissed off too.

But at any rate, I still can't dismiss the entire specialty of anesthesiology as a bunch of disgruntled angry conservatives. It just so happens that those who are the most passionate and ideological tend to make the most noise on message boards. For instance, if you were to check out the politico.com forums on November 3 2008, you'd see such ugly hateful often racist anti-Obama postings that you'd think he didn't stand a chance in this country.

Those who were okay with him and his policies didn't waste time out of their day to post on message boards. They just got organized and voted...

.

 

[econdr]

SEE YA

1. Are you sure you're a doctor? I'm really embarrassed for you.

2. Maybe you should get that thing checked out.

 

[2win]

You don't have the answer in the "red book"? Thread closed.