Anesthesiologist no longer in high demand

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Because of this post my trepidation is now palpable. I just called my PD at his home and told him that I am dropping out of his program. I will be persuing radiology as soon as possible.

Thanks for the informative and thought provoking post. You saved my tail!
 
I'd do a search of this forum for this topic as it has been brought up ad nauseum. Also, I wouldn't use El Paso as a point of reference for any type of medical comparison or consideration, especially in the field of anesthesiology.
 
Chalkette- You might want to talk to the graduating residents from TTUHSC-EP as I heard of one who got an offer of $375k to stay in El PAso to work. NOt bad for someone not in high demand. Also, go to gaswork.com and see the measly salaries offered to new graduates. Damn those CRNAs........
 
Even in a city like Dallas, there are still so many jobs available that most of our residents are easily persuaded to forgo fellowships for private practice.

Physician recruitment for anesthesiology private practice is still strong and I receive letters from recruiting organizations from all over the U.S.

As for the sarcasm of VendepenT, understand that our forum has all too often been intruded upon by naysayers trying to dissuade people from pursuing anesthesiology or trying to mock our profession in general. When most of the regulars see yet another post predicting gloom and doom or asking the same question that's been asked all too regularly, we tend to respond with some skepticism and sarcasm.

I actually don't mind it anymore because if someone is going to be influenced by an anonymous poster when it comes down to his or her future, they probably don't need to be in this particular field where quick, accurate, and decisive judgement is all too often the deciding factor between life and death. Also means more opportunities/jobs for those of us truly interested in the field and not just the $300-$400+ K salaries.

Take some time to search through this forum's archives. All the information you could want regarding why people have chosen the field and our specific concerns can be found there.

If you decide that you want to strongly consider this field after medical school, we would love to give you more information that you may seek.
 
ya i think i will now goto nursing school and become a crna...i dont think my MD is worth it anymore....chalkette is right...i wish he posted on this forum 5 yrs ago so i wouldnt have wasted so much of my life trying to be an anesthesiologist :meanie:
 
Here in Michigan things must be different. Here is a recent Detroit News story excerpt with full link following:
To get an accurate picture of where the state needs more doctors, the Michigan Health Council, a nonprofit group that studies the health care work force, is launching a statewide survey. When doctors renew their state licenses, they?ll be asked questions like how long they continue to keep seeing patients and how many hours a week they plan to work.

The surveys should reveal a snapshot of the state?s physician work force next year, and every doctor in the state should be surveyed within three years, said Health Council Vice President Susan Sanford.

For now, anecdotal evidence ? including the current job openings and waiting times for appointments ? reveal shortages in at least 10 specialities, among them orthopedic surgery, cardiology, anesthesiology and radiology.
http://www.detnews.com/2004/health/0405/30/a01-168198.htm
 
That can't be right 2nd year. Quit posting facts. The people in El Paso said the CRNAs are taking over the US and we can't find work anymore. 🙄
 
Give Chalkette a chance. I looked through her posts and she is apparently a pre-med looking around at the different subspecialties for clues as to what to pursue.

The demand, though, is greater than some people would like you to believe. Even in saturated markets like Dallas and Houston, we're still getting great jobs at great locations, albeit with a slightly longer buy in to partnership.

That doesn't even begin to address the number of academic positions available.
 
if shes a premed then she should be worried bout getting into medical school before worrying bout subspecialties in medicine at this point.... :scared:
 
as if your weren't thinking about the same things when you were a pup. 😛

In any case, she is married with children and is probably more organized and forward thinking than the average whippersnapper pre med.
 
I am a CA-3 right now (two days into it), and already I have had numerous job offers in the 300-400K range. I've also had no less than three headhunters email me asking for a resume. The market is great right now, so I'm going to take my time and try to wind up exactly where I want to be.
 
So true of people trying to scare people off-don't buy into the BS scare tactics-I interviewed at a program in Florida (won't mention specifically) and two CRNA's tried to dissuade me from going into anesthesia-just guys watching their bottom line-Do what you want to do-be assertive and confident with your decisions-Nobody gets anywhere being a follower...
 
I'm in agreement with Trapper John. The market is great. I am a CA-3, and having head hunters / recruiters ask for my CV. I recently had my first interview a couple of weeks ago.
 
ASA Newsletter, November 2003
Volume 67, Number 11

Resident Numbers and Total Graduating From Residencies and Nurse Anesthesia Schools in 2003: Continuing Shortages Expected

Alan W. Grogono, M.D.

"This is the ninth fall article employing recruitment data provided by the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) and the third to include data from the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA). Continuing availability of excellent recruits entering residency programs has yet to result in an adequate supply of graduates to fill the available employment opportunities. Indeed various factors discussed below are predicted to exacerbate and prolong the shortage of anesthesiologists."

That's just the initial paragraph.

http://www.asahq.org/Newsletters/2003/11_03/grogono.html
 
bubalus,

the problem with that analysis is that MDAs no longer have control over the workforce. CRNAs, should they desire to do so, could open up a hundred new CRNA schools and theres NOTHING the MDAs could do about it. Of course, they wont make such a drastic move, but their numbers ARE INCREASING STEADILY. There are now 3 times as many CRNAS graduating per year than there were in 1989.
 
Open up more AA schools which already seems to worry them.

MacGyver said:
bubalus,

the problem with that analysis is that MDAs no longer have control over the workforce. CRNAs, should they desire to do so, could open up a hundred new CRNA schools and theres NOTHING the MDAs could do about it. Of course, they wont make such a drastic move, but their numbers ARE INCREASING STEADILY. There are now 3 times as many CRNAS graduating per year than there were in 1989.
 
Just to let you know how NOT in demand we are in.. last week I got contacted about 2 jobs in the city that I want to live in. One with 9 weeks vacation 200K first year, 300K 2nd, 400K with home call. The other one 285K to start. It sucks that this market is so bad.
 
conservative said:
Open up more AA schools which already seems to worry them.

South University in Savannah (the 3rd AA program) just started it's charter class last month.

At least two programs are in the early planning stages in Florida now that Florida is open for AA's.
 
MacGyver, I am well aware of the warning you are sounding about CRNAs. You have repeatedly offered your opinion on the topic, and it's great to hear that side of the issue. However, it's the same thing people were saying in the mid 1990s when anesthesia programs were signing 4th year medical students outside the match because they were so happy to get someone. The predictions of CRNAs taking over everything and leaving MDAs out in the cold didn't happen. We're fortunate enough to have seaofred, cricketnmatt, and trapper john share their experiences with us, and from what they say, MDAs are not having difficulties finding jobs. The residents I know are also finding it very easy to get jobs.

While the number of CRNAs is increasing, don't forget that there is also a demand side to economics. Increasing the supply of CRNAs is not necessarily going to increase the demand. While I agree that the potential for CRNAs to make further inroads is something to be aware of, I don't see any solid proof (as opposed to assertions, which while not necessarily wrong, are not the same thing as proof) that MDAs need to fear losing their jobs or not being able to find jobs after finishing residency.

I agree that this topic has been dealt with ad nauseum.
 
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