Anyone currently in Anesthesia wish they'd done something else?

[CaptKirk]

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Saw someone mention on another post they wouldn't choose it again, just curious if there are others who'd comment on if they wish they'd gone another direction.

 

[huron]

"I am rather inclined to silence, and whether that be wise or not, it is at least more unusual nowadays to find a man who can hold his tongue than to find one who cannot." The Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln edited by Roy P. Basler, Volume IV, "Remarks at the Monogahela House" (February 14, 1861), p. 209.

 

[huron]

I am bored with Anesthesia it is the same crap every day.

Most places you are a nurse replacement so you are treated with no respect, the surgeons want instantaneous room turn over so the lifestyle sucks, you are always being pushed to work faster. The place I am at has warm lunch in the OR doctors lounge but 2/3 of the days I never get time to eat. Heaven forbid a surgeon might have to wait five minutes between cases so you can grab a bite to eat. Plus every where you go they want you to take call. Working all night and not getting the next day off sucks but many places that's the way they run the call schedule.

I can work steadily making 300K to 400K per year but the proliferation Anesthesia management company crooks prevent me from getting a job as group leader in a small town. Everywhere I look anesthesia groups are run by a$$holes or crooks, I have done some locums and every where you go there is another unbelievable story about how the dishonest leader of a group stole from the people doing the work.

I could have easily chosen Radiology when I chosen anesthesia since they were hurting for applicant at that time but I talked my self out of it fearing tele radiology would make it an unprofitable specialty plus I was not sure I could have taken looking at X-rays all day.

I was thinking of doing ER since it is a short residency and I probably would enjoy the variety of clinical experiences. I had wanted to do and ER residency but when I applied to Anesthesia it was when Anesthesia was unpopular so I while I was only able to only get into second tier ER program.
I was easily accepted in a big name Anesthesia residency. I do not think I could take another residency so I think my best choice is to leave medicine and go into Law. I think ER has some of the same Management company problems as Anesthesia.

Practicing law and being part of the problem seem like fun. In anesthesia you work hard and inevitably get screwed by the administration or the a$$hole who you have to work for who the administration gave the contract to. I just want to work for myself be my own boss and not have to kiss someone's a$$. That does not seem like something you can do in Anesthesia any more.

 

[militarymd]

I am bored with Anesthesia it is the same crap every day.

Most places you are a nurse replacement so you are treated with no respect, the surgeons want instantaneous room turn over so the lifestyle sucks, you are always being pushed to work faster. The place I am at has warm lunch in the OR doctors lounge but 2/3 of the days I never get time to eat. Heaven forbid a surgeon might have to wait five minutes between cases so you can grab a bite to eat. Plus every where you go they want you to take call. Working all night and not getting the next day off sucks but many places that’s the way they run the call schedule.

I can work steadily making 300K to 400K per year but the proliferation Anesthesia management company crooks prevent me from getting a job as group leader in a small town. Everywhere I look anesthesia groups are run by a$$holes or crooks, I have done some locums and every where you go there is another unbelievable story about how the dishonest leader of a group stole from the people doing the work.

I could have easily chosen Radiology when I chosen anesthesia since they were hurting for applicant at that time but I talked my self out of it fearing tele radiology would make it an unprofitable specialty plus I was not sure I could have taken looking at X-rays all day.

I was thinking of doing ER since it is a short residency and I probably would enjoy the variety of clinical experiences. I had wanted to do and ER residency but when I applied to Anesthesia it was when Anesthesia was unpopular so I while I was only able to only get into second tier ER program.
I was easily accepted in a big name Anesthesia residency. I do not think I could take another residency so I think my best choice is to leave medicine and go into Law. I think ER has some of the same Management company problems as Anesthesia.

Practicing law and being part of the problem seem like fun. In anesthesia you work hard and inevitably get screwed by the administration or the a$$hole who you have to work for who the administration gave the contract to. I just want to work for myself be my own boss and not have to kiss someone’s a$$. That does not seem like something you can do in Anesthesia any more.

chester,

is that you?

 

[Gern Blansten]

Practicing law and being part of the problem seem like fun. In anesthesia you work hard and inevitably get screwed by the administration or the a$$hole who you have to work for who the administration gave the contract to. I just want to work for myself be my own boss and not have to kiss someone’s a$$. That does not seem like something you can do in Anesthesia any more.

As an attorney, you will easily be able to be your own boss. There certainly won't be any fat cats that skim the money off of you for work that you do. Thankfully, most law practices make people partners right out of law school so that no one ever has to pay their dues in the trenches. You have made an excellent choice my friend

 

[MD Dreams]

Everyone please pay careful attention to these folks and cancel all your interviews so I can get more. Don't forget to enjoy the hot lunch 😉

 

[Stimulate]

I am bored with Anesthesia it is the same crap every day.

Most places you are a nurse replacement so you are treated with no respect, the surgeons want instantaneous room turn over so the lifestyle sucks, you are always being pushed to work faster. The place I am at has warm lunch in the OR doctors lounge but 2/3 of the days I never get time to eat. Heaven forbid a surgeon might have to wait five minutes between cases so you can grab a bite to eat. Plus every where you go they want you to take call. Working all night and not getting the next day off sucks but many places that’s the way they run the call schedule.

I can work steadily making 300K to 400K per year but the proliferation Anesthesia management company crooks prevent me from getting a job as group leader in a small town. Everywhere I look anesthesia groups are run by a$$holes or crooks, I have done some locums and every where you go there is another unbelievable story about how the dishonest leader of a group stole from the people doing the work.

I could have easily chosen Radiology when I chosen anesthesia since they were hurting for applicant at that time but I talked my self out of it fearing tele radiology would make it an unprofitable specialty plus I was not sure I could have taken looking at X-rays all day.

I was thinking of doing ER since it is a short residency and I probably would enjoy the variety of clinical experiences. I had wanted to do and ER residency but when I applied to Anesthesia it was when Anesthesia was unpopular so I while I was only able to only get into second tier ER program.
I was easily accepted in a big name Anesthesia residency. I do not think I could take another residency so I think my best choice is to leave medicine and go into Law. I think ER has some of the same Management company problems as Anesthesia.

Practicing law and being part of the problem seem like fun. In anesthesia you work hard and inevitably get screwed by the administration or the a$$hole who you have to work for who the administration gave the contract to. I just want to work for myself be my own boss and not have to kiss someone’s a$$. That does not seem like something you can do in Anesthesia any more.

You sound like the perfect candidate for a pain or critical care fellowship. Have you ever thought about it? The market is limitless right now in both these areas and it only takes 1 year. Even if you don't LOVE either of these areas you can always use it as an excuse to escape the ORs for a day or two a week if you decide to stay in a group.

 

[huron]

You sound like the perfect candidate for a pain or critical care fellowship. Have you ever thought about it? The market is limitless right now in both these areas and it only takes 1 year. Even if you don't LOVE either of these areas you can always use it as an excuse to escape the ORs for a day or two a week if you decide to stay in a group.

I don't want to upset Mil but I thought we lost critical care to the medicine doctors. I did a medicine internship and that was enough time in the ICU to last a lifetime for me.

I wasted a year doing a Pain Fellowship. I consider Pain as it is practiced by most anesthesiologists to be ineffective. Injection and procedures make money but they do not help the vast majority of the patients for long. The patients endure them for two reasons; 1) New patients, they are in pain and were told by the pain doctor and their referring doctor that the injection would help. 2) More experienced patients, who have entered into an unwritten contract with the pain doctor, that they endure more ineffective injections and the doctor will prescribe the schedule CII meds they require.

What helped pain patients is a talking to them, physical therapy, psychology and prescribing appropriate medicines. None of which pays very well. If you practice pain in a way that will help your patients you will be lucky to make as much as an internist.

I could practice pain the way I was taught, and as the anesthesia pain literature describes. But, I became a doctor to help people, so I wouldn't feel right about doing procedures on patients that I knew were ineffective.

 

[fakin' the funk]

The market is limitless right now in both these areas...

I hear this a lot. The other day I saw this figure: by 2020, the supply of intensivists will meet 22% of the demand.

On the other hand, I hear this a lot too: CCM by way of anesthesia will cost you a year of fellowship, a salary cut, and you'll work more hours, more unpredictably than you would in the OR.

So what's the deal? Will the current situation change, and the labor shortage will mean better hours and better pay for intensivists? Or are those projected figures way too high, and it'll stay the way it is now?

[Come to think of it, isn't there an intensivist shortage NOW?]

 

[huron]

I hear this a lot. The other day I saw this figure: by 2020, the supply of intensivists will meet 22% of the demand.

On the other hand, I hear this a lot too: CCM by way of anesthesia will cost you a year of fellowship, a salary cut, and you'll work more hours, more unpredictably than you would in the OR.

So what's the deal? Will the current situation change, and the labor shortage will mean better hours and better pay for intensivists? Or are those projected figures way too high, and it'll stay the way it is now?

[Come to think of it, isn't there an intensivist shortage NOW?]

Any time you hear predictions of a shortage especially in the distant future, you can grantee that it is just some self-serving nonsense by the people who would benefit most from a surplus of whatever they claim there is a shortage of.

There will always be a shortage of doctors. You will hear this nonsense about shortages of doctors until there are enough doctor that every job has dozens of applicant willing to work for what residents get paid. If that day ever comes they will not acknowledge that they were wrong, but claim next month, next year a new crisis will occur and we will be in the grips of another shortage.


Lies, damn lies and statistics.
- Mark Twain

 

[Planktonmd]

I don’t want to upset Mil but I thought we lost critical care to the medicine doctors. I did a medicine internship and that was enough time in the ICU to last a lifetime for me.

I wasted a year doing a Pain Fellowship. I consider Pain as it is practiced by most anesthesiologists to be ineffective. Injection and procedures make money but they do not help the vast majority of the patients for long. The patients endure them for two reasons; 1) New patients, they are in pain and were told by the pain doctor and their referring doctor that the injection would help. 2) More experienced patients, who have entered into an unwritten contract with the pain doctor, that they endure more ineffective injections and the doctor will prescribe the schedule CII meds they require.

What helped pain patients is a talking to them, physical therapy, psychology and prescribing appropriate medicines. None of which pays very well. If you practice pain in a way that will help your patients you will be lucky to make as much as an internist.

I could practice pain the way I was taught, and as the anesthesia pain literature describes. But, I became a doctor to help people, so I wouldn’t feel right about doing procedures on patients that I knew were ineffective.

Man... I agree with everything you said!
I even think that you might be more depressed about this specialty than I am which I didn't think possible!
It's sad to be so discouraged about a specialty I am so good at! Actually much better than alot of happy campers out there.

 

[Stimulate]

I hear this a lot. The other day I saw this figure: by 2020, the supply of intensivists will meet 22% of the demand.

On the other hand, I hear this a lot too: CCM by way of anesthesia will cost you a year of fellowship, a salary cut, and you'll work more hours, more unpredictably than you would in the OR.

So what's the deal? Will the current situation change, and the labor shortage will mean better hours and better pay for intensivists? Or are those projected figures way too high, and it'll stay the way it is now?

[Come to think of it, isn't there an intensivist shortage NOW?]

The "shortage" in critical care in my opinion has much to do with the upcoming glut of baby boomers who are living longer and longer. At my institution we have 85 year-olds having ascending aortic aneurysm repairs. The demand for these procedures and endovascular stents, etc. will increase the demand for ICU beds.

The intensivists that I work with say that they get job offers well over $400,000 range and some in the $600,000 ballpark.

However, you are absolutely correct about the hit you take in lifestyle with critical care. Part of the shortage means that there will be less intensivists to share the burden so that probably translates into more overnight calls, etc. I don't think critical care is a rosy lifestyle, you have to love the work.

I can agree with some aspects of what Huron says about pain. I am sure my pain experience is less than Huron's but I have seen patients do very well at our pain clinic. The advances in neuromodulation (spinal cord stimulators) are helping people who otherwise had no hope with the injections. But I do agree that without addressing the psych issues the patients likely won't get better.

 

[johankriek]

The intensivists that I work with say that they get job offers well over $400,000 range and some in the $600,000 ballpark.

.

well my friend.. they are lying through their teeth back in 2000 i was talking to critical care docs graduating and they were getting offers of 130-140. intensive care medicine is theoretically interesting, but its a pain in the ass to practice.. and you have to deal with nurses all *****ing day long..

 

[johankriek]

IEverywhere I look anesthesia groups are run by a$$holes or crooks, I have done some locums and every where you go there is another unbelievable story about how the dishonest leader of a group stole from the people doing the work.

I could have easily chosen Radiology when I chosen anesthesia since they were hurting for applicant at that time but I talked my self out of it fearing tele radiology would make it an unprofitable specialty plus I was not sure I could have taken looking at X-rays all day.

that is the problem with anesthesia. its tough to be your own boss. you have to cater to an dingus or a crook.. ( thats been my experience as well) look at mil md. its an ugly ugly business in america.. Everyone wants to make money off your sweat.. My advice to new grads is to absolutely not accept anything but immediate partnership or at the most one year.. When groups say they built a practice. remind them that anesthesiologists do not build practices. The surgeons bring them to the facility and you just happened to have an exclusive contract based on who knows what .they are just as expendable as you are.. all that needs to happn is a change in ceo of the hospital who can nix a whole anesthesia group at the drop of a hat.. those who think the job market is great and all... I will disabuse you of this notion.

 

[militarymd]

that is the problem with anesthesia. its tough to be your own boss. you have to cater to an dingus or a crook.. ( thats been my experience as well) look at mil md. its an ugly ugly business in america.. Everyone wants to make money off your sweat.. My advice to new grads is to absolutely not accept anything but immediate partnership or at the most one year.. When groups say they built a practice. remind them that anesthesiologists do not build practices. The surgeons bring them to the facility and you just happened to have an exclusive contract based on who knows what .they are just as expendable as you are.. all that needs to happn is a change in ceo of the hospital who can nix a whole anesthesia group at the drop of a hat.. those who think the job market is great and all... I will disabuse you of this notion.

OK, Johan,

I'm a crook....but somehow, I'm a crook who gets to "abuse" honest hard working guys like you....

I wonder why?

I've give you a hint....It's not kick backs...

 

[johankriek]

OK, Johan,

I'm a crook....but somehow, I'm a crook who gets to "abuse" honest hard working guys like you....

I wonder why?

I've give you a hint....It's not kick backs...

you aren't a crook, you are the other thing

 

[militarymd]

you aren't a crook, you are the other thing

OK, johan,

I'm an dingus....Have you ever wondered why an dingus gets to "abuse" honest hard working folks like yourself?

Why the surgeons and hospital CEO's think it is ok?

I'll give you another hint....It's not the kickbacks...




And to any moderators who care.....once again...naming calling....reason...I can only guess......envy???

 

[johankriek]

OK, johan,

I'm an dingus....Have you ever wondered why an dingus gets to "abuse" honest hard working folks like yourself?

Why the surgeons and hospital CEO's think it is ok?

I'll give you another hint....It's not the kickbacks...




And to any moderators who care.....once again...naming calling....reason...I can only guess......envy???

you dont abuse me... i am on the left coast making it work for myself my friend... Im an independent contractor..

 

[militarymd]

you dont abuse me... i am on the left coast making it work for myself my friend... Im an independent contractor..

You haven't answered my question.

 

[psychoticgas]

I have been a practicing anesthesiologist for 13 years now. 10 years in a specialty private practice and now 3 years in an academic position. One of the phenomenal things about anesthesia is the enormous flexibility that the specialty has. There are no million dollar buy-ins or enormous office staffs that tie you to a locale. It's easy to pack up and move your practice, assuming you aren't carrying around malpractice baggage with you. I gradually changed my practice from one of general peds to a very specialized subset of peds. On the other hand, acquaintances went from very challenging difficult cases to managing and running an outpatient surgery center. Critical Care, Pain, Peds, CT, OB - just about anything you want to do you can find in just about any part of the world.

If you are unhappy with anesthesia, it is more likely that you are unhappy with a lot of other things as well. It's a stupid title, but I highly recommend a small book titled "Who Moved Your Cheese." Any practice of medicine consists of 95% of doing the same thing - whether its psychiatry (anxiety/depression), internal medicine (GI reflux and URI), pediatrics (ear infections and well-baby checks), or the surgical specialties. You have to find your happiness in the 95% or outside of medicine. The same is largely true of any career - I've rarely met a happy attorney!

 

[johankriek]

OK, johan,

I'm an dingus....Have you ever wondered why an dingus gets to "abuse" honest hard working folks like yourself?

Why the surgeons and hospital CEO's think it is ok?

I'll give you another hint....It's not the kickbacks...




And to any moderators who care.....once again...naming calling....reason...I can only guess......envy???

the surgeons...thats laughable.. they couldnt care less who is giving anesthesia.. if they looked over the drapes and saw a monkey turning the dials i w ould venture to say that 45 percent of them wouldnt say anything if the ape did what they ask.... so i dont think the surgeons have anything to do with you being the boss.. It prolly has more to do with connection.. who you know.. and possible political influence... it definitely has nothing to do with your ability to put a spinal in or how smart you are and how much problem solving acumen you have.. so give that one a rest

 

[militarymd]

the surgeons...thats laughable.. they couldnt care less who is giving anesthesia.. if they looked over the drapes and saw a monkey turning the dials i w ould venture to say that 45 percent of them wouldnt say anything if the ape did what they ask.... so i dont think the surgeons have anything to do with you being the boss.. It prolly has more to do with connection.. who you know.. and possible political influence... it definitely has nothing to do with your ability to put a spinal in or how smart you are and how much problem solving acumen you have.. so give that one a rest

joh,

why are you so bitter?

why do you need to put down people because they are successful in the business of medicine?

What's going on?

Tell us more.

 

[nimbus]

I have been a practicing anesthesiologist for 13 years now. 10 years in a specialty private practice and now 3 years in an academic position. One of the phenomenal things about anesthesia is the enormous flexibility that the specialty has. There are no million dollar buy-ins or enormous office staffs that tie you to a locale. It's easy to pack up and move your practice, assuming you aren't carrying around malpractice baggage with you. I gradually changed my practice from one of general peds to a very specialized subset of peds. On the other hand, acquaintances went from very challenging difficult cases to managing and running an outpatient surgery center. Critical Care, Pain, Peds, CT, OB - just about anything you want to do you can find in just about any part of the world.

If you are unhappy with anesthesia, it is more likely that you are unhappy with a lot of other things as well. It's a stupid title, but I highly recommend a small book titled "Who Moved Your Cheese." Any practice of medicine consists of 95% of doing the same thing - whether its psychiatry (anxiety/depression), internal medicine (GI reflux and URI), pediatrics (ear infections and well-baby checks), or the surgical specialties. You have to find your happiness in the 95% or outside of medicine. The same is largely true of any career - I've rarely met a happy attorney!

You are spot on.

I would like to add that it is much easier to find happiness when you are with people you like and respect. Anesthesia, and medicine in general, is good because it attracts very few scumballs. Predatory groups and management companies are still the exception rather than the rule. 99% of my fellow anesthesiologists, surgeons, nurses, and techs I work with are decent, hardworking human beings. They are not out to make a buck at someone else's expense. They make coming to work a pleasure. Try to find that in financial services, sales, insurance, real estate, etc.

 

[johankriek]

joh,
Tell us more.

No you tell me more..

 

[militarymd]

No you tell me more..

What's up with the hostility?

Why the bitterness with your life?

You say you're happy, but based on your posts, you obviously feel that you have been boxed into an area of the country or a job that you aren't happy with.

Tell us about it.

What do you want me to tell you?

There really isn't anything to tell.

 

[cfdavid]

You are spot on.

I would like to add that it is much easier to find happiness when you are with people you like and respect. Anesthesia, and medicine in general, is good because it attracts very few scumballs. Predatory groups and management companies are still the exception rather than the rule. 99% of my fellow anesthesiologists, surgeons, nurses, and techs I work with are decent, hardworking human beings. They are not out to make a buck at someone else's expense. They make coming to work a pleasure. Try to find that in financial services, sales, insurance, real estate, etc.

So true. Granted I'm just a med student, but I've come from the business world after 9 years in sales and engineering. It was a good field, but the people I'm surrounded with in med school are great. They're smart, typically nice, hardworking, and generally have a good attitude. I'm so much happier now than I was in my previous career. It's been the best move I've ever made.

Now, I just hope this attitude lasts over the long term...lol

 

[lvspro]

yo
Been kinda busy with the whole internship thing, but the tone of this thread is taking a slant towards business, so I had to chime in.

Anytime there's money on the table, you have to expect that someone is trying to **** you. To think otherwise is naive, and may be borderline stupid. You always have to try to stack the deck in your favor.

I see a ton of healthcare money spent on crap tests in academia, but I don't think that it's been wasted (ya gotta learn). So, from that point of view I can see why doc are so green when they finish residency, but that doesn't excuse them from having a lack of street smarts. I'm a hard worker, easy to get along with, and am pretty flexible, so when I finish residency, I'll make sure that I'm getting paid for these qualities (I'm assuming my skills are at my standard, which is typically much higher than average). Note the bold, and the first sentence of P2, as they are the point I'm trying to make.

That being said, you can't be a dikc all the time with the assumption that the group is out to get you... just when $$$ on the table.

Oh, and by the way, if you feel like signing a contract to be made partner in 3 years, get paid 140k in the interim, and be on call Q4, then I have this wonderful array of rocks that look great in front yards for the low price of 1K/rock.🙄

Well, I have a pt s/p massive thalamic CVA 5 mo ago, has multiple ulcers S4/3, a dry gangrenenous foot, a trach/peg/foley who's septic I have to go keep alive for a family that refuses to let go, so off I go to be a hero

 

[boulux]

Is this stuff written by real doctors???

 

[hotdogz]

Hi folks, long time peruser of the site, but don't post too much. This is an interesting topic since I am definitely relating to it. I came out med school not matching into anesthesia. Felt really bummed, depressed, etc. Then I tried during my internship and same result. But by some miracle, I was able to land a spot literally 2 weeks before CA1 year started. I was ecstatic and the whole fam was happy. Granted it was at a real low tier program mostly made up of foreign grads, but I was thrilled. AFter doing this for 5 months, I can say that I am having extensive mixed feelings about this profression.
EArly on, I wanted to quit, but I talked with several people who said this was a normal feeling. I even tried transferring into another field of medicine, but the program chose someone else, so I was stuck in anesthesia. I'm getting used to it now, getting somewhat better in it too, but still long way to go.
I couldn't agree more with that person who said do anesthesia cuz you enjoy it, not cuz of the lifestyle, like I did as well as others (I admit it). I followed the hype of money and life, not knowing the reality. This job can be very stressful at times and that is often overlooked when the young ones are choosing fields. I even was considering going into finance and talked with many people (anesthesiologists) who actually made the switch. I still might choose this avenue, but probably after finishing residency, who knows.

For me, I want to make my life easy and that means no call, no weekends. So I have the option of surgicenter, where volume is the name of the game and that is also stressful (fast pace, no breaks). So, I'm thinking this (option2). My uncle is a GI guy, has a great practice, 3 offices, and only expanding. He said he would be willing to hire me to work his GI suite and pay me a decent salary. I would be an independent contractor I guess, not sure. But hours are good, no weekends, holidays, or call. I know the work will get monotonous, but that's where you realize what means more to you. With this time, I plan on trying different business ventures. Even talking with some of my seniors and at other programs, no one is in anesthesia for the long haul (I can't do this for the rest of my life) and they plan on making some money and investing right and getting out. Oh and for you future pain junkies, be forewarned that pretty soon, pain is going to be a 2 year fellowship and they are cutting about 30 programs, so watch out. This is my thinking right now. I would appreciate comments on option 2 that I wrote. And for all the true anesthesiologists who love it, my greatest respect for you guys.

 

[toughlife]

I guess not one of the posters complaining about anesthesia has ever been hungry as in not knowing where you next meal will come from. Well I have, and listening to people complain of how boring work is or how difficult life as an anesthesiologist can be is just silly.

You folks need to get your backpack and travel somewhere where people have to scavenge at a landfill just to find a meal. That should hopefully put things in perspective for you and will show you how bad you really have it on your $250K a year salary.

Do me a favor and just hold on to all the bad jobs and when I finish residency I would be more than happy to take it from you so you can pursue other areas.

 

[Planktonmd]

Hi folks, long time peruser of the site, but don't post too much. This is an interesting topic since I am definitely relating to it. I came out med school not matching into anesthesia. Felt really bummed, depressed, etc. Then I tried during my internship and same result. But by some miracle, I was able to land a spot literally 2 weeks before CA1 year started. I was ecstatic and the whole fam was happy. Granted it was at a real low tier program mostly made up of foreign grads, but I was thrilled. AFter doing this for 5 months, I can say that I am having extensive mixed feelings about this profression.
EArly on, I wanted to quit, but I talked with several people who said this was a normal feeling. I even tried transferring into another field of medicine, but the program chose someone else, so I was stuck in anesthesia. I'm getting used to it now, getting somewhat better in it too, but still long way to go.
I couldn't agree more with that person who said do anesthesia cuz you enjoy it, not cuz of the lifestyle, like I did as well as others (I admit it). I followed the hype of money and life, not knowing the reality. This job can be very stressful at times and that is often overlooked when the young ones are choosing fields. I even was considering going into finance and talked with many people (anesthesiologists) who actually made the switch. I still might choose this avenue, but probably after finishing residency, who knows.

For me, I want to make my life easy and that means no call, no weekends. So I have the option of surgicenter, where volume is the name of the game and that is also stressful (fast pace, no breaks). So, I'm thinking this (option2). My uncle is a GI guy, has a great practice, 3 offices, and only expanding. He said he would be willing to hire me to work his GI suite and pay me a decent salary. I would be an independent contractor I guess, not sure. But hours are good, no weekends, holidays, or call. I know the work will get monotonous, but that's where you realize what means more to you. With this time, I plan on trying different business ventures. Even talking with some of my seniors and at other programs, no one is in anesthesia for the long haul (I can't do this for the rest of my life) and they plan on making some money and investing right and getting out. Oh and for you future pain junkies, be forewarned that pretty soon, pain is going to be a 2 year fellowship and they are cutting about 30 programs, so watch out. This is my thinking right now. I would appreciate comments on option 2 that I wrote. And for all the true anesthesiologists who love it, my greatest respect for you guys.

If your future plans are to work full time in a GI center, I suggest that you quit now!
I can't think of anything more depressing than being the GI Anesthesiolgist!
( the GI Doc's whipping boy).
This is a job you could do when you are 65 years old and unable to retire because you had 6 children and 3 different wives that you support!
Who knows what the future of the specialty is?
We still make very decent money and in a better position than many other specialties (think Family practice, pediatrics....)
It's funny but I actually feel a little optimistic today 🙂
You just need to master the art of being invisible and "flexible".
There are people on this board who can actually write books on the subject of flexibility 🙂
Just remember it's a job and you get paid to do it.
And one more advice : don't get sued too much... it really sucks!

 

[VolatileAgent]

You just need to master the art of being invisible and "flexible".

flexible, yes. invisible, no.

 

[hotdogz]

Plankton, the GI doc is my uncle and I will not be his whipping boy...maybe that's the part you play with the surgeons, but that will not be me. I will be enjoying going home at 3 pm and have my weekends, nights, and holidays to myself and my family, which define me, not my career. Oh, and I will try and not get sued, cuz that can happen anywhere right?
You know I thought long and hard about the depressing nature of the job if I accept my uncle's proposition. I wondered how the anesthesiology world would view it or look down upon it. But then I woke up and realized who the **** cares what the anesthesiology community thinks. Residency is residency. Once you're done, it's about getting paid, not the great cases you get. Don't get me wrong, i'm not money driven. Rather, I value my free time more to try other things and that's great about anesthesia, you can work as much as you want to. And as many of you have stated, none of you want to work for an anesthesia management company or some bloke partner who is reaping profits off of your hard work.

 

[A-non-y-mous]

You guys are all quite depressing.

 

[Planktonmd]

Plankton, the GI doc is my uncle and I will not be his whipping boy...maybe that's the part you play with the surgeons, but that will not be me. I will be enjoying going home at 3 pm

Man, If you do only MAC for GI procedures, I bet you aything you will forget everything you learned in residency in about a year!
The only place where you can work will be the GI suite!
And when insurance stops paying for GI anesthesia (soon) what are you going to do?

 

[salmonella]

I thought for GI endoscopy you only need conscious sedation; nurses just push midazolam...why need anesthesiologist?

 

[bigeyedfish]

Oh and for you future pain junkies, be forewarned that pretty soon, pain is going to be a 2 year fellowship and they are cutting about 30 programs, so watch out.

What is your source for this info?

 

[hotdogz]

I found out about pain from a friend who went to the ASA this year. She heard it from her attending. This was also confirmed from a pain guy at my institution. It isn't finalized, but it will happen. Not sure when it will take effect, but figure in the next 3-5 years, if not sooner.

 

[Disciple]

I think it remains to be seen. The new mulitdisciplinary pain fellowship guidelines were revised to take effect 7/07. Changing them again would take agreement from the Gas, PM&R, Neuro and Psyche RRCs. And then you have the competing agenda of those who want to create the "pain residency".

My guess is that "cutting" 30 programs is an estimate of the number of fellowships that will lose accreditation by not meeting the revised ACGME guidelines.

Overall I don't think it will matter that much in the grand scheme of things. Come January, pain is set to take a big hit with both office and ASC based procedures. Legislation is still pending regarding "specialty hospitals".

 

[mille125]

Never..never pick a specialty based on what you believe the job market will be.... the so called expert are always wrong.....pick something that you like

 

[mille125]

the cuts in pain management is not as bad for ASC doctors as it is for office based doctors.... the cuts may force some pain doctors back into a situation where they actually have to talk to patients

 

[HomerSimpson]

I guess not one of the posters complaining about anesthesia has ever been hungry as in not knowing where you next meal will come from. Well I have, and listening to people complain of how boring work is or how difficult life as an anesthesiologist can be is just silly.

You folks need to get your backpack and travel somewhere where people have to scavenge at a landfill just to find a meal. That should hopefully put things in perspective for you and will show you how bad you really have it on your $250K a year salary.

Do me a favor and just hold on to all the bad jobs and when I finish residency I would be more than happy to take it from you so you can pursue other areas.

Totally agree with you. I used to clean office buildings at night before med school. We used to get lunch breaks during those jobs. Believe that doesn't make it worth it.

Another thing. my brother-in-law is a non-equity partner in a pretty big multispecialty corporate law firm in town. (BTW the Top equity partner in this firm makes $3-10 million/yr off the backs of his associates and guys like my bro) He works 60-70 hour weeks and travels at least 2 times a month to small towns in the state. He's been there 5 yrs and gets paid about 120K. Hardly sees his family. He is happy though because he loves doing it. Ask yourself this question: if you take all the BS out of it(lack of respect administrative BS etc) would you enjoy providing anesthesia? If the answer is no then go find what your looking for. If yes then keep gassing em up, and try not to think about it. There's worse stuff you could be doing.

 

[LilJohn]

anonymous: "Depressing." Well, unfortunately a lot of this stuff is the shameful truth.

Huron and hotdogz posts are sooo f-ing right on. I'm a CA1 and hate being screwed over all the time, put in ass kissing situations.
I was hoping that a pain fellowship would change the workplace dynamic and of course allow more free time, a better lifestyle. Curse me if it's 2 years, but will have to deal if so.

I know I'm not alone, just glad to hear you guys tell it like it is.

 

[salmonella]

anonymous: "Depressing." Well, unfortunately a lot of this stuff is the shameful truth.

Huron and hotdogz posts are sooo f-ing right on. I'm a CA1 and hate being screwed over all the time, put in ass kissing situations.
I was hoping that a pain fellowship would change the workplace dynamic and of course allow more free time, a better lifestyle. Curse me if it's 2 years, but will have to deal if so.

I know I'm not alone, just glad to hear you guys tell it like it is.

Can you elaborate more on how you were "screwed over all the time" and what "ass kissing situations" were you involved in?