Attitudes toward anesthesia: Academia vs PP

[bearcatdoc]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I'm an MSIV applying to anesthesia and I'm having 2nd thoughts about the issue of respect toward anesthesiologists. Wait, hold on, don't stop reading! I know there are a thousand threads on this subject so hear me out. My question is this:

Is there a difference in attitude toward anesthesiologists in private practice vs academia? As a med student, I've only had the chance to see what it's like on the academic side. I hear that the general atmosphere in the OR at smaller community hospitals can (in general) be more laid back compared to large academic centers. Obviously in PP the caseload and pace are much faster as it is more profit driven and there are no residents to train. But overall, is there more of a "team effort" attitude between anesthesiologists and surgeons in PP?

Is there anyone out there who has worked in both settings and can compare?

 

[epidural man]

I'm an MSIV applying to anesthesia and I'm having 2nd thoughts about the issue of respect toward anesthesiologists. Wait, hold on, don't stop reading! I know there are a thousand threads on this subject so hear me out. My question is this:

Is there a difference in attitude toward anesthesiologists in private practice vs academia? As a med student, I've only had the chance to see what it's like on the academic side. I hear that the general atmosphere in the OR at smaller community hospitals can (in general) be more laid back compared to large academic centers. Obviously in PP the caseload and pace are much faster as it is more profit driven and there are no residents to train. But overall, is there more of a "team effort" attitude between anesthesiologists and surgeons in PP?

Is there anyone out there who has worked in both settings and can compare?

I have worked in both settings - but not a ton. But at a lot of different places.

Here is my take.

PP - folks care about money and time - This sets up a nice system - people for the most part know their roles.

Academics - folks care about getting out of work. This sets up a lot of anamosity between all specialties - not just between surgeons and anesthesia. Between orthospine and neurosurg, between cards and cardiothoracic, between neurology and PMR, etc. It's nuts sometimes.

 

[cfdavid]

Hey OP. I've heard that, in general, relationships tend to be a bit better in PP versus academia where it may be more hostile.

As a general rule, anesthesiology is a "service" job. Provided standard of care is met and patient safety is not jeopardized, I personally view our role as "facilitators" of surgery (or whatever procedure). I don't see how one can "minimize" the fact that the surgeon's do bring in the business (and bring patients to US). So, it is what it is. I think you need to be comfortable with that.

My other take on the whole respect thing is that good anesthesiologists are indeed respected and valued amongst our surgical colleagues. But, at the same time, it's probably rare that you'll get a pat on the back or atta boy from too many surgeons. Again, to me, one needs to be cool with that.

 

[pgg]

As a general rule, anesthesiology is a "service" job. Provided standard of care is met and patient safety is not jeopardized, I personally view our role as "facilitators" of surgery (or whatever procedure). I don't see how one can "minimize" the fact that the surgeon's do bring in the business (and bring patients to US). So, it is what it is. I think you need to be comfortable with that.

My other take on the whole respect thing is that good anesthesiologists are indeed respected and valued amongst our surgical colleagues. But, at the same time, it's probably rare that you'll get a pat on the back or atta boy from too many surgeons. Again, to me, one needs to be cool with that.

I agree with all of this.

Patients come to the hospital for surgery, not anesthesia.

Surgeons respect and appreciate good, safe anesthesia with a bare minimum of delays for consults, labs, or other concerns that keep them out of the OR.


Most surgeons know the score.