If you could go back, would you still choose Anesthesiology?

[Gracile]

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Considering all the talk about CRNAs etc, would you attendings/residents still choose Anesthesiology as a specialty if you could go back in time?

 

[IlDestriero]

Considering all the talk about CRNAs etc, would you attendings/residents still choose Anesthesiology as a specialty if you could go back in time?

Yes. But I've been in the game for a while and practice in an area that's not likely to be independent CRNA practice in my lifetime, if ever. If salaries drop 30%, that's not going to kill me either.

 

[Idiopathic]

yes, even with the turmoil and fear of the unknown.

now, would i choose medicine...thats another question, but one i like to think id answer yes to.

 

[maceo]

yes, even with the turmoil and fear of the unknown.

now, would i choose medicine...thats another question, but one i like to think id answer yes to.

I would not choose anesthesiology again and it has nothing to do with the CRNAs and more to do with the inherent lack of autonomy with the specialty, the amount of call we take, the little respect.. but mostly the lack of autonomy. i would do diag radiology and would set up a reading room in my bedroom and never leave the house..

 

[Mman]

Would I do it again? Absolutely. I LOVE my job. If I won the lottery, I'd still do it just for fun. If they cut my salary to $100K per year and treated me equivalent to a CRNA, I'd still do it.

I get to take the sick and scared and guide them safely and comfortably through one of the biggest and scariest moments of their lives. And if I do my job correctly, it's a mostly forgettable experience for them. But each day is unique and each case is unique and it always keeps me on my toes.

 

[cfdavid]

I would not choose anesthesiology again and it has nothing to do with the CRNAs and more to do with the inherent lack of autonomy with the specialty, the amount of call we take, the little respect.. but mostly the lack of autonomy. i would do diag radiology and would set up a reading room in my bedroom and never leave the house..

Then you better be willing to do it for 1/4 of the current salary, because you could very well be competing against a U.S. trained Indian dude who's doing the same thing from his mansion in Mumbai.....

I know you're speaking tongue-in-cheeck, but unless global economics changes drastically, if it can be out-sourced, it will be, eventually.

 

[maceo]

Then you better be willing to do it for 1/4 of the current salary, because you could very well be competing against a U.S. trained Indian dude who's doing the same thing from his mansion in Mumbai.....

I know you're speaking tongue-in-cheeck, but unless global economics changes drastically, if it can be out-sourced, it will be, eventually.

how many indian board cert us trained radiologists do you think there are living abroad enough to make a dent in the job market in the us. cmon.

 

[cfdavid]

how many indian board cert us trained radiologists do you think there are living abroad enough to make a dent in the job market in the us. cmon.

I don't know. But, I'm coming across many foreign residents intending to go back to their home countries with their US training/BC's. The one's from India know they won't command similar salaries as in the US, but often tought the lifestyle and cost of living benefits.

I do think reading films could be extremely vulnerable as the bottom line becomes ever more ruthless and medicine becomes increasingly subject to the sorts of economic pressures that other "businesses" have been for pretty much ever......

cf

 

[Consigliere]

I would not choose anesthesiology again and it has nothing to do with the CRNAs and more to do with the inherent lack of autonomy with the specialty, the amount of call we take, the little respect.. but mostly the lack of autonomy. i would do diag radiology and would set up a reading room in my bedroom and never leave the house..

Dude I am SO with you on this....

 

[Monty Python]

Then you better be willing to do it for 1/4 of the current salary, because you could very well be competing against a U.S. trained Indian dude who's doing the same thing from his mansion in Mumbai.....

I know you're speaking tongue-in-cheeck, but unless global economics changes drastically, if it can be out-sourced, it will be, eventually.

My hospital now digitally transmits the imaging studies to another country on the other side of the planet. About 20 minutes later out spits a faxed report.

 

[pgg]

My hospital now digitally transmits the imaging studies to another country on the other side of the planet. About 20 minutes later out spits a faxed report.

Here too. Australia reads an awful lot of midnight films and CTs done at the community hospital where I moonlight. Granted, Australia isn't India, and I don't think they're saving any money outsourcing it - there just aren't any American radiologists willing to move and work graveyard shift here.

Is it REALLY too far of a stretch to think that in 10 or 20 years that there will be both
a) a horde of radiologists able to read films in a basement in India
b) data showing that they do just as good a job ... or "good enough"

Radiology is cool, but there is no other specialty as vulnerable to technology as it is. I don't think they face a huge outsourcing threat within the next 20 years ... but then again this thread is about 'doing it over again' starting now.

 

[maceo]

Here too. Australia reads an awful lot of midnight films and CTs done at the community hospital where I moonlight. Granted, Australia isn't India, and I don't think they're saving any money outsourcing it - there just aren't any American radiologists willing to move and work graveyard shift here.

Is it REALLY too far of a stretch to think that in 10 or 20 years that there will be both
a) a horde of radiologists able to read films in a basement in India
b) data showing that they do just as good a job ... or "good enough"

Radiology is cool, but there is no other specialty as vulnerable to technology as it is. I don't think they face a huge outsourcing threat within the next 20 years ... but then again this thread is about 'doing it over again' starting now.

the standard is bd certified radiologist. I doubt there are many of those in australia or india for that matter.. and of those that are there I doubt many of them will be willing to read those films.

 

[pgg]

the standard is bd certified radiologist. I doubt there are many of those in australia or india for that matter.. and of those that are there I doubt many of them will be willing to read those films.

The point is that outsourcing diagnostic radiology services to other countries is already happening and there's no reason to think it won't continue to happen.

You're full of doom & gloom about the looming CRNA takeover and destruction of the anesthesiology specialty by NURSES because they're "good enough" but somehow outsourced CT reads by DOCTORS won't ever be "good enough" also?

 

[countingdays]

The point is that outsourcing diagnostic radiology services to other countries is already happening and there's no reason to think it won't continue to happen.

You're full of doom & gloom about the looming CRNA takeover and destruction of the anesthesiology specialty by NURSES because they're "good enough" but somehow outsourced CT reads by DOCTORS won't ever be "good enough" also?

CRNAs are licensed to practice medicine in the US (as long as they call it nursing). Foreign doctors are NOT licensed to practice medicine in the US. How are they getting around this? Practicing medicine without a license is a felony. Sure they are not physically present in the US, but this isn't a case of medical tourism. The medical care is sought and received in the US. I wonder how the courts would treat the tele-docs with regard to practicing without a license and in malpractice suits.

 

[IlDestriero]

CRNAs are licensed to practice medicine in the US (as long as they call it nursing). Foreign doctors are NOT licensed to practice medicine in the US. How are they getting around this? Practicing medicine without a license is a felony. Sure they are not physically present in the US, but this isn't a case of medical tourism. The medical care is sought and received in the US. I wonder how the courts would treat the tele-docs with regard to practicing without a license and in malpractice suits.

The radiologists that my old Military hospital used on weekends and after hours were licensed in the US, but located in India. Perfectly legal.

 

[Monty Python]

..... Foreign doctors are NOT licensed to practice medicine in the US. How are they getting around this? Practicing medicine without a license is a felony. Sure they are not physically present in the US, but this isn't a case of medical tourism. The medical care is sought and received in the US. I wonder how the courts would treat the tele-docs with regard to practicing without a license and in malpractice suits.

Now that is a very interesting perspective. My .02:

Our images are obtained here in the US and transmitted to Australia. The radiologist reading it (an Australian physician) is doing so in Australia. The report is typed on Australian letterhead, and faxed from an Australian phone number.

Is the radiologist practicing medicine? Yes. In the US? I would say "no." He/she is merely interpreting a study conducted in the US (which he did not personally order) and which was presented to him to interpret in the country where he is licensed.

Regarding liability and reimbursement: those are two other cans o' worms which I don't even want to begin contemplating.

 

[cfdavid]

Now it's happening in Law. The bottom line, and a major challenge for maintaining standards of living in developed nations, is that there's SO much poverty around the world and an almost LIMITLESS cheap labor pool to boot. So, unless citizens of developed nations begin demanding protection from these things, we're entering uncharted waters. When does it end?? I don't think it does, is the point.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aBo8DnfekWZQ

 

[Southpaw]

Regarding liability and reimbursement: those are two other cans o' worms which I don't even want to begin contemplating.

I have to believe that, if I were the patient, and management of my disease was based on this read (by an Australian physician not licensed in the US) and something went severely wrong, based on a misread of the study, that I'd own the hospital.

 

[BLADEMDA]

Considering all the talk about CRNAs etc, would you attendings/residents still choose Anesthesiology as a specialty if you could go back in time?

No. My Board Scores and grades in Medical School allowed me many other options. In my day, the DNAP Solo CRNA was still fantasy. In 2015 it becomes reality for many CRNA programs.

Of Course, I wasn't seeking a lifestyle specialty like many of today's students.

I would look for a specialty without Advanced Practice Nurses and high economic earning potential.

 

[Metalblade]

I would not to Anesthesia. I would pick a profession with less liability and more autonomy. Most hospitals I've been at, I've been at the beck and call of surgeons, because surgeons bring in money to the hospital and I don't.

 

[cfdavid]

No. My Board Scores and grades in Medical School allowed me many other options. In my day, the DNAP Solo CRNA was still fantasy. In 2015 it becomes reality for many CRNA programs.

Of Course, I wasn't seeking a lifestyle specialty like many of today's students.

I would look for a specialty without Advanced Practice Nurses and high economic earning potential.

Blade, good luck. Sure, mid-levels aren't doing nearly what they are in anesthesia but just wait. It seems every specialty is using them, from cards to neurosurg..... They may be more "tame" in other specialties NOW, but who knows what their position will be in 10 years. I'm already hearing random "chatter" coming from mid-levels in certain specialties like cards of all specialties.... This chatter is increasingly antagonistic.

***However, as other specialists begin to see the downside of using (misusing is really the key word) mid-levels, physicians will band together. I'm already seeing this in my training, and even cards fellows complaining about mid-level providers and "substandard" care.

And, the motives are similar. A mix of supply/demand mismatch as well as profit motive. The procedural specialties can make more cash while mid-level "extenders" manage their patients in the ICU's and on the floors. This is happening across almost all subspecialties that do procedures. And, that's the key. You don't (at least I haven't) seen this in Rheumatology or ID......

 

[Gas]

Anesthesiologists get treated like second-class citizens at the hospital. We get no respect, and if we do speak up about something, we get labeled as "disruptive" or "inappropriate." I would pick a specialty that gets treated well. Makes for a better work environment and better job security. Surgery or the surgical subspecialties come to mind.

 

[pgg]

Anesthesiology may not be the best specialty for people who need constant reaffirmation of their worth from other people.

I'm never quite sure what to make of these Rodney Dangerfield 'get no respect' posts. I can't say I've ever witnessed systemic disrespect and abuse of anesthesia at any hospital I've worked in (unless it was residents getting abused).

Is this rampant disrespect out there merely a lack of hearing 'attaboy' or 'thank you' ... or is there more to it?

 

[BLADEMDA]

Blade, good luck. Sure, mid-levels aren't doing nearly what they are in anesthesia but just wait. It seems every specialty is using them, from cards to neurosurg..... They may be more "tame" in other specialties NOW, but who knows what their position will be in 10 years. I'm already hearing random "chatter" coming from mid-levels in certain specialties like cards of all specialties.... This chatter is increasingly antagonistic.

***However, as other specialists begin to see the downside of using (misusing is really the key word) mid-levels, physicians will band together. I'm already seeing this in my training, and even cards fellows complaining about mid-level providers and "substandard" care.

And, the motives are similar. A mix of supply/demand mismatch as well as profit motive. The procedural specialties can make more cash while mid-level "extenders" manage their patients in the ICU's and on the floors. This is happening across almost all subspecialties that do procedures. And, that's the key. You don't (at least I haven't) seen this in Rheumatology or ID......

I don't need the "luck" as my career path is set. Anesthesiology has been great to me. However, the future does not look nearly as good for you. With militant DNAP CRNAs just around the corner and opt-out coming to a state near you I wish you the best of luck.

 

[BLADEMDA]

Mississippi CRNA

Meridian, MS
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I am a practicing CRNA for in Mississippi. I trained at Wake Forest Baptist MEdical Center in Winton-Salem, NC. right along-side anesthesia residents. I sit every type of case. Heads, Hearts,Peds, OB.... you name , I sit it. I have a really big problem with the views of some MDAs. I work with 20 CRNAs and 4 MDAs. I think it is imperative to maintain a professional collegial attitude towards each other. No, I dont think it is right for MDAs to walk the halls and peek in every couple of hours to see if things are okay, and tell the pateints they put them to sleep. I always tell every patient that I am a CRNA and that I will be administering the anesthesia.
The MDAs know they have got it good for now, but in the town where I work, the change is coming. The movement from supervised to unsupervised cases is a happening thing. Our MDAs are worried about it, so worried that they will not let any CRNAs place any blocks (SAB, EPidurals, Ax block, ISB, etc) because "if the CRNA does the blocks, it will reinforce to the surgeons and to hospital administrators that the MDAs are not needed." It is a territory and money thing. This is word-for-word what our MDAs tell us, but what doesn't make sense is why we as CRNAs can induce a patient under general anesthesia place an ET airway, and maintain stable vitals for a 3-4 hour AAA, placing all invasive monitors by OURSELVES, but not any blocks..... Hmmmmmm. I don't understand... MDAs are getting desparate. And with ObamaCARE in the air, DO you think hospitals are going to keep paying 500k MDAs when they can employ 2 CRNAs to do more work which turns more revenue? You answer that...
As CRNAs, we do have it good, but we have also earned our keep in the OR, ER, ICU....
And who do you want to intubate you?

Some one who does it everyday 5-10 times/day, or someone who just stands at the door looks in and leaves, but takes all the credit?

Personally, I'll take the CRNA.

 

[cfdavid]

I don't need the "luck" as my career path is set. Anesthesiology has been great to me. However, the future does not look nearly as good for you. With militant DNAP CRNAs just around the corner and opt-out coming to a state near you I wish you the best of luck.

I understand. The new generation will need to be innovative, proactive, and very hard working. We'll need fellowships. We'll need to look for ways to add ADDITIONAL value to the chain. It is what it is. I'm up for the challenge, and I know of many others who are as well.

 

[CrazyJake]

The majority of residents in my program welcome the challenge too. The years of 'ez' change for CRNA's is over, as there will be more pushback from the younger generation...we've learned first hand how doing nothing over the last 20 yrs works.

I'm still trying to figure how 'independent' CRNA's are going to take all this call (which is typically after 4pm and weekends-which they refuse to work in our area) and pay malpractice (assume full responsibility)...hospitals may pay for a claim or 2, but that will get old fast. My buddy who is a lawyer told me last week that 'his eyes light up when he has a client come in and had care from a CRNA.' haha. He then told me that 'he starts to drool and get giddy.'

Goodluck independent CRNA...you'll be the best thing for my future!!

Now I'm giddy.
CJ

 

[CrazyJake]

Also...from what I've heard/read about the Obama Healthcare reform that is no mention of eliminating lawyers. Until that happens, Anesthesiologist aren't going anywhere.

CJ

 

[maceo]

Mississippi CRNA

Meridian, MS
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I am a practicing CRNA for in Mississippi. I trained at Wake Forest Baptist MEdical Center in Winton-Salem, NC. right along-side anesthesia residents. I sit every type of case. Heads, Hearts,Peds, OB.... you name , I sit it. I have a really big problem with the views of some MDAs. I work with 20 CRNAs and 4 MDAs. I think it is imperative to maintain a professional collegial attitude towards each other. No, I dont think it is right for MDAs to walk the halls and peek in every couple of hours to see if things are okay, and tell the pateints they put them to sleep. I always tell every patient that I am a CRNA and that I will be administering the anesthesia.
The MDAs know they have got it good for now, but in the town where I work, the change is coming. The movement from supervised to unsupervised cases is a happening thing. Our MDAs are worried about it, so worried that they will not let any CRNAs place any blocks (SAB, EPidurals, Ax block, ISB, etc) because "if the CRNA does the blocks, it will reinforce to the surgeons and to hospital administrators that the MDAs are not needed." It is a territory and money thing. This is word-for-word what our MDAs tell us, but what doesn't make sense is why we as CRNAs can induce a patient under general anesthesia place an ET airway, and maintain stable vitals for a 3-4 hour AAA, placing all invasive monitors by OURSELVES, but not any blocks..... Hmmmmmm. I don't understand... MDAs are getting desparate. And with ObamaCARE in the air, DO you think hospitals are going to keep paying 500k MDAs when they can employ 2 CRNAs to do more work which turns more revenue? You answer that...
As CRNAs, we do have it good, but we have also earned our keep in the OR, ER, ICU....
And who do you want to intubate you?

Some one who does it everyday 5-10 times/day, or someone who just stands at the door looks in and leaves, but takes all the credit?

Personally, I'll take the CRNA.

blade where did you get this garbage. This guy is a complete jack ass. it is clear that this joker hasnt done enough cases. he is unsupervised until something happens that is bad then he is supervised. and he thinks anesthesia is intubating.. in that case any respiratory therapist can do anesthesia.....

 

[maceo]

Mississippi CRNA

Meridian, MS
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I am a practicing CRNA for in Mississippi. I trained at Wake Forest Baptist MEdical Center in Winton-Salem, NC. right along-side anesthesia residents. I sit every type of case. Heads, Hearts,Peds, OB.... you name , I sit it. I have a really big problem with the views of some MDAs. I work with 20 CRNAs and 4 MDAs. I think it is imperative to maintain a professional collegial attitude towards each other. No, I dont think it is right for MDAs to walk the halls and peek in every couple of hours to see if things are okay, and tell the pateints they put them to sleep. I always tell every patient that I am a CRNA and that I will be administering the anesthesia.
The MDAs know they have got it good for now, but in the town where I work, the change is coming. The movement from supervised to unsupervised cases is a happening thing. Our MDAs are worried about it, so worried that they will not let any CRNAs place any blocks (SAB, EPidurals, Ax block, ISB, etc) because "if the CRNA does the blocks, it will reinforce to the surgeons and to hospital administrators that the MDAs are not needed." It is a territory and money thing. This is word-for-word what our MDAs tell us, but what doesn't make sense is why we as CRNAs can induce a patient under general anesthesia place an ET airway, and maintain stable vitals for a 3-4 hour AAA, placing all invasive monitors by OURSELVES, but not any blocks..... Hmmmmmm. I don't understand... MDAs are getting desparate. And with ObamaCARE in the air, DO you think hospitals are going to keep paying 500k MDAs when they can employ 2 CRNAs to do more work which turns more revenue? You answer that...
As CRNAs, we do have it good, but we have also earned our keep in the OR, ER, ICU....
And who do you want to intubate you?

Some one who does it everyday 5-10 times/day, or someone who just stands at the door looks in and leaves, but takes all the credit?

Personally, I'll take the CRNA.

does anyone know the chairman at wake forest so we can send this over there

 

[maceo]

pas in anesthesia..!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[2win]

pas in anesthesia..!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

done.

 

[ProRealDoc]

Mississippi CRNA

Meridian, MS
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#91 Jan 13, 2010


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I am a practicing CRNA for in Mississippi. I trained at Wake Forest Baptist MEdical Center in Winton-Salem, NC. right along-side anesthesia residents. I sit every type of case. Heads, Hearts,Peds, OB.... you name , I sit it. I have a really big problem with the views of some MDAs. I work with 20 CRNAs and 4 MDAs. I think it is imperative to maintain a professional collegial attitude towards each other. No, I dont think it is right for MDAs to walk the halls and peek in every couple of hours to see if things are okay, and tell the pateints they put them to sleep. I always tell every patient that I am a CRNA and that I will be administering the anesthesia.
The MDAs know they have got it good for now, but in the town where I work, the change is coming. The movement from supervised to unsupervised cases is a happening thing. Our MDAs are worried about it, so worried that they will not let any CRNAs place any blocks (SAB, EPidurals, Ax block, ISB, etc) because "if the CRNA does the blocks, it will reinforce to the surgeons and to hospital administrators that the MDAs are not needed." It is a territory and money thing. This is word-for-word what our MDAs tell us, but what doesn't make sense is why we as CRNAs can induce a patient under general anesthesia place an ET airway, and maintain stable vitals for a 3-4 hour AAA, placing all invasive monitors by OURSELVES, but not any blocks..... Hmmmmmm. I don't understand... MDAs are getting desparate. And with ObamaCARE in the air, DO you think hospitals are going to keep paying 500k MDAs when they can employ 2 CRNAs to do more work which turns more revenue? You answer that...
As CRNAs, we do have it good, but we have also earned our keep in the OR, ER, ICU....
And who do you want to intubate you?

Some one who does it everyday 5-10 times/day, or someone who just stands at the door looks in and leaves, but takes all the credit?

Personally, I'll take the CRNA.

I'd like to have this murse work with a former resident from our program (someone who understands the problem) now an attending who does all procedures from intubation, lines, etc and relegates the CRNA to just watch the patient. As a resident, he told our PD (a pro-CRNA dude) to his face that CRNAs were only good to provide morning breaks and lunches. I spent hours talking to this guy about this issue and glad to know he listened.

 

[ProRealDoc]

I would not to Anesthesia. I would pick a profession with less liability and more autonomy. Most hospitals I've been at, I've been at the beck and call of surgeons, because surgeons bring in money to the hospital and I don't.

You don't. Anesthesiologists do bring money in the form of procedures and anesthesia care. That bull**** argument that people use to push anesthesiologists to the side, is idiotic. What about radiologists? They are consultants and don't bring their own patients to the hospital, yet generate revenue from their reads and IR procedures.

All physicians are essential to the cause. Surgeons like to think they run the show, but they can't do their work without anesthesia. They need us. I hate the sheepish mentality that anesthesiologists have. All of you need to stop being p*****s and grow a pair.

Wanna know how much power you have,? how about all anesthesiologists in the country stop going to work for one day. Wanna know how many surgeries would take place (even if the surgeon is present and ready to operate)? NONE!

I have heard many anesthesiologists say "well, if the surgeon doesn't bring us patients, we don't make money". OK, and you think the surgeon is gonna operate on an unanesthetized patient? No! So the surgeon won't make money either. They need us.

Hospitals would eat d*ck and patients would run like hell if they have no anesthesia for their surgery. Understand these are all powerplays by surgeons and hospitals. Sadly, the fact that many lazy bastard attendings sold out to the nurses have caused the specialty to lose credibility since they can now also push murses around and get them to provide anesthesia.

 

[335230]

ok

 

[maceo]

Wanna know how much power you have,? how about all anesthesiologists in the country stop going to work for one day. Wanna know how many surgeries would take place (even if the surgeon is present and ready to operate)? NONE!
.

I think thats what needs to be done in colorado and any other states thinking about opting out..have the anesthesiologist get together and say.. None of us are coming to work ... ever.. if this bill comes into play. we will ALL leave the state.. we will all LEAVE THE hospital. we will all go work in other states. Risky move but I think would work if well executed..


Physician Assistants in ANESTHESIA

why can PAS open and close a chest with the cardiac surgeons not even in the room but cant be our assistants.. This is the way to go guys.. Anesthesiology Assistants are obscure. nothing against them. I fully support AAs.. so take it easy jwk. not many people know about them.. Every state has PAs.. WHy not have them train in anesthesia.. this is the way to go..

 

[ProRealDoc]

I think thats what needs to be done in colorado and any other states thinking about opting out..have the anesthesiologist get together and say.. None of us are coming to work ... ever.. if this bill comes into play. we will ALL leave the state.. we will all LEAVE THE hospital. we will all go work in other states. Risky move but I think would work if well executed..


Physician Assistants in ANESTHESIA

why can PAS open and close a chest with the cardiac surgeons not even in the room but cant be our assistants.. This is the way to go guys.. Anesthesiology Assistants are obscure. nothing against them. I fully support AAs.. so take it easy jwk. not many people know about them.. Every state has PAs.. WHy not have them train in anesthesia.. this is the way to go..

This would work from a legislative/advocacy perspective because PAs are already licensed in every state so the ASA and AAAA would not have to spend any more money fighting court battles against the AANA who's actively preventing AAs from being licensed in every state.

All we would have to do is open PA anesthesia schools and make sure all current AAs are incorporated into that new system.

 

[Soon2BENT]

Considering all the talk about CRNAs etc, would you attendings/residents still choose Anesthesiology as a specialty if you could go back in time?

Honestly, if I could go back, I'd get my JD or MBA and try to work at CAA
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creative_Artists_Agency

or WME
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Morris_Agency

but, to stay on the serious tip, I see other specialties taking phone calls at home, at sporting events, at the strip club, which sucks. Besides maybe ER, Radiology, or Derm, I think we as anesthesiologist have it pretty good (if you stay away from pain, but that's just my bias. i'm a cards fellow.)

 

[foxtrot]

Honestly, if I could go back, I'd get my JD or MBA and try to work at CAA
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creative_Artists_Agency

or WME
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Morris_Agency

but, to stay on the serious tip, I see other specialties taking phone calls at home, at sporting events, at the strip club, which sucks. Besides maybe ER, Radiology, or Derm, I think we as anesthesiologist have it pretty good (if you stay away from pain, but that's just my bias. i'm a cards fellow.)

You are brilliant. I love it!

 

[Mokki]

Heck yeah! Rotating through other specialties in my first year, I realize now how totally awesome anesthesia is. I love physiology, pharmacology, procedures, cool toys in and out of the OR, chill attendings, even more chill residents - it's the perfect combination of what makes me happy. Also, the specialty puts some hair on your chest and makes a man outta ya! - whether in a code, the OR, or damn near anywhere else!

Plus, I kick my legs reflexively like a dog whenever I get that perfect view of the cords on Glidescope and/or fibeoptic - that's when you know you're doing what you're born to do.

LOVE IT! F- the CRNA's - they're not taking what I love away from me.

Considering all the talk about CRNAs etc, would you attendings/residents still choose Anesthesiology as a specialty if you could go back in time?

 

[ctsicu]

no, i'd do somethinig else with more autonomy and less crap from inferiorly trained midlevels. very frustrating to have to deal with both of those problems...but i have to say, i enjoy anesthesia itself.

 

[BLADEMDA]

Heck yeah! Rotating through other specialties in my first year, I realize now how totally awesome anesthesia is. I love physiology, pharmacology, procedures, cool toys in and out of the OR, chill attendings, even more chill residents - it's the perfect combination of what makes me happy. Also, the specialty puts some hair on your chest and makes a man outta ya! - whether in a code, the OR, or damn near anywhere else!

Plus, I kick my legs reflexively like a dog whenever I get that perfect view of the cords on Glidescope and/or fibeoptic - that's when you know you're doing what you're born to do.

LOVE IT! F- the CRNA's - they're not taking what I love away from me.

They are going to try harder under Obamacare. IN the end, they may even let you join the AANA as an equal member.🙄😉

 

[doctor712]

does anyone know the chairman at wake forest so we can send this over there

Maceo,

Public info, if you're going to send it to the chair, it's here:

http://www.wfubmc.edu/Faculty/Tobin-Joseph-R.htm

D712

 

[PsychoticNerve]

Definitely yes! Why? Cuz it's an easier path to pain medicine.

Now, whether or not I'd go to medical school is altogether another question.

 

[penghill]

If i can fall back, never choose anesthesia again . Because I am in China, Details, please read the Lancet's special comment