Why/what about you made you choose anesthesia?

[marfs]

I am sure you guys get questions like this all the time from third/fourth year students. My apologies for being redundant/annoying.

I am just curious as to why anesthesia? Were there any personal characteristics about yourself that made you particularly suited to it?

I have been thinking a lot about specialties now that I am in my third year. There are some pretty key things about myself that I feel like have narrowed my choices quite a bit as far as specialties go. Mainly that I like being very hands on and I have to be in a field where what I do has a pretty immediate impact (I am a "fix it now" kind of person).

I am finishing up my surgery rotation now. I got to experience anesthesia for a week during that, and have a lot of previous experience with the field from family members. I really enjoyed surgery as well, but I don't think I have the personality for it. I am pretty laid back compared to most surgeons I have met, but I also do tend to be a fairly dominant personality. Most surgeons I have met have been far more meticulous about many things than I am. I do at some point want to have a family and have a lot of outside hobbies/activities and I know surgery hours are not really conducive to that. I have been told by several female surgery residents over and over that if there is something that you like just as much, to do it instead. And that's kind of where I am sitting, I really like both pretty equally.

So I was just curious as to what drew others to the field and what personal characteristics you felt like made you good for the field. What other fields did you consider? Any suggestions on other fields I should consider (other than some of the more obvious like OB, ER, etc).

Thanks.

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[WholeLottaGame7]

I am sure you guys get questions like this all the time from third/fourth year students. My apologies for being redundant/annoying.

I am just curious as to why anesthesia? Were there any personal characteristics about yourself that made you particularly suited to it?

I have been thinking a lot about specialties now that I am in my third year. There are some pretty key things about myself that I feel like have narrowed my choices quite a bit as far as specialties go. Mainly that I like being very hands on and I have to be in a field where what I do has a pretty immediate impact (I am a "fix it now" kind of person).

I am finishing up my surgery rotation now. I got to experience anesthesia for a week during that, and have a lot of previous experience with the field from family members. I really enjoyed surgery as well, but I don't think I have the personality for it. I am pretty laid back compared to most surgeons I have met, but I also do tend to be a fairly dominant personality (admittedly have a foot in mouth problem on occasion, but have gotten better as I have gotten older). Most surgeons I have met have been far more meticulous about many things than I am. I do at some point want to have a family and have a lot of outside hobbies/activities and I know surgery hours are not really conducive to that. I have been told by several female surgery residents over and over that if there is something that you like just as much, to do it instead. And that's kind of where I am sitting, I really like both pretty equally.

So I was just curious as to what drew others to the field and what personal characteristics you felt like made you good for the field. What other fields did you consider? Any suggestions on other fields I should consider (other than some of the more obvious like OB, ER, etc).

Thanks.

You have some good reasons and some bad reasons to go into anesthesia.

Being hands-on, wanting immediate feedback on your actions, not wanting to live the surgery life: all reasonable.

Not being meticulous, having a dominant personality: not very reasonable.

I liked aspects of most rotations (except OBGYN), but through and through I liked anesthesia the best. Don't regret my decision in the least.

 

[Laryngophed]

I am sure you guys get questions like this all the time from third/fourth year students. My apologies for being redundant/annoying.

I am just curious as to why anesthesia? Were there any personal characteristics about yourself that made you particularly suited to it?

I have been thinking a lot about specialties now that I am in my third year. There are some pretty key things about myself that I feel like have narrowed my choices quite a bit as far as specialties go. Mainly that I like being very hands on and I have to be in a field where what I do has a pretty immediate impact (I am a "fix it now" kind of person).

I am finishing up my surgery rotation now. I got to experience anesthesia for a week during that, and have a lot of previous experience with the field from family members. I really enjoyed surgery as well, but I don't think I have the personality for it. I am pretty laid back compared to most surgeons I have met, but I also do tend to be a fairly dominant personality (admittedly have a foot in mouth problem on occasion, but have gotten better as I have gotten older). Most surgeons I have met have been far more meticulous about many things than I am. I do at some point want to have a family and have a lot of outside hobbies/activities and I know surgery hours are not really conducive to that. I have been told by several female surgery residents over and over that if there is something that you like just as much, to do it instead. And that's kind of where I am sitting, I really like both pretty equally.

So I was just curious as to what drew others to the field and what personal characteristics you felt like made you good for the field. What other fields did you consider? Any suggestions on other fields I should consider (other than some of the more obvious like OB, ER, etc).

Thanks.

Shouldn't you be studying for a shelf? 😉

 

[marfs]

shouldn't YOU be studying of a shelf?

 

[marfs]

You have some good reasons and some bad reasons to go into anesthesia.

Being hands-on, wanting immediate feedback on your actions, not wanting to live the surgery life: all reasonable.

Not being meticulous, having a dominant personality: not very reasonable.

I liked aspects of most rotations (except OBGYN), but through and through I liked anesthesia the best. Don't regret my decision in the least.

Thanks, I appreciate the feedback. I can see what you mean about liking all rotations, as far as I am concerned, this is all a million times better than the first two years! In regard to the latter two less reasonable personality traits, meticulous by comparison is I guess how I should put it. I am just more big picture than some of the people I worked with, and not all by any means.

And as far as being kind of dominant goes, I have never had issues working within a team context, but I like have a hand in organization/leadership. By family members in the field, I have been told I wouldn't have an issue in that regard.

I am perhaps getting too bogged down in fitting perfectly in to a specialty, but its something I would like to get figured out sooner rather than later, and I want to find the best fit possible. Its been on my mind a lot (I rarely post on this board, so that's saying something).

Thanks again for the input!

 

[droyt]

I think some of the things that really drew me to me anesthesia, other than the physio pharm stuff that draws everybody, I like being able to focus on one patient at a time and be able to provide immediate interventions with that patient. I liked being able to set up a plan for a patient and being the one to set in action, in other specialties I feel like you have to hope the patient follows up or takes their meds. I found I could still have meaningful conversations and impacts on people using my personal skills as right before surgery is one of the most stressful times for patients.
As far as personality things, I feel I work well in a team environment, I like personal interactions. I like to do and act quickly. I also felt like I fit in well with a lot of the other anesthesiologists I had experience with.

 

[Lightwand]

I am pretty laid back compared to most surgeons I have met, but I also do tend to be a fairly dominant personality. Most surgeons I have met have been far more meticulous about many things than I am. I do at some point want to have a family and have a lot of outside hobbies/activities and I know surgery hours are not really conducive to that.

I chose anesthesia for many of the same reasons that you cite. I really liked surgery, but it felt so tedious to me at times. I remember thinking (on MANY occasions), ugh, just leave it, it's good enough! However, when it comes to anesthesia, I'm very meticulous about virtually every detail. That was a huge sign for me that anesthesia was the way to go. If you don't see yourself having a meticulous personality in any specialty, anesthesia may not be for you.

As far as the dominant personality, you truly do have to be able to not only be a team player, but also be okay with not being the dominant personality in the room. Or at least you have to be comfortable letting the surgeon THINK they're in charge of the room. 😀

 

[marfs]

droyt and lightwand....thank you both for your input! Definitely agreed on a lot of points!

 

[HollywdAnesth]

Mainly that I like being very hands on and I have to be in a field where what I do has a pretty immediate impact (I am a "fix it now" kind of person).

I am finishing up my surgery rotation now. I got to experience anesthesia for a week during that, and have a lot of previous experience with the field from family members. I really enjoyed surgery as well, but I don't think I have the personality for it. I am pretty laid back compared to most surgeons I have met, but I also do tend to be a fairly dominant personality. Most surgeons I have met have been far more meticulous about many things than I am. I do at some point want to have a family and have a lot of outside hobbies/activities and I know surgery hours are not really conducive to that. I have been told by several female surgery residents over and over that if there is something that you like just as much, to do it instead. And that's kind of where I am sitting, I really like both pretty equally.

I'm about as laid back as you can get. It was my biggest strength, but also my greatest weakness. I see other anesthesiologists bickering about the pre op nurse putting the IV in the hand rather than the arm. All the time, I see patients come from pre op with a pulse ox (and occasionally an IV) in the operative arm. Other anesthesiologists will call the first nurse they can get ahold of and start a diatribe about patient care and wasting time. I don't do this. I can't. I cannot get worked up about this, because it is so inconsequential, and it takes less time for me to correct it than it does for me to bitch at someone.

In order to be this way, you have to know which battles you need to fight. This is where your "meticulousness" must come in. If a surgeon wheels a patient with a history of chest pains to you for an elective operation, then you have to be meticulous in your history, and your review of the patient's chart. The patient says they had a negative stress test. Do you take them at their word, or do you call the cardiologist that did it? How would you want your father treated? My longwinded point is, you can only be so laid back to a point. You have to know what could possibly go wrong before the patient comes in the room. If the blood pressure goes down, it could be x, y, z. Etc. You have to be meticulous in your preparation for each case. You will frequently see alot of us playing on our phones during a case. You may interpret this as laziness and apathy. When you're good at your job, you make it look easy.

I wanted to go into anesthesia because I loved working with my hands, and physiology was my favorite med school course. I did not feel like I would miss having a long term relationship with my patients. In fact, I prefer it. I don't want an office. I don't want a christmas card with my patient's family on it. When I am not on call, nobody is calling or paging me. When I'm off, I'm off.
Many of us groan when we have patients with multiple comorbidities and challenges, but deep down we love them. I know I do. There is nothing better than the feeling of getting a difficult airway and making it look simple, or the feeling of relief when you resolve an unforseen difficulty. I had a few post run beers, so I'm a tad verbose. I will end it here. I hope this helped.

 

[Angelfish1]

I'm about as laid back as you can get. It was my biggest strength, but also my greatest weakness. I see other anesthesiologists bickering about the pre op nurse putting the IV in the hand rather than the arm. All the time, I see patients come from pre op with a pulse ox (and occasionally an IV) in the operative arm. Other anesthesiologists will call the first nurse they can get ahold of and start a diatribe about patient care and wasting time. I don't do this. I can't. I cannot get worked up about this, because it is so inconsequential, and it takes less time for me to correct it than it does for me to bitch at someone.

In order to be this way, you have to know which battles you need to fight. This is where your "meticulousness" must come in. If a surgeon wheels a patient with a history of chest pains to you for an elective operation, then you have to be meticulous in your history, and your review of the patient's chart. The patient says they had a negative stress test. Do you take them at their word, or do you call the cardiologist that did it? How would you want your father treated? My longwinded point is, you can only be so laid back to a point. You have to know what could possibly go wrong before the patient comes in the room. If the blood pressure goes down, it could be x, y, z. Etc. You have to be meticulous in your preparation for each case. You will frequently see alot of us playing on our phones during a case. You may interpret this as laziness and apathy. When you're good at your job, you make it look easy.

I wanted to go into anesthesia because I loved working with my hands, and physiology was my favorite med school course. I did not feel like I would miss having a long term relationship with my patients. In fact, I prefer it. I don't want an office. I don't want a christmas card with my patient's family on it. When I am not on call, nobody is calling or paging me. When I'm off, I'm off.
Many of us groan when we have patients with multiple comorbidities and challenges, but deep down we love them. I know I do. There is nothing better than the feeling of getting a difficult airway and making it look simple, or the feeling of relief when you resolve an unforseen difficulty. I had a few post run beers, so I'm a tad verbose. I will end it here. I hope this helped.

Thanks, this was very informative

 

[lsu8601]

I'm about as laid back as you can get. It was my biggest strength, but also my greatest weakness. I see other anesthesiologists bickering about the pre op nurse putting the IV in the hand rather than the arm. All the time, I see patients come from pre op with a pulse ox (and occasionally an IV) in the operative arm. Other anesthesiologists will call the first nurse they can get ahold of and start a diatribe about patient care and wasting time. I don't do this. I can't. I cannot get worked up about this, because it is so inconsequential, and it takes less time for me to correct it than it does for me to bitch at someone.

In order to be this way, you have to know which battles you need to fight. This is where your "meticulousness" must come in. If a surgeon wheels a patient with a history of chest pains to you for an elective operation, then you have to be meticulous in your history, and your review of the patient's chart. The patient says they had a negative stress test. Do you take them at their word, or do you call the cardiologist that did it? How would you want your father treated? My longwinded point is, you can only be so laid back to a point. You have to know what could possibly go wrong before the patient comes in the room. If the blood pressure goes down, it could be x, y, z. Etc. You have to be meticulous in your preparation for each case. You will frequently see alot of us playing on our phones during a case. You may interpret this as laziness and apathy. When you're good at your job, you make it look easy.

I wanted to go into anesthesia because I loved working with my hands, and physiology was my favorite med school course. I did not feel like I would miss having a long term relationship with my patients. In fact, I prefer it. I don't want an office. I don't want a christmas card with my patient's family on it. When I am not on call, nobody is calling or paging me. When I'm off, I'm off.
Many of us groan when we have patients with multiple comorbidities and challenges, but deep down we love them. I know I do. There is nothing better than the feeling of getting a difficult airway and making it look simple, or the feeling of relief when you resolve an unforseen difficulty. I had a few post run beers, so I'm a tad verbose. I will end it here. I hope this helped.

👍
This is a common theme in anesthesia, and while I'm not an attending, I agree wholeheartedly. The same points you outlined were basically the same reasons I went into anesthesia. I think everyone has the similar reasons (pharm+phys, working with your hands, no clinic, well-defined work hours, laid-back), its just a matter of how you convey them that will actually make a difference.

 

[Ronin786]

Personally, I was originally interested in surgery, but after my rotation I realized that all these laprascopic surgeries were a serious turn-off for me. As ridiculous as that sounds, I didn't like how "specialized" surgery was. However, when I read about anesthesia, all the nerve blocks and regional techniques and the ability to do anything really appealed to me. Its funny how being specialized (I can't come up with a better word) in surgery was disappointing to me, yet so appealing when it came to anesthesia.

I'm still a med student, but thats some of what drew me to along with the fact that you don't have to sit around waiting to see if your patient will get better as opposed to internal medicine or family practice. I'm too impatient to sit idly when there's something I can do.

 

[bronx43]

I'm in IM, but every so often I look at anesthesia and wished I went into it instead... if there wasn't the CRNA threat, it would have been a no-brainer for me.

 

[Consigliere]

I'm in IM, but every so often I look at anesthesia and wished I went into it instead... if there wasn't the CRNA threat, it would have been a no-brainer for me.

Don't. The field is dead. Salaries are WAY down, work hours are WAY up, CRNAs continue to gain ground. Jobs are difficult to find. Be glad you chose a field where at least you won't have to beg for a job when you're done.

 

[Direct Laryngoscopy]

Don't. The field is dead. Salaries are WAY down, work hours are WAY up, CRNAs continue to gain ground. Jobs are difficult to find. Be glad you chose a field where at least you won't have to beg for a job when you're done.

What do you enjoy about the field? I haven't seen anything from you that speaks about what you like about anesthesia. I don't think you're a troll (although I believe some here may think so, I don't). I think you're posts are sobering for all the the world is great post we see. But I've never seen anything positive posted by you, and I've been posting (lurking for a long time.

What drew you to the field? What was the sentinel event that soured your view? How long have you been in the anesthsia field? What region of the country are you in? Any thoughts of leaving the field since it brings you such unhappiness?

Just interested that's all 🙂

 

[NOTJOHN]

The actual practice of anesthesia(medicine is FUN), the actual field is terrible. Ive been out 4 years and I just think the climate is awful. Im in the midwest, i do a mix of supervising and doign my own cases. I am boarded. I left a practice after two years because i felt like all i was was a liability patsy supervising crnas.. So i took a job where im doing some of my own cases and when i do im treated like everyone thinks Hey a nurse can do his job. And they are. I hear grumblings of a managment group taking over our group and our pay will go down even further. And its not even that high to begin with. The field is exciting as a resident but once you master it.. its just an annoyance to be honest. THE CRNAS are going to be taking over. THey hate that i do my own cases because i get paid morye than a nurse.. but not by much. I think one of the things that i hate the most is the liability of the field vs the pay. THe amount of things that can go wrong does not justify the pay and being treated as a commodity. Graduating medical students should look into ER. That's a better field. More well rounded and the nurses are not going to take over that field.

 

[B-Bone]

The actual practice of anesthesia(medicine is FUN), the actual field is terrible. Ive been out 4 years and I just think the climate is awful. Im in the midwest, i do a mix of supervising and doign my own cases. I am boarded. I left a practice after two years because i felt like all i was was a liability patsy supervising crnas.. So i took a job where im doing some of my own cases and when i do im treated like everyone thinks Hey a nurse can do his job. And they are. I hear grumblings of a managment group taking over our group and our pay will go down even further. And its not even that high to begin with. The field is exciting as a resident but once you master it.. its just an annoyance to be honest. THE CRNAS are going to be taking over. THey hate that i do my own cases because i get paid morye than a nurse.. but not by much. I think one of the things that i hate the most is the liability of the field vs the pay. THe amount of things that can go wrong does not justify the pay and being treated as a commodity. Graduating medical students should look into ER. That's a better field. More well rounded and the nurses are not going to take over that field.

I am in a similar situation, but what sounds like a totally different climate. At our institution, the CRNAs can't do anything without us, don't do lines/blocks/difficult airways/etc. The surgeons and OR staff respect us and realize the difference between us and them. When the **** hits the fan and the ruptured AAA/whatever rolls through the door, they want US there and not the anesthetist. We have excellent CRNAs, but they realize their limitations and respect the boundaries we have set. Part of this probably comes from the fact that WE (the anesthesiologists) hold the exclusive anesthesia contract with the hospital and subcontract the private CRNA group to help cover the OR. They are "autonomous" in that we don't do any hiring/firing or have to cover them if they have sick calls, etc. However, if we have a problem with an anesthetist or whatever, we go to their group head, and changes are made. They know that if we're not happy, we hold the contract and can dump the whole group anytime we like. Although this sounds like (and is, to an extent) a large power differential, the relationship in reality is very professional and collegial. Makes for happy campers where I work.

With regards to pay for sitting rooms, any differential between an MD and CRNA is a confabulation created by one's hopsital/group/etc. The billing is the same.

 

[HollATme]

What do you enjoy about the field? I haven't seen anything from you that speaks about what you like about anesthesia. I don't think you're a troll (although I believe some here may think so, I don't). I think you're posts are sobering for all the the world is great post we see. But I've never seen anything positive posted by you, and I've been posting (lurking for a long time.

What drew you to the field? What was the sentinel event that soured your view? How long have you been in the anesthsia field? What region of the country are you in? Any thoughts of leaving the field since it brings you such unhappiness?

Just interested that's all 🙂

It'll probably be somewhere in between. Not as bad, but it appears it'll get worse than better.

 

[HollATme]

I am in a similar situation, but what sounds like a totally different climate. At our institution, the CRNAs can't do anything without us, don't do lines/blocks/difficult airways/etc. The surgeons and OR staff respect us and realize the difference between us and them. When the **** hits the fan and the ruptured AAA/whatever rolls through the door, they want US there and not the anesthetist. We have excellent CRNAs, but they realize their limitations and respect the boundaries we have set. Part of this probably comes from the fact that WE (the anesthesiologists) hold the exclusive anesthesia contract with the hospital and subcontract the private CRNA group to help cover the OR. They are "autonomous" in that we don't do any hiring/firing or have to cover them if they have sick calls, etc. However, if we have a problem with an anesthetist or whatever, we go to their group head, and changes are made. They know that if we're not happy, we hold the contract and can dump the whole group anytime we like. Although this sounds like (and is, to an extent) a large power differential, the relationship in reality is very professional and collegial. Makes for happy campers where I work.


With regards to pay for sitting rooms, any differential between an MD and CRNA is a confabulation created by one's hopsital/group/etc. The billing is the same.

Are you in an academic center or non-academic center?

What to look for when looking at PP groups? Hospital set-up? Contracts? Thanks

 

[Consigliere]

What do you enjoy about the field? (The intellectual aspects and the procedures) I haven't seen anything from you that speaks about what you like about anesthesia. I don't think you're a troll (although I believe some here may think so, I don't). I think you're posts are sobering for all the the world is great post we see. But I've never seen anything positive posted by you, and I've been posting (lurking for a long time.

What drew you to the field? (Once you are done, you are truly done [no calls, etc.], salary, ability to have a life outside of medicine) What was the sentinel event that soured your view? (No one event - just a culmination of things: CRNAs becoming more autonomous, continually decreasing reimbursements, physician anesthesiologists being displaced when AMCs come in and convert an all MD model into an ACT model, decreasing number of jobs, Obamacare, constantly decreasing physician autonomy) How long have you been in the anesthsia field? (15 years) What region of the country are you in? (East Coast, then Midwest) Any thoughts of leaving the field since it brings you such unhappiness? (what the hell else am I going to do?! I am ALWAYS looking for an exit from medicine. This forum is a means by which I vent and an area where I can maintiain a carefully and purposefully created persona. Don't assume what you see here is who I actually am. I am a very happy person; anesthesia is merely the means by which I make my living and a mechanism by which I can lead a fulfilling life.
Just interested that's all 🙂

As above.

 

[NOTJOHN]

I'm in IM, but every so often I look at anesthesia and wished I went into it instead... if there wasn't the CRNA threat, it would have been a no-brainer for me.

In internal medicine you have everyone by the balls. You can work ANYWHERE you damn well please. Seriously. The demand for your services will triple in the next 15 years..

 

[Jay K]

In internal medicine you have everyone by the balls. You can work ANYWHERE you damn well please.

I can work anywhere I please...

It's just the level of compensation, amount of vacation, availability of partnership, recreational environment and cost-of-living which keeps me from working just anywhere.

 

[narcusprince]

Watches and chains homie. All anesthesiologist at my med school had huge watches and big cross gold chains. I said I want to be like that 🙂

 

[Direct Laryngoscopy]

Watches and chains homie. All anesthesiologist at my med school had huge watches and big cross gold chains. I said I want to be like that 🙂

Next month after I turn in my ID for residency, I'm heading straight to the Rolex store and BMW M5 dealership 😍

 

[reanimatore]

Don't. The field is dead. Salaries are WAY down, work hours are WAY up, CRNAs continue to gain ground. Jobs are difficult to find. Be glad you chose a field where at least you won't have to beg for a job when you're done.

Granted I'm only in my second year out of residency, but I feel as though I have a great PP job where I am paid very well and have an excellent lifestyle. I had several great job opportunities, and I was looking in very desirable locations. In my experience(and that of my peers), the prospects haven't been anywhere near as bleak as many people on here make them out to be.

 

[BLADEMDA]

Granted I'm only in my second year out of residency, but I feel as though I have a great PP job where I am paid very well and have an excellent lifestyle. I had several great job opportunities, and I was looking in very desirable locations. In my experience(and that of my peers), the prospects haven't been anywhere near as bleak as many people on here make them out to be.

Tell that to the Anesthesiologists who just lost their job to CRNAs because the CEO wanted to save money. Or, the Group who just lost a lucrative ASC contract so the surgicenter owners can hire solo CRNAs at $90 an hour.

I'm seeing AMC proliferation at an accelerated pace throughout the country in addition to more employee positions.

I like my field of work but would not choose this specialty again due to poor future monetary reimbursement. That said, I'm very grateful for the years of high income. But, winter is coming to anesthesiology.

I wouldn't buy a Rolex. There are much better watches. As for an M5 why not just lease an A6 or a Lexus GS350 F sport and bank the savings.

 

[Direct Laryngoscopy]

I wouldn't buy a Rolex. There are much better watches. As for an M5 why not just lease an A6 or a Lexus GS350 F sport and bank the savings.

I'll NEVER own a M5 (well I did order M5 for the written boards 😀), and I don't where a watch now by choice.

My indulges include golf (I have a fully stock set that I plan on using for the next 2-3 years) and poker (I haven't been able to play because of this residency thing).

I really don't see myself splurging on anything expensive post residency. The lease on my car ends early 2014 and even then I will not be purchasing an expensive ride. There's a guy I know from my program who leased and expensive ass Mercedes (> $1000/month) the week after rersidency. Needless to say he had buyers remorse (leasee in this case), and wanted to get rid of the car 2 months into the contract. He's been trying to transfer the lease to someone via those online swap a lease websites without much luck and he'saddled with this rock of a monthly payment, and oh yeah hes a father now. He finished residency 2 years ago.

My suggestions to all those wanting the nice flashy stuff when you finish reseidency is to think about what you want, make sure your Benjamins are in order and don't make an impulse purchase.

 

[jbabock]

Everyone thinks they are going to stay frugal after residency, but the fact of the matter is....we all think we deserve the reward!! And who is to blame us after all of the countless years in training being paid like a servant? Treat yourself to that BMW!!

 

[BLADEMDA]

Everyone thinks they are going to stay frugal after residency, but the fact of the matter is....we all think we deserve the reward!! And who is to blame us after all of the countless years in training being paid like a servant? Treat yourself to that BMW!!

An Audi A6 isn't good enough? How about a Lexus GS350 or an Acura TL?
There are so many good lease deals these days that you don't really need to spend more than $750 a month to get a very nice ride.

Want to go EL Cheapo? Lease an Altima or Accord for under $400 a month loaded. I've even seen Infiniti G37s for $400-$450.

An M5 would be mucho bucks.

 

[Random Anesthesiologist]

It is just so frustrating to read threads like this sometimes.

What are those of us in an anesthesiology residency (or slated to start in a month) supposed to do with the naysaying?

I love the field, and don't really want to spend more time after finishing residency acquiring another skill (i.e. a different residency) outside of fellowship. For crying out loud, I'm already working on my second career by doing this 😱

I guess I just feel that the naysaying doesn't do much without good direction. It's really good to hear from both sides of the fence, so I don't begrudge negative opinions, but it's easy to stay the course when the feedback is good. Like I ask above, what are we supposed to do with negative feedback on the specialty when we're already invested, but don't have the years of experience to bank on?

I'm being completely serious, not sarcastic. 🙁

 

[pgg]

What are those of us in an anesthesiology residency (or slated to start in a month) supposed to do with the naysaying?

Not much - you'll have a job and you'll be paid well. Will you get 1980s pay in1980s dollars? No. The insane mid-late 2000 market is mostly gone too. Will those days come back? Nobody knows. All anybody knows is that the job market isn't booming right now.

So what to do? For starters, be aware that advice like this may be even dumber than it is during boom times:

Treat yourself to that BMW!!

Live beneath your means and you'll be happy. "I deserve it" is the mantra of crippling and depressing consumer debt whether you're a 32-year-old working the deep fryer at McDonalds or a doctor. It's easy to inflate lifestyle to consume ANY income level.

Anesthesia is still a great field that pays well. Add some geographic flexibility to your job search, pay off your student loans, hold off on the McMansion, max your retirement accounts, save up a bit of an FU account, and THEN blow what's left on whatever you want.

In other words, do the same thing that every other responsible adult who's not a doctor does.

 

[Guillemot]

For me it was a difficult decision between IM and anesthesia. I liked the medicine aspect of IM, but did not like the social work aspect, continuity clinics, averaging higher hours in residency, and only finding subspecialties of IM appealing ( ie fellowship required).

Im not opposed to fellowship after anesthesia residency by the way. I just feel Id like my job better than a hospitalist or primary care if I didnt do a fellowship. IE I dont have use a fellowship to dig myself out of the hole I put myself in via residency training.

 

[Guillemot]

An Audi A6 isn't good enough? How about a Lexus GS350 or an Acura TL?
There are so many good lease deals these days that you don't really need to spend more than $750 a month to get a very nice ride.

Want to go EL Cheapo? Lease an Altima or Accord for under $400 a month loaded. I've even seen Infiniti G37s for $400-$450.

An M5 would be mucho bucks.

+1 for the "EL CHEAPO" options or other variant. I dont want to pay for a flashy car that aside from prestige gives me nothing but greater financial liability. There are great options for far less. Bank the difference. Or if you must spend it, spend it on an experience like a cool vacation, tickets to your favorite events, etc.

 

[BLADEMDA]

It is just so frustrating to read threads like this sometimes.

What are those of us in an anesthesiology residency (or slated to start in a month) supposed to do with the naysaying?

I love the field, and don't really want to spend more time after finishing residency acquiring another skill (i.e. a different residency) outside of fellowship. For crying out loud, I'm already working on my second career by doing this 😱

I guess I just feel that the naysaying doesn't do much without good direction. It's really good to hear from both sides of the fence, so I don't begrudge negative opinions, but it's easy to stay the course when the feedback is good. Like I ask above, what are we supposed to do with negative feedback on the specialty when we're already invested, but don't have the years of experience to bank on?

I'm being completely serious, not sarcastic. 🙁

You will have a job earning in the 300's. Remember, the differential between academia and PP is narrowing to the point that I seriously recommend you start your career in academics and then wait for a great PP opportunity. If you find one out of Residency then take it; but, most won't land that dream job so easily.

There are plenty of jobs out there. Most aren't very good in either pay or work hours but they are readily available. My advice is live middle class and you won't have a problem.

 

[Direct Laryngoscopy]

Everyone thinks they are going to stay frugal after residency, but the fact of the matter is....we all think we deserve the reward!! And who is to blame us after all of the countless years in training being paid like a servant? Treat yourself to that BMW!!

Not me. I'm not in to flashy expensive cars, I'm perfectly fine with my Japanese lease that comes fully loaded for $350/mo. What else does a car need besides (300 horses, Bluetooth streaming, navi, power and leather everything?

The "extra" money that I wouldn't be using on an automobile, I can invest or use on trip or something else fun. 🙂

 

[Ronin786]

Not me. I'm not in to flashy expensive cars, I'm perfectly fine with my Japanese lease that comes fully loaded for $350/mo. What else does a car need besides (300 horses, Bluetooth streaming, navi, power and leather everything?

The "extra" money that I wouldn't be using on an automobile, I can invest or use on trip or something else fun. 🙂

Get a BMW using European Delivery. Use the savings on a trip through Europe. Two birds, one stone.

 

[punkedoutriffs]

Not me. I'm not in to flashy expensive cars, I'm perfectly fine with my Japanese lease that comes fully loaded for $350/mo. What else does a car need besides (300 horses, Bluetooth streaming, navi, power and leather everything?

The "extra" money that I wouldn't be using on an automobile, I can invest or use on trip or something else fun. 🙂

What car is this, if you don't mind me asking?

 

[buccsmf1]

Get a BMW using European Delivery. Use the savings on a trip through Europe. Two birds, one stone.

Did this with my dad a few years back on a 135. It was one of the most fun things I've ever done. It you can afford it, don't even think about it, just do it.

 

[Random Anesthesiologist]

not much - you'll have a job and you'll be paid well. Will you get 1980s pay in1980s dollars? No. The insane mid-late 2000 market is mostly gone too. Will those days come back? Nobody knows. All anybody knows is that the job market isn't booming right now.

So what to do? For starters, be aware that advice like this may be even dumber than it is during boom times:

Live beneath your means and you'll be happy. "i deserve it" is the mantra of crippling and depressing consumer debt whether you're a 32-year-old working the deep fryer at mcdonalds or a doctor. It's easy to inflate lifestyle to consume any income level.

Anesthesia is still a great field that pays well. Add some geographic flexibility to your job search, pay off your student loans, hold off on the mcmansion, max your retirement accounts, save up a bit of an fu account, and then blow what's left on whatever you want.

In other words, do the same thing that every other responsible adult who's not a doctor does.

you will have a job earning in the 300's. Remember, the differential between academia and pp is narrowing to the point that i seriously recommend you start your career in academics and then wait for a great pp opportunity. If you find one out of residency then take it; but, most won't land that dream job so easily.

There are plenty of jobs out there. Most aren't very good in either pay or work hours but they are readily available. My advice is live middle class and you won't have a problem.

thank you.

 

[Direct Laryngoscopy]

What car is this, if you don't mind me asking?

The only 4 door sports car on the road 🙂

 

[jetproppilot]

I am sure you guys get questions like this all the time from third/fourth year students. My apologies for being redundant/annoying.

I am just curious as to why anesthesia?
.

$$$$$$

Yep.

That's what initially drew me.

BENJAMINS.

I subsequently fell in love with the field, hence my passion for my job that trumps monetary reimbursement.

I've read the DOOMSDAY posts on this thread, yet residents are still emerging current day with

THREE HUNDRED LARGE STARTING SALARIES.

That ain't CHUMP CHANGE man.

There's alotta stuff coming down the pike with our new health care issues...one of them noone coincidentally talks about on this thread is a

REDUCTION OF RESIDENCY SLOTS.

Here's my reply to the DOOMSDAY DUDES:

SUPPLY AND DEMAND WITH A

THREE HUNDRED GRAND

starting salary.

Yeah, OK dude, our specialty is on the decline.

Much the contrary.

Our field has PARAPROFESSIONAL INFRINGEMENT, yes.

So does MANY OTHER medical specialties.

Bottom line is most hospitals out there know

DOCTORS RUN HOSPITALS

not nurses.

Actually there's a national

CURRENT REDUCTION OF MIDDLE MANAGEMENT NURSING

STUPIDVISORS

going on.

 

[NOTJOHN]

300 large is crap for what we do....

Seriously.. Crap.. with 6 weeks vacation. That is utter horse s t

ER docs make that working 1/2 the month. Hospitalists are rivaling our salary and they are not taking the liabiliy for a catastrophe like we are.

So I aint buyin what you are selling. You are probably in cahoots with the ASA adding exra exams.

Anesthesia is a DYING FIELD. If anyone goes into this field in light of the climate today, they are INSANE.

 

[Postictal Raiden]

Not much - you'll have a job and you'll be paid well. Will you get 1980s pay in1980s dollars? No. The insane mid-late 2000 market is mostly gone too. Will those days come back? Nobody knows. All anybody knows is that the job market isn't booming right now.

So what to do? For starters, be aware that advice like this may be even dumber than it is during boom times:




Live beneath your means and you'll be happy. "I deserve it" is the mantra of crippling and depressing consumer debt whether you're a 32-year-old working the deep fryer at McDonalds or a doctor. It's easy to inflate lifestyle to consume ANY income level.

Anesthesia is still a great field that pays well. Add some geographic flexibility to your job search, pay off your student loans, hold off on the McMansion, max your retirement accounts, save up a bit of an FU account, and THEN blow what's left on whatever you want.

In other words, do the same thing that every other responsible adult who's not a doctor does.

I'm just wondering, how much did doctors make back in the 80's? I did some search and came across this article http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=9927&page=87

I also used the inflation calculator to determine the actual values in today's money. Yes, the average salaries were a bit higher back in the 80's, but the difference is not sufficient to keep referring to the 80's as the golden era of medicine.

 

[Handsome88]

300 large is crap for what we do....

Seriously.. Crap.. with 6 weeks vacation. That is utter horse s t

ER docs make that working 1/2 the month. Hospitalists are rivaling our salary and they are not taking the liabiliy for a catastrophe like we are.

So I aint buyin what you are selling. You are probably in cahoots with the ASA adding exra exams.

Anesthesia is a DYING FIELD. If anyone goes into this field in light of the climate today, they are INSANE.

Please don't compare specialties like that. Who said hospitalists are rivaling anesthesiologist's salaries?! Where do you get this info from. Last time I checked, hospitalists were working their asses off for 220k at best. That's not even close to 300k+.

 

[bronx43]

Please don't compare specialties like that. Who said hospitalists are rivaling anesthesiologist's salaries?! Where do you get this info from. Last time I checked, hospitalists were working their asses off for 220k at best. That's not even close to 300k+.

Sure, some groups work you hard when you're on (mostly groups that pay more), but I would hardly call working half the month "working one's ass off."

 

[NOTJOHN]

Please don't compare specialties like that. Who said hospitalists are rivaling anesthesiologist's salaries?! Where do you get this info from. Last time I checked, hospitalists were working their asses off for 220k at best. That's not even close to 300k+.

Look at hourly wages
Look at how much vacation
Look at how much NIGHT CALL
Look at how much real risk
Hourly wage for ER docs not hard to find at 200 an hour

hospitalist hourly wage not hard to find 150-175 an hour.

 

[ketap]

I wanted to go into anesthesia because I loved working with my hands, and physiology was my favorite med school course. I did not feel like I would miss having a long term relationship with my patients. In fact, I prefer it. I don't want an office. I don't want a christmas card with my patient's family on it. When I am not on call, nobody is calling or paging me. When I'm off, I'm off.
Many of us groan when we have patients with multiple comorbidities and challenges, but deep down we love them. I know I do. There is nothing better than the feeling of getting a difficult airway and making it look simple, or the feeling of relief when you resolve an unforseen difficulty. I had a few post run beers, so I'm a tad verbose. I will end it here. I hope this helped.

like this post very much...agree with this completely🙂

 

[ssmallz]

Why do people keep saying we are in a risky field? Sure there's risk from a medical standpoint but from a legal liability perspective our field is actually one of the safer ones, especially compared to our surgical colleagues and EM. We deal with sick pts but people need to realize that the family of the 90 y/o train wreck cabg or ruptured AAA ain't gonna sue when $hit hits the fan Bc it's not unexpected.

 

[Consigliere]

Why do people keep saying we are in a risky field? Sure there's risk from a medical standpoint but from a legal liability perspective our field is actually one of the safer ones, especially compared to our surgical colleagues and EM. We deal with sick pts but people need to realize that the family of the 90 y/o train wreck cabg or ruptured AAA ain't gonna sue when $hit hits the fan Bc it's not unexpected.

True. The flip side of that though is if you off a 5 y/o you're career is over.

 

[Consigliere]

Another thing is the cumulative risk you amass throughout your career. If you are in a supervisory practice that is somewhat busy, let's say you'll be responsible for about 3,000 cases a year. Over a 10 year period, that's 30,000 patients and many, many potential complications. You can extrapolate out and see how your potential risk can increase exponetially.