Anesthesiologist

• Anesthesiologists are medical doctors, so they have extensive education and training requirements. These begin with a bachelor’s degree focused on pre-med coursework.

1. Bachelor's degree majors vary, but popular pre-med majors include biology, chemistry, and biochemistry. These majors can help students meet medical school prerequisites.

• Common undergrad courses may include anatomy and physiology, biochemistry, biology, biology labs, calculus, genetics, and organic chemistry.

Medical School

• Medical schools provide education and training for future Medical Doctors (MDs) or Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) through rigorous coursework, clinical rotations, and hands-on experience.

1. Note that anesthesiologists can be either MDs or DOs.
2. Medical schools must be accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education for MD programs or the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation for DO programs.

• Medical school programs consist of two phases – a preclinical phase featuring courses, labs, activities, and skills 
  development; and a clinical phase involving supervised patient consultations at clinics or hospitals.
• Medical school applicants must pass the Medical College  Admission Test (MCAT) and submit results along with their program applications.

1. The MCAT is a multiple-choice exam designed to assess “problem-solving, critical thinking, and knowledge of natural, behavioral, and social science concepts and principles prerequisite to the study of medicine.”

• When assessing applications, medical school review boards consider applicants’ undergraduate coursework, GPA, and MCAT scores, as well as demonstrated leadership traits and extracurricular activities. The review officers conduct formal interviews of selected candidates.
• Additional factors that review boards may consider include:

1. Clinical experience: Hands-on experience in a healthcare setting, such as shadowing doctors or volunteering in hospitals.
2. Letters of recommendation: Strong recommendations from professors, healthcare professionals, or mentors.
3. Research experience: Involvement in medical or scientific research, showcasing analytical and problem-solving skills.
4. Personal statement: A compelling essay highlighting the applicant’s motivation for pursuing medicine, unique experiences, and character.
5. Diversity of experiences: Life experiences, cultural background, or unique perspectives that contribute to a well-rounded applicant pool.
6. Community service: Demonstrating commitment to serving others, particularly in underserved or disadvantaged communities.
7. Resilience and grit: Evidence of overcoming challenges or adversity, reflecting determination and perseverance.
8. Ethical judgment and professionalism: Clear examples of sound ethical decisions and maturity.

Licensure and Residency

• Medical school graduates must complete a ~4-year residency program at a clinic or hospital to develop deeper knowledge and hands-on experience.
• After the first year of residency internship, physicians should apply for state licensure, with requirements differing from state to state. MDs must pass steps 1 and 2 of the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). DOs must pass levels 1 and 2 of the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA).

1. In addition, doctors must complete either core clerkships or additional periods of clinical instruction.

Fellowships

• Anesthesiologists who select a subspecialty must undergo additional training via a 1- or 2-year fellowship. Options include:

1. Cardiac Anesthesia – for heart surgeries and related procedures.
2. Critical Care Anesthesia – for critically ill patients in intensive care units.
3. Neuroanesthesia – for brain and spinal surgeries.
4. Obstetric Anesthesia – for pain relief and anesthesia during childbirth.
5. Pain Medicine – for acute and chronic pain.
6. Pediatric Anesthesia – for infants, children, and adolescents.
7. Regional Anesthesia – for nerve blocks and specific regions of the body.

Board Certification

• Board certification is done through the American Board of Anesthesiology and requires passing written and oral exams.

1. Note that anesthesiologists must engage in ongoing professional development and continuing education to maintain certification and stay current with advancements in the field.

• For undergraduate schools, look for programs that are accredited and feature the rigorous foundational coursework you’ll need to succeed at med school. Medical schools are tough to get into, so you need to be well-prepared! That includes knocking out your bachelor’s in a relevant major while maintaining a strong GPA.

1. Schools often post minimum GPA conditions for applicants, but keep in mind that meeting the minimum won’t make an application competitive.

• Many schools serve as “feeder schools” for popular medical schools. It’s not required to attend a feeder school, but it could be helpful.
• Tenga en cuenta los costes de matrícula (tarifas dentro y fuera del estado), los descuentos, las becas y las opciones de impartición del curso (en el campus, en línea o programa híbrido).
• Review faculty bios and awards and learn what types of facilities and modern equipment the program utilizes. Also peek at the accomplishments of the alumni network!
• For medical school, check out the available options for clinical rotations, which are done at affiliated teaching hospitals, medical centers, and clinics.
• Examine the program’s acceptance rates, graduation rates, and job placement stats.

• Biology is the most common major for future Anesthesiologists and is widely offered in universities around the nation.
• U.S. News’ Colleges Offering a Biology Major provides a detailed ranking of some of the best school options, but there are plenty of others to choose from. The site also features a helpful page for finding the best medical schools based on your area of interest! 

• Participate in school activities where you can hone your soft skills and gain leadership experience.
• Take college prep classes in high school, including anatomy, physiology, biology, chemistry, math, physics, calculus, statistics, English composition, and communications. Study hard to earn good grades so you can get accepted into a suitable pre-med undergrad program.
• Plan ahead by looking at med school requirements early! The key is ensuring you have a solid foundation for medical school with all prerequisites completed.
• Choose your undergraduate major wisely. The most common bachelor’s degree major for Anesthesiologists is biology, but some students major in chemistry, biochemistry, or other fields.
• Apply for pre-med jobs like home health aide, medical scribe, phlebotomist, or certified nursing assistant.
• Join medical student organizations to make friends, learn, and stay motivated! Popular options include:

1. American Medical Student Association
2. Student National Medical Association

• Keep a list of contacts (including phone numbers or emails) who might serve as future job references.
• Read, watch, or conduct informational interviews with Family Medicine Physicians to learn about their daily duties.
• Check out medical journal articles and video tutorials about subspecialties.
• Keep a working draft of your resume and CV.
• Learn about the specific licensure requirements for the state you plan to work in. Stay out of trouble so you can pass a criminal background check, if required.
• Practice your interview skills before applying to medical school.
• Study hard for the MCAT with prep books and online prep courses and materials.
• Learn about bedside manner! Getting put under sedation can be scary for many patients!
• Consider an exercise routine where you can build up the strength and stamina needed to pull long shifts and manage stress.