Understanding your anesthesia care
Clear, plain-language guidance for patients and families, from what a physician anesthesiologist does to how you can prepare for surgery.
What is a physician anesthesiologist?
A physician anesthesiologist is a medical doctor who specializes in anesthesia, pain management, and critical care. Before practicing independently, a physician anesthesiologist completes 12 to 14 years of education and training, including 12,000 to 16,000 hours of clinical training.
Your physician anesthesiologist leads the anesthesia care team. They evaluate you before your procedure, design and deliver your anesthesia plan, monitor you closely throughout surgery, and manage your recovery and pain afterward.
of education and training before independent practice
of supervised training, from 12,000 to 16,000 hours
Explore the guides
Start with the topic closest to your questions. Each guide is written in plain language for patients and families.
Understanding anesthesia
What anesthesia is, the types you might receive, who is caring for you, and the questions worth asking before your procedure.
Preparing for surgery
How to get ready, from fasting and medications to what to tell your care team and what recovery looks like.
Why the physician matters
The training and judgment a physician anesthesiologist brings to the moments that decide a patient's outcome.
Understanding pain care
How chronic pain differs from acute pain, what pain medicine specialists do, and answers to common questions about opioids.
Thank your care team
If a physician anesthesiologist cared for you or a loved one, the Society will forward your note of thanks to the doctor who watched over you.
Trusted patient resources
Firsthand accounts and safety information from the physicians who deliver and safeguard anesthesia care.
When Seconds Matter
Firsthand accounts from physician anesthesiologists on the training and judgment patients rely on in critical moments.
Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation
National resources on anesthesia safety, written for patients and families preparing for a procedure.