Episode 250: Careers in Anesthesiology with Drs. Essandoh, Cody and Kjome
Mar 13, 2023
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Dr. Essandoh, Dr. Cody, and Dr. Kjome discuss different career settings in anesthesiology, including academics, the military, and private practice. They emphasize the benefits of learning from residents and mentors, setting goals, refining skills, and understanding academic requirements. The podcast also explores joining the military for medical school and residency, the advantages of joining the military reserves, and the trade-offs of choosing mixed practice. They share recommendations for books, TV shows, and movies, including 'Fingerprints of the Gods' and the TV series 'Billions'.
Choosing between academics and private practice in anesthesiology depends on individual preferences, with each option offering its own pros and cons.
Private practice allows for a broader range of cases and the opportunity to do more than one subspecialty, such as cardiac, OB, and Peds anesthesia.
Working in community-based private practice offers the benefit of a wide variety of cases, allowing anesthesiologists to work with different patient populations and gain a breadth of experience.
For those interested in a military career in anesthesiology, the process typically begins during the medical school application process.
Deep dives
Main Idea: Choosing Between Academics and Private Practice
Choosing between academics and private practice in anesthesiology depends on individual preferences, with each option offering its own pros and cons. Private practice allows for a broader range of cases and the opportunity to do more than one subspecialty, such as cardiac, OB, and Peds anesthesia. However, private practice may lack some of the advanced and specialized procedures found in academic centers.
Main Idea: Employment Options in Private Practice
Anesthesiologists in private practice may work in traditional private groups, where they have the potential to become partner owners. Another option is being directly employed by hospitals or hospital networks. Anesthesia management companies are also common employers in private practice, handling administrative tasks and providing services to hospitals under contract.
Main Idea: Benefits of Community-Based Private Practice
Working in community-based private practice offers the benefit of a wide variety of cases, allowing anesthesiologists to work with different patient populations and gain a breadth of experience. The ability to do more than one subspecialty and the flexibility to choose different employment models are attractive aspects of community-based private practice.
Daily Routine in Academic Anesthesiology
In academic anesthesiology, the daily routine involves supervising and teaching residents during procedures such as intubations, placing lines, and managing patient care. An academic anesthesiologist may also see patients in pre-op, give breaks to residents, and be relieved by another attending. Research and administrative tasks are occasionally mixed into the schedule. Work-life integration is emphasized to manage time effectively.
Military Pathway to Anesthesiology
For those interested in a military career in anesthesiology, the process typically begins during the medical school application process. The Air Force, for example, offers scholarships for medical school and covers expenses during medical school. After graduation, basic training is completed. During medical school, there is minimal exposure to the military. Following medical school, one can choose a military residency or apply for a civilian deferred spot. Fellowship options and commitments vary, and the military ultimately decides if a fellowship is allowed.
Private Practice Anesthesiology
In private practice anesthesiology, a typical day includes reviewing patient charts, supervising RNAs, assisting with procedures, and managing assigned cases. The workday ends either when the cases are completed or when relieved by another provider. Some private practice anesthesiologists also have the opportunity to do their own cases when there is no C RNA present. Locom's work, where anesthesiologists work temporary assignments, is also an option usually after gaining more experience.
Random Recommendations
During the podcast, the hosts shared various recommendations. Joe recommended 'The Baby Owner's Manual' book for new parents. Kyle suggested 'Fingerprints of the Gods' by Graham Hancock, a book exploring alternative views on natural wonders. Mike recommended watching 'Billions,' a TV series on Showtime. Jed recommended watching the new 'Avatar' movie, 'The Way of Water,' especially in IMAX 3D for the immersive experience.
In this 250th episode I welcome back Drs. Essandoh and Cody and, for the first time, Dr. Kjome, to discuss different career settings in anesthesiology. We discuss academics, the military and private practice.
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