Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 7/26/2008

Question
I am an aspiring young girl looking for a job in the medical field. As I was told, cosmetic surgeons are not getting as much money anymore because of hospital regulations, etc. but I hear Anesthesiologist and a nurse-anesthetist is the path to go because there is such a shortage in the United States. I was wondering if it is a rewarding job, and if you ever get bored with it at all? And would you  be able to do Doctor's Without Borders since that has always been a long time goal of mine. Thank you for you time.

Sincerely,
Briana

Answer
You first have to evaluate your goals. Are you looking for a profession that makes lots of money or one which is rewarding but you also make a nice income. If it's lots of money you're looking for, then medicine is not the field to go into.  While physicians make good money, other professions can make much more. Plastic surgeons still make a lot of money because most of their work is cash (no insurance). Anesthesiologists make good money. Nurse anesthetists make good money but much less than anesthesiologists (MD vs nurse). There is no shortage of anesthesia providers in the US. I find the job rewarding because of how I can help the people I treat be axiety and pain free. As with all jobs, there is some boredom but there are also exciting and stressful times. None of this has to do with Doctor's without Borders which is a humanitarian organization that any physician (or health practitioner) can join.

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston