Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 10/6/2009

Question
Dr. Levy,

I am currently an MS1 at a Texas medical school and was possibly interested in Anesthesiology. I know it may seem I am thinking about specialties a little early; however, I basically only have the summer between first and second year (assuming I don’t repeat a year) to do a preceptorship/externship or research in a field of medicine I consider a possibility for my career.
I was wondering what your take on the viability of Anesthesiology, as a field, would be in the future considering CRNAs and Anesthesiologist Assistants demand a considerably smaller pay. Will Anesthesiologists be fighting for business against CRNA’s and AA’s as healthcare reform starts to roll out? I know medical professionals, for the next several years, will be in for quite a battle as the healthcare system is remodeled; the last thing I would want is for my specialty to be drastically impacted.
I am currently planning on researching in the Department of Pain Medicine and Anesthesiology at another medical school over the summer. Depending on your advice, guidance from Anesthesiologists at my own school, and my other clinical encounters, I might want to change my plan for the summer.

I appreciate your time and knowledge!

T.O.


Answer
I still think the field is viable and I don't think CRNA/AA will take away much business (certainly not in the bigger markets but perhaps in small towns/physician shortage areas, etc.) As for the health care remodelling, I think we are all holding our breaths but I tink anesthesia will be less impacted than some of the other specialties.

Ronald Levy, MD
Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston