Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 10/17/2009

Question
Dear Dr. Levy,
This is probably a question that you will find odd, but I was wondering if you know anything about what it would take for a Board Eligible Anesthesiologist to function in the role of CRNA? I am a CA-3 resident living in the Philadelphia area. Due to personal reason I cannot leave this area after completing residency. Despite an Ivy league education for college, medical school, and Anesthesia residency, I have been unable to find a position in the area. Every single hospital has turned away residents looking for jobs, saying that they are not hiring this year at all, or that they are only considering MD with experience. My classmates have given up and are looking in other areas of the county, but I don't have this option. The typical salaries in the area for MD's are in the $200,000 range according to the class that graduated last year, none of us have gotten offers this year. In my online searches i have come across countless job opening for CRNA's offering 140-150k, full benefits, and far fewer hours than MDs typically work. Despite my sadness at this very similar pay for significantly less schooling and work than I have put in (12 yrs), I am considering working as a CRNA until my personal situation changes or until the anesthesia job market changes. Would I have to attend CRNA school, nursing school, or just pass the CRNA boards? Rather being unemployed, i would be happy with the CRNA salary and hours. Have you ever heard of anyone doing something like this after finishing residency?

I hope you can help with this terrible situation!

Thank you

Answer
I have never heard of that and I would doubt that people would hire you knowing that you will leave at the first opportunity. You would not have to pass their boards because you are a qualified aensthesiologist. The only difference is that you would make less money. Have you checked out academic programs. Usually they are always short of faculty because the private market is more lucrative. your other option is Locum Tenens. They almost always can find you short term (or long term) jobs.

Ronasld Levy, MD
Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston