Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 4/22/2009

Question
I have read the answers you have given to other questions about becoming a CRNA vs. an anesthesiologist. My question is simply this: If you become a CRNA and decide later that you want to go to medical school and become an Anesthesiologists, what are the steps to do so? is that even possible or practical? Would you just have to get accepted into med school and do the additional 6 years? would a CRNA even be remotely prepared to get through med school? thanks for all the answers you have already given to many of us.

Answer
I know several CRNA's who have done that. Medical school is 4 yrs and Anesthesiology residency is 4 yrs. Assuming you met the prereqs for med school during your college years prior to CRNA training, you could go straight to med school. More likely you will have to take some courses and, of course, you will need to take the MCATs. Is a CRNA prepared for med school? Again an appropriate college education with all the prereqs is what makes you prepared for medical school.

Ronald Levy, MD
Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston