Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 1/10/2010

Question
I am a graduating senior entering college in the fall. I am interested in a career in anesthesiology due to the flexibility, hands on, and OP assistance it has to offer. When i do research on the specifics about the skills an anesthesiologist must aquire I never seem to find any information. What are the scientific skills or interpersonal skills an anesthesiologist must have?

Answer
Hi Eric
Medicine and anaesthesia in particular has much to offer and many different sub specialty interests. This means that it can accommodate a large variety of people with differing skills.
Overall you need to be able to get on with people and it is important to be a team player. Sometimes you will lead that team - that appears to be less so in the USA.
It is useful to be reasonable at physics/physiology as an understanding of the equipment you are using is essential. However as you progress the physiology and pharmacology become more important.
Finally being manually dexterous is an advantage as we do lots of procedures.
Hope this helps a bit.
Dr Ian Jackson