Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 11/13/2010

Question
Im very interested in being an anesthesiologist. Im 30 years old and have never been to college. I graduated high school and never got into college after that.I recently had a son and he was born with a birth defect. He had TEF. From the day he was born he was put in Loma Linda Childrens Hospital NICU,hes had several surgeries for his tracheaesophogeal fistula repair and was in the hospital for several months.He is a high-risk baby but we still have a long road ahead of us.During his ladt surgery he had an anesthesiologist that just inspired me .I wasreally impressed by him and interested in what he did.So now my son is 9 months and home with me and I want to be an anesthesiologist.I was looking into an online school to get an AA in general education for starters.What classes do I need to take or what area do I need to study and do you recommend any online programs or anything in my area.I live in Apple Valley,Ca. Thank you for your time and I commend you for what you do on a daily basis.Thank You,Kelly Conrad

Answer
It is not so easy. Having an AA might be good to get you back into academics but it does nothing toward getting you to your goal. Also online schools won't work either. To become an anesthesiologist, you need a 4 yr bacelors degree from college, then 4 yrs of medical school and then 4 yrs of anesthesia residency training. At the earliest you would 43 when you were done. If you are up for the challenge, I wish you the best of luck.


Ronald Levy, MD
Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston