Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 8/2/2010

Question
I am planning to specialize in anesthesiology, my ultimate goals is to become a consultant like yourself, but I am aware that the path is quite long. Also I have been told that an anesthesiologist is required to travel on six monthly basis to different hospitals within a certain region. Therefore want to know if that will end after one becomes an consultant and what other advantages that come with the consultant post.Also my step brother lives in the US and is a citizen there he was wondering that maybe down the line after maybe I become a consultant can I go work in the US?
Thank you

Answer
It is difficult to get into anaesthesia training programme especially if you haven't trained in the UK. It is not clear if you are a UK graduate but I suspect not as most medical graduates have a good idea of how the system works. Each region of the UK is divided into schools of anaesthesia and once you have a place on a school you move between hospitals in a small region - most people manage this without moving accommodation. Once you are qualified then you have to apply for a consultant job which again is getting tougher. Once appointed most consultants stay where they are for the 20-30 years. It is not easy to travel to the USA once qualified as they do not recognise our training anymore.
Hope this helps
Dr Ian Jackson