Expert: JM Starkman, MD - 1/20/2011

Question
Hello, I am doing a project for boy scouts where i need to contact a person currently working a job  and ask some questions.

What are the tasks and duties of this job?

What do you like about the job?

What are some good points about the job?

What are some bad points about the job?

What educational skills/preparation are needed for the job?

Whom must I contact?

What personal fulfillment have you received from this occupation?

How is your life state supported by this occupation?

What type of personality is needed for this job?

Why did you choose this occupation?

How does this occupation relate to your faith?

Is it possible for you to visit or explore the job site?

Please respond ASAP, thanks, Chris

Answer
Thank you for writing, and please accept my apologies for the response delay, as I was out of town & on vacation.  

Most of the answers to your questions about anesthesiology can be found in my archive here in ALLexperts, as others have asked similar questions in the past. Also look at the ALLexperts answers in other related medical subspecialist and dental categories--we all get and answer very similar questions and provide a wide area of answers and differing opinions.

Most importantly, though, is the REAL purpose of your Boy Scout assignment:  To learn to interact with others older than you, and glean critical information from them.  Hence, the thing you really need to do is contact the administrator of a hospital or surgery center near you and request you be put in touch with that facility's Anesthesiologist.  Arrange a face-to-face interview. Have your questions and follow-ups ready.  

Your generation has an incredible tool to its avail in the internet and its research/communication capabilities.  But it comes at the high cost of insubstantial "people skills"!!!  People just a bit older than you raised 'online' are poor communicators and poor job interviewees. THAT is the real purpose of your scout assignment.....to keep you from getting lost in a crowd of mediocrity and learn to communicate with people who will make a major difference in your life.   Make the phone call!  Good luck.