Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 1/24/2007

Question
Is the anesthesiologist ONLY involved with the patient relative to surgery, i.e., pre-surgery evaluation and history, administering the medications during, and post-surgical follow up?  Who handles the sedation and pain management for the ICU patient on a ventilator?


Answer
Theresa
I suspect this varies a bit around the world but in the UK the anaesthetist is involved in many more areas. The example you give (ICU) is managed by anaesthetists here. Most have spent a period of time specialising in the area of intensive care but are still part of the anaesthetic department and give anaesthetics as part of their jobs.
Other anaesthetists are involved in managing out patient clinics for those with chronic pain problems and others look after women in childbirth. Others like myself get involved in the management of patients at accidents - prehospital trauma care. Finally a lot of us are involved in the manangement of hospital services. It is a varied life.
Hope this helps
Dr Ian Jackson