Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 10/23/2007

Question
Hello Doctor,
I am 18 years old and would consider my self a pragmatist.  I guess I could say that while I am young I don't just think about right now, but the future.  For the career that I choose to pursue I want to take into consideration how different my life will be when I actually become what I have sought out to be. As a young lady, in the future having a family is a goal of mine.  Having children and being able to participate in there lives is also a necessity.  This is where my dilemma falls. In the case of CRNAs I have read that an overwhelming 90
re satisfied with there career choice. (that is so hard to find!)  The salary is comfortable and they are still able to maintain a life outside of there careers. As an anesthesiologist I believe with 4 more years of education there salary is wonderful, but they complain about the hours and there lifestyle. For me its like become a CRNA in 7 years or just tough it out 3 more years and become an Anesthesiologist.   My question is what would be the best field to go into in my circumstance.  Wanting to have a fulfilling career while being able to have a fulfilling family life also. One thing I have also read is the animosity between the CRNAs and the Anesthesiologists which I find humorous now but I wonder how I will feel when I'm on either side of the spectrum.  Hopefully I painted a picture so you can get the gist of what I feel.  And also I don't want to be so OLD when I am finally established.  No offense to anyone :).  I know my mother would be elated if I decided to go to medical school and that would make me happy in a way. ( but I wouldn't just go for that).  I don't see my self going to medical school, but I did not see myself going into the medical field a year ago.  I WROTE SO MUCH, sorry but hopefully you will get an idea of who I am and basically help me out! Don't be afraid to write me an essay, the more words the merrier! Thank you in advance and once again I didn't mean to offend people over 30 ( you know how us youngins think)!

Answer
You can have a life like you describe as either an anesthesiologist or a CRNA. It is up to you how you structure your career. I can't speak for CRNAs but I know many physicians (female and male) who choose to devote more time to family and work part-time, or don't take call, or who do outpatient anesthesia, or pain management. They make good money and still have time to raise a family. You have to decide what you want in terms of education, independence, compensation, etc. As for the animosity, it's like any other field where one group thinks they can do the job of the other with less training and/or for less money. There are many CRNA's out there that are as good as an anesthesiologist (for the level of cases they do) but I personally would always choose someone with more training and knowledge. This is not a ding against CRNAs (I work with them all the time), it's just my personal bias. Both professions are admirable and well respected. You have to decide what you want to do.

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston