Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 3/28/2007

Question
I would like to become an anesthesiologist and i was wondering whether you could answer some questions for me?
1. how many years it takes?

2. what classes should i take?

3. Close subjects to anesthesiology?

4. skills needed?

5. pro's and con's?

6. income level?

7. hours work?

8. advancement?

9. work environment?

10. how much time will i have to myself/family?

11. do male doctors just practice on males or females too?

12. what is a good school in the state of California?

thank you very much for your time and answers.
James Ramirez

Answer
Here are the answers:

1. how many years it takes?
4 yrs college, 4 yrs med school, 4 yrs residency


2. what classes should i take?
You need certain pre-requisites in college like organic and inorganic chemistry, calculus, physics and biology.


3. Close subjects to anesthesiology?
???


4. skills needed?
Logical mind, good eye-hand coordination, manual dexterity


5. pro's and con's?
Good: income, prestige, challenging work, satisfying
Bad: malpractice, government oversight, long hours, stressful


6. income level?
from $150,000 to over $400,000


7. hours work?
during residency 80 hr/week, in practice 40-60 hr/week


8. advancement?
depends on what kind of practice you have


9. work environment?
depends on what kind of practice you have


10. how much time will i have to myself/family?
That's up to you and how much money you want to make.


11. do male doctors just practice on males or females too?
We practice on everyone.


12. what is a good school in the state of California?
I don't know specific schools.

Hope this helps,

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston