Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 9/6/2006

Question
Please can you explain what a Research Fellow in anaesthetist is.  What does this mean and are there different levels to the title.  Do they have to be supervised when performing anaesthetist duties.  

Answer
Hi Caroline
I suspect there must be reason behind this question....
A Research Fellow covers a multitude of people in Anaesthesia. Basically most are people who have spent some time as a junior trainee in anaesthesia, some will have passed their first postgraduate examination (in anaesthesia). Therefore the degree of experience is variable and so the degree of supervision will vary. However it is a training position and so supervision of some degree will be available. For most people in this position this would not mean having a Consultant colleague standing watching him or her. Supervision may be the availability of a senior colleague in the theatre complex, in the hospital or even from home - it all depends on circumstances.
I hope this helps.
Kind regards
Dr Ian Jackson