Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 4/18/2007

Question
Hello Mr. Levy,
I am a Sophomore in High School, and I am looking into Anesthesiology and my career in life. I have been doing some research and have some questions. They are as follows: what are the starting hours to be expected? Is this a good choice of a career? Will this be beneficial not only to the patients, but also to me? I have always been fascinated with learning about medicine, and have always wanted to go into the medical field for my profession. I would really appreciate the information. I am really thinking about this being my profession. Thanks again, and have a great day.
~Chazz N. Gregersen

Answer
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what are the starting hours to be expected?

In residency you can expect to work approximately 80 hours per week. Once you are in practice you will probably work between 40 and 60 hours per week.

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Is this a good choice of a career?

That's for you to decide. It's challenging, very rewarding and you get good compensation but the hours are long, the stress is high and there is always the risk of malpractice. Only you can decide if is worthwhile.

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Will this be beneficial not only to the patients, but also to me?

Again this is for you to decide. For me it is very rewarding to know that I have helped someone, reduced their fear and pain and often were responsible for making sure that very sick patients survived surgery.


Hope this helps,

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston