Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 10/11/2007

Question
I have a few questions that I've thought alot about but can't quite find answers. First, I wanted to know how long it took you to become a certified anesthesiologist. Second, I wanted to know what high school courses would help, and what classes in college I should definately take. I also wanted to know what kinds of things you do most often. I know what anesthesiologists do, but there are so many that I've read about. What I gathered, though, is that it is definately based around pain management before and after surgeryoperations, including administering not just anesthesia but pain medication too. I think. I'm still really having a hard time getting my head around it. It would really help if you could answer these, and maybe I'd be able to completely make up my mind. I really do think I want to be an anesthesiologist, and I really hope I've been spelling it right, but I'm still not quite sure.

Thank You So Much,
TJN

Answer
First, I wanted to know how long it took you to become a certified anesthesiologist.

4 yrs college, 4 yrs med school, 4 yrs residency and tehn another year to get my board certification


Second, I wanted to know what high school courses would help, and what classes in college I should definately take.

Take lots fo science and math courses. They will help you in college. In college there are required courses you need for med school. Your college advisor can help you with this.


I also wanted to know what kinds of things you do most often

We provide anesthesia for all surgical and obstetric
procedures which includes pain management.


Hope this helps,

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston