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Who is Giving Your Anesthesia During Surgery?

By Jennifer Heisler, RN, About.com

Updated: January 04, 2009

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Anesthesiologists: Physicians Who Provide Anesthesia

An anesthesiologist is a physician who, after completing four years of medical school, completed a four-year residency in anesthesia to earn the credential MDA. In addition to residency, board-certified anesthesiologists have passed a grueling 3-part written test and a 2-part oral examination on the practice of anesthesiology.

Anesthesiologists may elect to supervise the work of other types of anesthesia providers, including nurse anesthetists (CRNA) and anesthesiologist assistances (AA).

Anesthesiologists primarily function in the operating room and post-anesthesia care unit, but some elect to practice in the area of chronic pain management.

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