AN ESTHISIOLOGIST
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
Anesthesiologists are a type of doctor. Their role involves administering anesthesia to patients during medical procedures. They also monitor the well-being of the patient before, during and after surgical procedures. Most anesthesiologists work in hospital settings, as part of a larger team of medical professionals which includes surgeons and nurses.
WHAT WOULD I DO?
The routine tasks of an anesthesiologist may include:
- Assessing a patient and their medical history prior to surgery.
- Determining the type and dose of anesthetic that needs to be administered.
- Administering intravenous lines, connecting monitors, etc, prior to the procedure.
- Administering anesthesia whether it be regional or general.
- Monitoring the patient’s vitals and overall condition throughout the procedure to ensure wellbeing of the patient.
- Monitoring the patient post-surgery to ensure the patient wakes up safely and prescribing any medication that may be necessary.
- Working with other doctors and medical professionals as part of a larger care team.
AM I SUITED FOR THIS JOB?
Individuals with the following characteristics may be ideal for this role:
- Individuals with good organizational skills.
- Individuals who can adapt to changing environments.
- Individuals who work well in independently.
- Personable individuals who are able to interact with various audiences.
- Individuals who are able to think quickly.
- Individuals who are able to problem solve.
- Individuals who work well in fast-paced environments.
- Collaborative individuals.
- Individuals with good communication skills.
- Individuals able to pay attention to detail and are observant.
A TYPICAL DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN ANESTHESIOLOGIST
TYPICAL WAGE
According to the Government of Canada anesthesiologists on the lower end of the wage scale in Ontario make $87,103 annually and on the higher end make $522,764 annually. Per the Economic Research Institute, the average base salary in Canada is $391,534 annually, the graph below depicts wage growth from entry level to senior positions.
BENEFITS
The benefits offered may vary by employer. However, most anesthesiologists may enjoy the following benefits:
- Dental insurance.
- Health insurance.
- Disability insurance.
- Retirement plan.
- Life insurance.
- Paid time off.
- Paid sick time off.
- Vacation pay.
- Disability leave.
- Maternity or parental leave.
JOB OUTLOOK IN OTTAWA AND ONTARIO
Per the Government of Canada the job outlook for anesthesiologists is good in Ontario and Ottawa. This is attributable to growth in the number of positions due to employment growth and positions becoming available due to retirement.
HOW DO I BECOME AN ANESTHESIOLOGIST?
Individuals interested in becoming an anesthesiologist must first complete an undergraduate degree. There is no set or required degree to pursue medical school, however, most medical schools have required courses one must take in their undergraduate studies. For this reason, many individuals interested in anesthesiology or a career in medicine pursue degrees in the biological sciences. After completion of one’s undergraduate studies and sometimes earlier, one may write the Medical College Admission Test and apply to medical school. The requirements and criteria for medical schools vary, it is important to research and learn the criteria for each program you are interested in applying to. Please refer to the Ontario Medical School Application Service website for program requirements.
The following are some medical schools in Ontario:
- Michael G DeGroote School of Medicine at McMaster University.
- Medicine at the University of Ottawa.
- Queen’s University School of Medicine.
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto.
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Western Ontario.
Upon completion of medical school, individuals interested in anesthesiology must complete an anesthesiology residency. Anesthesiology residencies are typically five years and include basic clinical training and specific training.
After residency, MDs must pass the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada qualification exam and be licenced in Ontario to practice. To learn more about the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada’s qualification exam please refer to their website. To learn about being licenced in Ontario please refer to the Canadian College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.
WHERE WOULD I WORK?
Per the Canadian Medical Association 90% of anesthesiologist have a hospital-based practice as illustrated by the figure below.
Aside from hospitals individuals may work in solo practice, group practice and clinics for pain management. However, most anesthesiologist work in hospital settings.
HOW DO I FIND A JOB?
Individuals who are interested in finding a job as an anesthesiologist may consider looking at:
- LinkedIn.
- Google Job Board.
- The Canadian Anesthesiologists Society Job Board.
- The Government of Canada Job Bank.
- Hospital Websites and Career Pages.
- Ontario Medical Association Classifieds.
APPLYING FOR A JOB
When applying for a job in anesthesiology you should make sure to highlight your education and relevant experience in your resume such as research, etc. You should also highlight these in your cover letter, without being repetitive. You should use your cover letter as an opportunity to convince the reader as to why you are an ideal fit for the role. You should highlight past experiences on your resume and how they demonstrate the skills required for the role. You should also be sure to highlight any experiences that may make you stand out and any past experiences similar to the role you are applying for. Be sure to modify your resume and cover letter to be reflective of the job description listed with the job posting.
For entry level individuals it may be useful to highlight any experience that you may have acquired thus far that may demonstrate that you possess the necessary skills to excel in the role. For entry level individuals with no prior industry experience, it may be useful to focus on highlight transferable skills from other roles that may aid you. It may be useful to highlight the skills you may have developed through your studies. Be sure to emphasize how your educational training has prepared you for the role and mention examples from your residency or medical school experience.
Prior to your interview prepare a list of questions that you may be asked and have an idea of your answers. You should also be sure to research the clinic to ensure you have all necessary knowledge. Be sure to research the interviewers, if possible. Demonstrate this prior research through your answers subtly. Research will also allow you to be more familiar with what the clinic needs or is seeking and enable you to tailor your answers. Be sure to also have some questions prepared for your interview, having questions shows interest and effort to the interviewer.
WHERE CAN THIS JOB LEAD?
Upon completion of the medical degree, an individual in anesthesiology is typically considered an anesthesiology resident. After 5 years of specialized training, they become a certified anesthesiologist. With 5 or more additional years of experience, one may be experienced enough to pivot into an elevated role such as that of a senior staff anesthesiologist.
Alternatively, individuals who do not wish to practice in hospital settings may transition to roles outside of hospitals such as pain management clinics where their knowledge of anesthetics is employed to treat chronic pain. If they no longer wish to practice, they may also be able to pivot into senior hospital administrative or management roles with sufficient experience. Individuals with a passion for research and teaching may opt to become instructors for medical schools or researchers. Often individuals who have gone through medical school and become anesthesiologists have ample education and experience to pursue a career in education and research. However, at times they may have to pursue a research-based master’s or doctoral or post-doctoral training to pivot into such roles. What is required depends on their level of experience, etc. Overall, there is great flexibility and growth available for anesthesiologists both within traditional practice and non-traditional routes.
