How to become an anaesthetist

Deliver critical care, pain management and anaesthetics to patients before, during and after surgery.

What does an anaesthetist do?

In Australia and New Zealand, anaesthetists are physicians who deliver direct medical care (anaesthesia) to patients needing general or local anaesthesia for surgery and related procedures.

Duties and tasks

Determine anaesthetics to be used during the procedure based on critical factors including type of operation and patients current medical condition.
Expertise in Health and Safety operations.
Knowledge and understanding of pain management.
Monitor patients pre and post anaesthesia.
Perform anaesthetic care for medical surgeries.
Work alongside the surgical team during operations.

Professional bodies

Australian Society of Anaesthetists (ASA)

The Australian Society of Anaesthetists (ASA) exists to promote and protect the status, independence and best interests of Australian anaesthetists.

Medical Board of Australia

To practise as an Anaesthetist you will be required to be registered or licensed. Your licensing and registration authority is the Medical Board of Australia.

Related jobs

Medical scientist
Intensive care anaesthetist
Obstetric anaesthetist
Pain management specialist

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