Anaesthesia
BMJ 1999; 318 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.318.7187.2 (Published 27 March 1999) Cite this as: BMJ 1999;318:S2-7187- David J Wilkinson, consultant anaesthetist
- St Bartholomew's Hospital, Royal Hospitals Trust,London EC1A 7BE
You could argue that the spectacular advance of surgery in fact represents the spectacular advance of anaesthesia. David Wilkinson discusses this wide ranging specialty
Anaesthesia is the largest single hospital specialty but is probably the least well understood. The general public has little idea of the role of anaesthetists, and, sadly, the medical profession as a whole often mirrors this lack of knowledge.
The first modern anaesthetics were given in the early 1840s (although there is good evidence that effective anaesthesia was practised in mediaeval times). Since the mid 19th century, the sciences of pharmacology and physiology have greatly expanded, and this expansion in knowledge has been followed by an concomitant development in anaesthesia. The early simple administration of ether and nitrous oxide has evolved into a highly specialised and complex science today. It is often forgotten that none of the high profile advances in surgical practice could have taken place without efficient and effective methods of anaesthesia and intensive care medicine.
Anaesthesia as a career
Consider anaesthesia if
You are a good communicator
You are sociable and like people
You do not mind working in isolation at times
You do not mind not being seen as a leader - anaesthesia is a service specialty, and anaesthetists tend to respond to circumstances rather than initiate care, but this is not the same as being subservient
You have an interest in gadgets
You enjoy clinical pharmacology and physiology
You have flexibility in thought and action
You respond well and can think clearly under pressure
You have an innovative, research orientated mind
Do not consider anaesthesia if
You do not deal well with stress
It is your second or third choice of specialty
You want to be in the limelight
You do not agree with most of the above reasons to join
You like regular meals
You think you'll be sitting around in the coffee room all day
Where do anaesthetists work?
Anaesthetists play a pivotal role in the care of patients not only in the operating theatre …