Anesthesiologists - Working Conditions

In a typical work setting, anesthesiologists:

Are responsible for the health and safety of patients.
Have a high level of social interaction with patients, family members, and other medical workers.
Communicate daily by telephone and in person. They may also use e-mail, but less frequently.
Work with a team of doctors, nurses, and other medical staff.
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Are responsible for the work done by the anesthesia team.
Are placed in conflict situations where others might be unpleasant or angry on a weekly basis.

Always work indoors in hospitals, surgical clinics, and other medical settings.
Often wear hospital uniforms.
Always wear protective or safety gear, such as latex gloves and protective glasses.
Are regularly exposed to diseases, infections, and contaminants in the hospital.
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Are often exposed to radiation. They usually wear special protective gear, such as a lead apron, to protect themselves.
Are sometimes exposed to sounds and noises that are loud or distracting.
Are sometimes exposed to hazardous conditions.
Work very close to patients, often within inches.

Must be very certain that all details and tasks of the job are completed accurately. Errors can have painful or even fatal consequences for patients.
Must remain alert to frequent changes in patients' vital signs. Must be alert to unexpected events, such as allergic reactions to anesthetics.
Make decisions that impact their patients, doctors, and their employer on a daily basis. They may consult with other doctors prior to procedures, but during surgeries anesthesiologists make decisions about patient care without input from others.
Set their daily tasks and goals for the day without consulting a superior first.
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Work in a competitive, stressful atmosphere where deadlines are firm.
May repeat the same physical and mental activities.

May work any shift, weekends, and holidays.
May be on-call any hour of the day or night.
May travel around town to work at surgical centers and hospitals. Anesthesiologists also travel out of town to attend conferences, workshops, and meetings.
Typically work 40 or more hours per week.
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Usually work an established schedule.