1. How to Become an Anesthesiologist, by Courtney Leddell
Anesthesiology is an exciting, challenging, and rewarding profession for those willing to dedicate
their time and energy to patients. Opportunities for physicians are expected to grow 10 to 20
percent in the next decade with specialist careers such as anesthesiologists experiencing the most
growth. As with physicians of all types, anesthesiologists are needed in a number of venues,
including hospitals, private practices, the military, and other outlets.
The path to becoming an anesthesiologist takes many years and a lot of hard work. Starting in high
school, students should take an interest in the sciences, specifically biology and chemistry, as well as
anatomy. From there, those interested should seek out an accredited university and enter into a
premedical program. Along with earning a Bachelor of Science degree, they will have to pass the
Medical College Admissions Test and be accepted to medical school. Hopefuls will spend an
additional four years at medical school, where they can explore the career and develop skills. After
graduating with a Doctor of Medicine degree, doctors move on to a residency program where they
will learn anesthesiology over the course of an additional four years.
About the author: Courtney Leddell is a board-certified neuroanesthesiologist and Vice President of
Consulting Anesthesiology. He graduated from the University of Illinois College of Medicine and
fulfilled his residency at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine.