Overview An Anesthesiologist plans and prepares the anesthetic for patients and cares for them before, during, and after their procedure. During the procedure they monitor the patients blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, and level of consciousness. Anesthesiologists also adjust the anesthesia medications to make sure the procedure is safe and pain free. After surgery, an anesthesiologist continues to make sure that the patient recovers from the pain medication after the surgery. Responsibilities Plan and prepare the anesthetic for patients before procedures. Monitor vital signs and level of consciousness during procedures. Adjust anesthesia medications to ensure safety and pain control. Support patient recovery from anesthesia and pain medication after surgery. Specialties Anesthesiologists can specialize in control of both acute and chronic pain and can be involved in caring for terminally ill patients. Qualifications To become an Anesthesiologist you need to complete 4 years of college to earn an undergraduate degree and then attend 4 years of medical school and earn a Doctor of Medicine degree. If you were to complete your medical degree at the Michigan State University School of Human Medicine Then you must complete a 4years of residency training in an accredited program. Earnings The median yearly earnings in 2000 of an Anesthesiologist was $210,000. #J-18808-Ljbffr