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Clinical Services (Anesthesia):
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About Anesthesiologists
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If your child has an illness, injury, or disease that
requires surgery, a pediatric anesthesiologist has
the experience and qualifications to assist in the
treatment and to help ensure a successful surgery
for your child.
A pediatric anesthesiologist is a fully trained anesthesiologist
who has completed at least 1 year of
specialized training in anesthesia care of infants
and children. Most pediatric surgeons deliver care
to children in the operating room along with a
pediatric anesthesiologist. Many children who need
surgery have very complex medical problems that
affect many parts of the body. The pediatric anesthesiologist
is best qualified to evaluate these complex
problems and plan a safe anesthetic for each
child. Through special training and experience,
pediatric anesthesiologists provide the safest care
for infants and children undergoing anesthesia.
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Pediatric anesthesiologists are physicians who
have had:
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- At least 4 years of medical school
- One year of internship and 3 years of residency
in anesthesiology
- Additional specialty training in pediatric
anesthesiology
- Certification from the American Board of
Anesthesiologists
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Pediatric anesthesiologists treat children from the
newborn period through the teenage years. They
choose to make pediatric care the core of their
medical practice, and the unique nature of medical
and surgical care of children is learned from
advanced training and experience in practice.
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Pediatric anesthesiologists are responsible for the
general anesthesia, sedation, and pain management
needs of infants and children. Pediatric anesthesiologists
generally provide the following services:
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- Evaluation of complex medical problems in
infants and children when surgery is needed
- Planning and care for before and after surgery
- A nonthreatening environment for children in
the operating room
- Pain control, if needed after surgery, either
with intravenous (IV) medications or other
anesthetic techniques
- Anesthesia and sedation for many procedures
out of the operating room such as MRI, CT
scan, and radiation therapy.
- Read more about treatments
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Children are not just small adults. They cannot
always say what is bothering them. They cannot
always answer medical questions, and are not
always able to be patient and cooperative during
a medical examination. Pediatric anesthesiologists
know how to examine and treat children in a way
that makes them relaxed and cooperative. In addition,
pediatric anesthesiologists use equipment and
facilities specifically designed for children. Most
pediatric anesthesiology offices are arranged and
decorated with children in mind. This includes
the examination rooms and waiting rooms, which
may have toys and reading materials for children.
This helps create a comfortable and nonthreatening
environment for your child.
If your pediatrician suggests that your child see a
pediatric anesthesiologist, you can be assured that
he or she has the widest range of treatment
options, the most extensive and complete training,
and the greatest expertise in dealing with children
and their anesthesiology needs.
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© 2000 American Academic of Pediatrics
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