I don't think there has ever been a better time to be an anesthesiologist. The role of the specialist is evolving, in part through the introduction of new technologies such as video laryngoscopes for airway management. The breadth of subspecialties, from critical care to pain medicine, has similarly mushroomed. As a result, research questions abound. Amazing advances, such as the imaging of nerve blocks and cardiac ultrasounds for noncardiac cases, have come about in the past few years and new developments are on the horizon. And, of course, guiding patients who are fearful about an invasive procedure and taking them safely from induction to recovery is an enormous honor and privilege.
Finding the right specialty will in many ways determine the quality of your life, both at home and in the workplace. Fortunately, within the same specialty -- anesthesiology included -- there are myriad types of roles, including teachers, researchers, quality managers, administrators, and mentors. There are also many different practice settings. That gives you limitless choices and opportunities within a particular field.
Keep in mind that your choice of specialty will be affected by chance events: the resident or attending who mentors you during your rotations; the location of your clerkship, whether it is an inpatient or outpatient experience; the patient population; even the condition of the physical plant where you are trained. For better or worse, these different experiences can transform your desire to enter a particular specialty. It may not be possible, in such a short time span, for you to get an accurate glimpse into all available specialties.
