Anesthesia Care Team

The Anesthesia Care Team is the group of people who will be looking after you while you are under anesthesia. An attending anesthesiologist and either a CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist) or an anesthesia resident are always part of this team. The attending anesthesiologist is a physician who has completed all of his or her medical training, as well as specialist training in anesthesia, and is responsible for making all final decisions on your anesthetic care. Because of shift changes or other reasons, your anesthetic care team may change throughout your procedure, but rest assured that you will never be left alone while under anaesthetic. Patients who are not having major surgery that requires general anesthesia are also cared for by the Anesthesia Care Team. If you're expecting a baby, for example, the team will meet with you and the doctor who will deliver the baby to discuss the type of pain management you prefer throughout labor and delivery. Patients with chronic pain, such as headaches or back pain, are treated by physician anesthesiologists, who are also pain medicine specialists. Some physician anesthesiologists collaborate with nurses and other medical professionals who are experts in this field.