anesthetists

Anesthetists are healthcare professionals who administer anesthesia and provide perioperative care to patients undergoing surgery or other procedures. They plan anesthesia, ensure airway management, monitor physiologic status, and manage pain before, during, and after anesthesia. The term covers physician anesthesiologists as well as nurse anesthetists or anesthesia assistants in some countries.

During the perioperative period they perform preoperative assessment, determine anesthesia technique (general, regional, or monitored anesthesia care), administer anesthetic agents, control ventilation, and adjust depth of anesthesia in response to monitoring. They also manage airway and respond to complications such as hemodynamic instability or airway emergencies. Postoperative analgesia and recovery room care are often included.

Training and certification vary by country. In many places, physician anesthetists complete medical school and a residency in anesthesiology, followed by board certification. In other systems, nurse anesthetists or anesthesia associates complete nursing or allied health training plus specialized anesthesia programs and certification. Some countries train anesthesia assistants under physician supervision. The terminology differs: "anesthesiologist" typically refers to the physician, while "anesthetist" may refer to both physicians and non-physician providers.

Subspecialties include pediatric, obstetric, cardiac, neuroanesthesia, regional anesthesia, and pain medicine. Anesthetists work as part of perioperative teams with surgeons, nurses, and critical care staff, and play key roles in patient safety, monitoring standards, and postoperative recovery planning.