Happy Physician Anesthesiologists Week

Medicus is proud to honor Physician Anesthesiologists Week from January 26th to February 1st. This week is a time to recognize the invaluable contributions of more than 51,000 anesthesiologists nationwide who play a vital role in healthcare and patient safety.

From ensuring patient comfort and safety during surgeries to advancing pain management techniques, anesthesiologists are at the forefront of modern medicine. As we celebrate their achievements, let's take a moment to reflect on the journey that shaped this critical field—from its early beginnings to the specialized medical discipline it is today.

Seven Anesthesiology History Facts:

1. Ether Dome at Mass General: Step into history at the Ether Dome, where over 8,000 operations took place in the 1800s, including the first painless surgery. This iconic teaching amphitheater now stands as a historical landmark, showcasing an oil painting of that groundbreaking surgery and displaying surgical tools.
2. Origin of the Term "Bite the Bullet": Before the discovery of anesthesia in 1846, patients during the American Civil War were given bullets to bite on during painful procedures.
3. American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA): Founded in 1905, the ASA is committed to advancing American medicine, advocating for continuous education and research in anesthesiology.
4. University-Based Residency Training: In 1927, Dr. Ralph M. Waters pioneered one of the world's first university-based residency training programs in anesthesiology.
5. American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA): The ABA gained independent board status in 1940, defining anesthesiology as a medical specialty and recognizing physicians' exceptional skills.
6. ASA Charitable Foundation: Established in 2011, the foundation aims to improve access to quality anesthesia and enhance health and medical care in underserved communities.

The Growing Anesthesia Provider Shortage

Despite the field's remarkable progress, the United States faces a growing shortage of anesthesia providers. According to the Health Resources and Services Administration, the United States could face a shortage of up to 6,300 anesthesiologists by 2036.

This challenge is compounded by the fact that 81% of counties in the United States do not have an active anesthesiologist, leaving many patients without access to essential care. While overall employment is expected to grow by 2.6% between 2022 and 2032, an estimated 1,000 job openings per year will create additional pressure on the field.

The Rise of Anesthesiology Locums

As anesthesiologist shortages continue over the next decade, locum anesthesiologists have become a valued resource in bridging gaps in coverage.

Locum anesthesiologists provide healthcare leaders with a solution to ensure uninterrupted access to care during periods of staffing gaps. Additionally, project-based staffing solutions, such as the Medicus Transition Program, provide immediate and long-term interim healthcare staffing solutions designed to stabilize clinical workforces for healthcare leaders facing multiple FTE gaps in coverage.

For anesthesiologists, the shortage presents a chance to explore locum tenens roles. Locum tenens opportunities allow anesthesiologists to practice in areas with critical needs, make a meaningful impact, and earn higher wages. Additionally, working locum tenens enables anesthesiologists to broaden their clinical expertise by gaining experience in diverse healthcare settings.

To learn more about the anesthesia provider shortage and how it impacts care delivery, click here.

Thank You, Anesthesiologists!

This Physician Anesthesiologists Week, we extend our deepest gratitude to anesthesiologists everywhere. Your expertise and dedication make safe, quality care possible for patients nationwide. To our Medicus locum anesthesiologists, thank you for your commitment to delivering care where it's needed most.

As we celebrate Physician Anesthesiologist Week, we encourage you to join in the celebration using the hashtag #PhysAnesWk25. Plus, stay connected with us on all our social media as we recognize and honor anesthesiologists all week long!

Are you interested in working as a locum anesthesiologist with Medicus? View our open locum anesthesiologist jobs here, or complete the short form below to connect with a Medicus Recruiter.