Anaesthetist

Career path and progression

With experience you could:

• become a consultant anaesthetist
• lead or manage an anaesthesia department
• teach medical students, trainee doctors, nurses, midwives and paramedics
• become a senior consultant if you have a lot of experience and you're on the General Medical Council specialist register

As a specialist or consultant, you'll usually earn a much higher salary.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
• knowledge of medicine
• the ability to work well with your hands
• thinking and reasoning skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Biology - Anaesthetists need a deep understanding of human anatomy, physiology, and how the body's systems – such as the respiratory, cardiovascular, and nervous systems – respond to drugs. This knowledge is essential for choosing the right anaesthetic, monitoring patients during surgery, and managing any complications that arise.
• Chemistry - Anaesthetists work with a wide range of drugs and need to understand how different chemical compounds interact with the body. Knowledge of chemistry helps them understand how anaesthetic agents are absorbed, metabolised, and eliminated, and how drug combinations might affect a patient.
• Physics - Anaesthetists use equipment that relies on principles of physics, such as gas flow, pressure, and vaporisation in anaesthetic machines. They also need to understand concepts like fluid dynamics and electrical monitoring when reading patient vital signs during surgery.
• Mathematics - Anaesthetists calculate precise drug dosages based on a patient's weight, age, and medical condition – getting this wrong can be life-threatening. They also interpret numerical data from monitoring equipment and use statistics when evaluating treatment outcomes or research evidence.

Also relevant

• Psychology - Anaesthetists explain risks and procedures to patients who are often anxious about surgery, so understanding how people respond to fear and stress is important. They also need to remain calm and make clear decisions under intense pressure, and may help manage chronic pain where psychological factors play a significant role.
• English Language - Anaesthetists must communicate complex medical information clearly to patients, families, and other healthcare professionals. Whether explaining the risks of anaesthesia in plain language or writing detailed clinical notes, strong communication skills are essential for patient safety.
• Physical Education - Anaesthetists work long hours in physically demanding environments, often standing for extended periods during surgeries. An understanding of how the body responds to physical stress and fatigue helps them maintain their own wellbeing in a high-pressure role.