An anaesthetist is a specialist doctor. In Australia, they have studied a minimum of 13 years after school to become qualified as a Specialist Anaesthetist. Upon completion of their medical degree (about 6-8 years of university study) and basic hospital training (about 3 years), doctors may choose to specialise in an area of medicine, surgery or general practice.
Doctors who wish to become specialist anaesthetists must undertake a completive selection process, then work and study in an accredited hospital training program for at least a further five years. During this time they gain knowledge, skills and experience in the areas of anaesthesia, intensive care, emergency, pain medicine and perioperative medicine.
Recognition as a specialist anaesthetist is granted by the Commonwealth Government when the doctor has completed the specialty training program and passed the examinations of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists.
Your anaesthetist is responsible for your wellbeing and safety throughout your surgery. This includes planning, then giving your anaesthetic, and arranging appropriate postoperative care and pain control.