What is a anesthesiologist schedule like?

The anesthesia provider is responsible for keeping the patient anesthetized during surgery and vigilantly monitoring their vital signs, ABCs (airway, breathing, circulation) while the patient is under anesthesia or sedation. They monitor fluid input and output; placing IVs or central lines as necessary to deliver IV fluids, drugs, or blood or blood products during surgery. General anesthesia requires the anesthesia provider to intubate the patient, which is to place a breathing tube through the mouth into the trachea, or "windpipe," which remains in place during surgery. Surgery can be done with general anesthesia, regional anesthesia (spinals, epidurals, or peripheral nerve blocks), or monitored anesthesia care (MAC), which was formerly known as "local [anesthesia] with sedation." The anesthesia provider is responsible for the patient's care during the initial post-operative period in the recovery room. They determine when the patient is ready for extubation (removal of the breathing tube), which is usually -- but not always -- done in the operating room after the patient is awakened from general anesthesia, but before they go to the recovery room (or "PACU," post-anesthesia care unit).