Physician-led care saves lives when critical decisions need to be made and there are only seconds to make them. With more than 10,000 hours of specialized medical education and training, anesthesiologists watch over you to monitor, protect and safeguard your vital life functions in the operating room, procedure room, intensive care unit and pain clinic. 
As the leaders of Anesthesia Care Teams, anesthesiologists supervise non-physician providers during the administration of anesthesia. Only physicians have the advanced education and training to diagnose, treat and respond to any medical complications that may arise.
In addition, only physicians have the specialized training to accurately and safely provide a comprehensive approach to treat chronic pain through medication and pain procedures.
Surveys show patients prefer physicians to be in charge of their health care. Ninety percent of respondents said a physician’s additional years of medical education and training are vital to optimal patient care, especially in the event of a complication or medical emergency, according to the American Medical Association’s 2010 Truth in Advertising survey. In addition, nearly 80 percent of respondents said they want an anesthesiologist to administer the anesthesia for their surgeries, according to an American Society of Anesthesiologists’ 2010 survey.
When a physician administers or supervises your care, you can have peace of mind knowing that your safety is in well trained and skilled hands.