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Briana, Anesthesiology Resident at Academic Hospital : Advize Career Interview
A career in anesthesiology, as described by a resident at a major academic hospital, offers a dynamic and rewarding path.
The journey begins with a strong foundation in science, complemented by experiences in health-focused nonprofits and volunteering.
Daily responsibilities are multifaceted, encompassing patient care in diverse hospital settings, requiring organization, vigilance, flexibility, and creativity.
The most fulfilling aspects include strong relationships with patients and colleagues, along with the inherent variety of cases and the unpredictable nature of the work.
While the demanding schedule and continuous learning present challenges, particularly for working parents, the profound impact on patients' lives and the collaborative team environment provide immense personal and professional satisfaction.
Aspiring healthcare professionals can gain valuable experience through roles like medical assisting, working in labs, or as an anesthesia tech, laying a solid groundwork for a career demanding compassion, empathy, and a deep commitment to lifelong learning.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Briana Kossbiel
Anesthesiology Resident
Academic Hospital
University of Arizona, 2016
University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson, 2021 - MD
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Biology & Related Sciences
Healthcare
Medical
Honors Student, Veteran
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Career Path of an Anesthesiology Resident at an Academic Hospital
Briana's career path began with a pre-med focus on physiology and public health in college, complemented by unrelated jobs and internships with nonprofit organizations focused on "health and outreach." After medical school, the resident now works in anesthesiology residency in Columbus, Ohio, demonstrating a consistent progression toward their chosen medical specialty.
Main Responsibilities of an Anesthesiology Resident at an Academic Hospital
Briana, an anesthesiology resident, describes their multifaceted role as encompassing "patient care" across various hospital settings, including operating rooms, the OB floor (administering epidurals and assisting with c-sections), the pain clinic, and surgical ICUs. This highlights the wide-ranging responsibilities and diverse locations where anesthesiology residents contribute to patient care within a large academic hospital.
A Day In The Life Of An Anesthesiology Resident At An Academic Hospital
A typical day for an anesthesiology resident begins early, around 6:00 AM, with pre-rounding on patients and team rounding, followed by preparing operating rooms—"checking the ventilator," ensuring necessary equipment and medications are available. The resident then meets the patient, obtains consent, and manages anesthesia during a variety of surgical procedures, from appendectomies to neurosurgery, a day that often extends past 5:00 PM due to the unpredictable nature of surgeries and emergencies.
Most Important Skills for an Anesthesiology Resident at an Academic Hospital
For an anesthesiology resident, "being very organized" and "very vigilant" are crucial, requiring multitasking to monitor patient vitals and surgical procedures simultaneously. The ability to be "flexible and creative" is also paramount, as unexpected airway difficulties necessitate quick thinking and adaptable "plans in place" for various scenarios.
Favorite Parts of Being an Anesthesiology Resident at Academic Hospital
Briana, an Anesthesiology Resident, finds the most rewarding aspect of her role to be "the people," both patients and colleagues. She values building rapport with patients, even briefly, to provide comfort and reassurance during a vulnerable time, and appreciates the collaborative support of the entire surgical team, emphasizing the continuous learning environment and the shared commitment to patient well-being.
Biggest Challenges Faced by an Anesthesiology Resident at an Academic Hospital
Briana's biggest challenge as an anesthesiology resident is achieving work-life balance in a field with increasing demands and rapid evolution, noting that "it is gonna change from day to day". The evolving nature of medicine, coupled with the need for innovation and support among colleagues, especially women and working mothers, presents a significant hurdle, but also an opportunity for collective growth and stronger support systems within the medical profession.
Favorite Parts of Working in Academic Anesthesiology as an Anesthesiology Resident
Briana, an anesthesiology resident, finds the "wide variety of patients and surgeries" most rewarding, enjoying the unpredictable nature of the field and the acuity of care, from healthy patients to those on ECMO, as highlighted by their experience during the COVID-19 pandemic where the profession's crucial role became evident. This variety, coupled with the continuous presence of anesthesiologists throughout a patient's surgical journey, makes the career uniquely fulfilling.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Medical Industry, According To An Anesthesiology Resident At An Academic Hospital
Success in anesthesiology requires more than financial motivation; it demands "a lot of compassion" and "empathy," a willingness to "step into someone else's shoes," combined with a commitment to lifelong learning and contributing to the field's advancement. The rigorous training, described as "drinking from a fire hydrant," necessitates a deep-seated dedication to patient care above all else.
What an Anesthesiology Resident at Academic Hospital Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Medical Industry
Briana, an anesthesiology resident, wishes someone had emphasized the extensive studying required throughout a medical career, stating, "going into medical school is not the place for" cramming. The continuous need to study for exams significantly impacts time and mental energy, a reality that requires adaptation throughout the career progression from medical student to attending physician.
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Anesthesia Techs
For undergraduate students interested in healthcare, Briana, an Anesthesiology Resident, suggests volunteering at hospitals or senior care homes, becoming a medical assistant or working in labs. A particularly insightful suggestion is exploring the role of an "anesthesia tech," describing them as "an invaluable part of our anesthesia team" who gain hands-on experience and learn "about anesthesia and what we do."
Significant Career Lesson From An Anesthesiology Resident At An Academic Hospital
The most significant lesson learned by the anesthesiology resident is that "you are not gonna know it all," and this acceptance, coupled with the ability to humbly ask for help, is invaluable in the team-oriented field of anesthesia where constantly evolving knowledge necessitates collaboration. This approach allows for safer patient care and leverages the expertise of colleagues.
College Experiences That Helped An Anesthesiology Resident At Academic Hospital Succeed
To prepare for a medical career, Briana emphasizes discovering "a really deep down personal reason" for pursuing medicine beyond simply wanting to help people, suggesting seeking experiences like volunteering in healthcare or studying abroad to shape one's narrative. This personal story, "one of the more powerful parts of your application," becomes crucial when crafting a compelling medical school personal statement.
How Identity Has Influenced An Anesthesiology Resident At Academic Hospital's Career
Balancing the demands of anesthesiology residency with motherhood presents significant challenges, as illustrated by the difficulty of rescheduling patient care when a child is ill; the resident finds immense reward in "the happiness and fulfillment" of both roles, using their experiences to teach their child compassion and the value of hard work.
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