anesthesiologist

Duties and Responsibilities: Anesthesiologists are the physicians trained to administer and manage anesthesia given during a surgical procedure. They are also responsible for managing and treating changes in your critical life functions - breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure - as they are affected by the surgery being performed.

Salary: Anesthesiologists earn, on average, a salary of approximately $300,000 annually, and can expect to earn upwards of $450,000 with experience. Many anesthesiologists receive a bonus in addition to salary, and anesthesiologists working in specific areas such as cardiology or pediatrics are paid at a premium.

Education: After completing a four year bachelor's degree, students then take four years of graduate education leading to a degree in medicine (M.D.) or osteopathy (D.O.). After receiving a medical degree, students must complete four more years in an anesthesiology residency.

Demand for this particular career: The job outlook for anesthesiologist’s is very good. In the 2010 issue of Money Magazine, the career of anesthesiology found a spot in the list of the top 20 paying jobs in the US. Anesthesiologist’s play a key role in the medical care of patients undergoing a wide range of procedures and critical illness and pain management needs.