The Critical Difference Between Anesthesiologists and Nurse Anesthetists
Anesthesiologists are physicians who complete nearly 2x the education and almost 5x the clinical training of nurse anesthetists.
Physician Education & Training
Learn more about the education and role of anesthesiologists.
Physician-Led Anesthesia Care
Increases efficiency, reduces healthcare costs, saves lives and improves health outcomes
20% reduction in adverse events
50x fewer deaths due to physician-led efforts
35% higher anesthesia mortality rate when nurses practice alone vs. physicians.
Physician involvement can reduce costs by avoiding over-utilization of tests, over-prescribing medications, and excess referrals to specialists. With physician-led anesthesia care, studies show:
Read the Anesthesiologist Infographic for more information.
A survey conducted by the American Medical Association found that:
Patients Want Physician-Led Care
91%
of respondents said that a physician’s years of medical education and training are vital to optimal patient care, especially in the event of a complication or medical emergency.
86%
of respondents said that patients with one or more chronic diseases benefit when a physician leads the primary health care team.
84%
of respondents said that they prefer a physician to have primary responsibility for the diagnosis and management of their health care.
“Wherever and whenever possible, anesthesia should be provided, led, or overseen by an anesthesiologist.
When anesthesia is provided by non-anesthesiologists, these providers should be directed and supervised by anesthesiologists, in accordance with their level of training and skill.”
— World Health Organization-World Federation of Societies of Anesthesiologists (WHO-WFSA) International Standards for a Safe Practice of Anesthesia
