OFO No: 221201

Other names for Anaesthetist:

CLICK HERE

Youtube clip – The Careers of Anaesthetist / Anaesthesiologist

For training options in South Africa – scroll down

What is an Anaesthetist?

An Anaesthetist is a medical doctor who specialises in anaesthesiology, intensive care medicine and pain management.

They give local and general anaesthetics to people before, during and after they undergo a medical procedure, such as surgery.

An Anaesthetist consults with the patient to find out their medical history and optimise surgical conditions for the surgeon.

They carefully monitor and maintain the patient’s bodily processes throughout the medical procedure. They ensure patient returns safely to consciousness and observe their recovery from the anaesthetic.

They are responsible for planning and carrying out pain management for the patient during anaesthesia and in the post-surgery.

What does an Anaesthetist do?

• consults with surgeon with regard to patient’s upcoming surgery
• talks to patient about their medical history and surgical conditions
• gives anaesthetic (local & general) to the patient for/during surgery
• monitorsand maintains patient’s bodily functions throughout surgery
• ensures patient returns safely to consciousness after surgery
• monitors patient after surgery
• monitors pain-management after surgery
• keeps detailed records

Are you … ?

• a qualified doctor?
• interested in the health and well-being of others?
• a person who wants to specialise?
• a quick thinker?
• attentive?
• observant?
• good under pressure?
• team player?
• a person with steady hands?
• a person with above average intelligence?
• empathic?
• responsible?
• prepared to work long, strange hours?

How do I become an Anaesthetist?

PATH 1

Become a Medical Doctor: CLICK HERE

Masters in Medicine (Anaesthetist)

• University of Cape Town
• University of KZN
• University of Pretoria
• University of Stellenbosch
• University of the Free State
• University of the Witwatersrand

Designation: Only after you have registered with the HPCSA may you use the title Anaesthetist

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions.
  

• HPCSA: Health Professions Council of South Africa

http://www.hpcsa.co.za

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Pharmacist or Microbiologist 

Is becoming an Anaesthetist the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 221211

Other names for Surgeon:

• Cardiothoracic Surgeon
• Ear
• Head and Neck Surgeon
• Industrial Medicine Specialist
• Laryngologist
• Neurosurgeon
• Nose and Throat Specialist
• Occupational Medicine Specialist
• Orthopaedic Surgeon
• Otolaryngologist
• Otologist
• Otorhinolaryngologist
• Paediatric Surgeon
• Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon
• Preventive Medicine Specialist
• Rhinologist
• Sexual Health Physician
• Specialist In Rehabilitation Medicine
• Urologist
• Vascular Surgeon

CLICK HERE

Youtube clip – The Careers of Surgeons

For training options in South Africa – scroll down

What is a Surgeon?

A Surgeon is a specialised medical doctor who performs surgery to assist patients suffering from diseases and disorders. They correct deformities, repair injuries and improve body functions. Patients are usually referred by general practitioners and specialists.

Some Surgeons will specialise in a particular field:

• Cardiothoracic (heart)
• Head and Neck
• Industrial Medicine
• Laryngologist (voice / larynx)
• Neurosurgeon (nervous system)
• Nose and Throat
• Occupational Medicine Specialist
• Orthopaedic (musculoskeletal system)
• Otolaryngologist (ear, nose, throat (ENT))
• Otologist (ear)
• Otorhinolaryngologist (ear, nose, throat (ENT))
• Paediatric (children)
• Plastic and Reconstructive
• Preventive Medicine Specialist
• Rhinologist (nose / sinuses)
• Sexual Health Physician
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Urologist
• Vascular (blood system)

What does a Surgeon do?

• meets with patient
• examines patient
• reads x-rays and other information regarding patient’s problem
• explains the procedure to patient
• makes sure patient understands everything, including the risks of the operation
• removes or replaces diseased organ or tissue or performs reconstructive surgery
• keeps detailed records
• attends conferences

Are you . . . ?

• intelligent?
• interested in performing surgery?
• a person with a steady hand?
• reliable and responsible?
• a person with good vision?
• detail orientated?
• ethical?
• caring?

How do I become a Surgeon?

PATH 1 

Become a Medical Doctor: CLICK HERE

Master in Medicine (Surgery)

• University of Cape Town
• University of KZN
• University of Pretoria
• University of the Free State
• University of the Witwatersrand

Designation: Only those registered with the HPCSA may use the title Surgeon.

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

• HPCSA: Health Professions Council of South Africa

http://www.hpcsa.co.za

• ASSOCIATION of SURGEONS of SOUTH AFRICA: ASSA

http://www.surgeon.co.za/

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Anaesthetist or Veterinarian

Is becoming a Surgeon the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 321105

What is an Anaesthetic Technician?

An Anaesthetic Technician is a health care professional. They assist Anaesthetists, nurses and surgeons during an operation.

The Anaesthetic Technician prepares all the equipment and supplies that the Anaesthetist will need to sedate and monitor the patient during the operation.

What does an Anaesthetic Technician do?

• discusses upcoming operations with anaesthetist
• prepares supplies and equipment
• assists the anaesthetist to monitor patient’s vital signs and comfort
• assists to administer medication/drugs when required
• makes sure patient to ‘comes round’

Are you . . . ?

• interested in operations?
• reliable?
• responsible?
• observant?
• dedicated?
• caring?
• punctual?

How do I become an Anaesthetic Technician?

PATH 1

National Diploma in Clinical Technology

Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in Clinical Technology

Designation: Only after you have registered with the HPCSA may you use your title Anaesthetic Technician

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

• HPCSA: Health Professions Council of South Africa

http://www.hpcsa.co.za

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Chiropractor or Biokineticist

Is becoming an Anaesthetic Technician the right career choice for me?