This question tests the candidate’s ability to pick up on whether or not the patient will respond well with an anesthetic. Special care should be taken to note any medical allergies. The patient will also often have to be prepared mentally for the anesthetic, and this often involves explaining what the anesthetic will do and soothing any anxieties they may feel towards the procedure. What to look for in an answer:

• High level of knowledge regarding patient preparation
• Level of knowledge of the effects of various anesthetics
• Approach to soothing a patient’s fears about the procedure

Ideally, you’ll want to look for someone who has a response that doesn’t have to do with how much the job pays or the flexibility of the schedule. The candidate should display what they think makes anesthesiology such an interesting career since someone who is intrinsically invested in their job is likely to make a better employee. What to look for in an answer:

• Interest in anesthesiology for its own sake
• A response that indicates motivation other than money
• Altruistic reasoning

Many sedatives can have effects on the patient long after the surgery is over. Your candidate should be familiar with the signs that a patient has safely regained consciousness as well as the signs that they are not doing so well. They should also express that they would ensure the patient’s safety after they have regained consciousness. What to look for in an answer:

• Ability to diagnose when a patient is unstable
• Understanding of proper patient care while the anesthetic is wearing off
• A diligent and careful approach that errs on the side of safety

The job of the 158943anesthesiologist48.9anesthesiologist assistant21.99physician assistant4.49certified anesthesiologist assistant4.13anesthesia assistant2.82479322524120000.00370498.79757000.00YEARLY42215852025-09-012025-09-302025-08-012025-08-312025-10-05anesthesiologist can be very high-stress, especially when something goes wrong and a patient’s life is on the line. The candidate should ideally understand that the job can be emotionally taxing and know how to deal with the psychological ramifications accordingly. Look for responses that indicate that the applicant remains level-headed in pressure-filled situations and is not likely to shut down or panic when problems occur. What to look for in an answer:

• A realistic understanding of the pressures
• A calm and collected approach
• An understanding of how to counteract stress

A large part of the anesthesiologist’s job has to do with dealing with the emotions of their patients. Look for a candidate who displays empathy and who understands what a difficult time this may be for the person going in for surgery. An 158943anesthesiologist48.9anesthesiologist assistant21.99physician assistant4.49certified anesthesiologist assistant4.13anesthesia assistant2.82479322524120000.00370498.79757000.00YEARLY42215852025-09-012025-09-302025-08-012025-08-312025-10-05anesthesiologist who can soothe the patient’s fears before the surgery is more likely to ensure that the patient is in a good state of mind to heal when they wake from the anesthetic. What to look for in an answer:

• Empathy and compassion
• An understanding of the fears a patient might be feeling before the surgery
• An understanding of how to soothe others

The primary duty of the 158943anesthesiologist48.9anesthesiologist assistant21.99physician assistant4.49certified anesthesiologist assistant4.13anesthesia assistant2.82479322524120000.00370498.79757000.00YEARLY42215852025-09-012025-09-302025-08-012025-08-312025-10-05anesthesiologist is to administer anesthetics and sedatives before or during a surgery. Look for candidates with an in-depth understanding of the various methods of administering anesthetics and sedation. An anesthesiologist who can deliver anesthetics effectively before and during surgery will play an important role in ensuring that medical procedures are completed without issues while patients get quality care at your facility. What to look for in an answer:

• An understanding of anesthesiology and the various techniques for administering anesthetics and sedatives
• Knowledge of the roles of an anesthesiologist during a medical procedure
• Knowledge of caring for patients while the anesthetic is wearing off