Turnover among anesthesiologists and certified registered nurse anesthetists is worsening staffing shortages and straining surgical access. On-call requirements are among the most important factors driving professionals out of the field.
1. Call duty is nearly universal
91% of anesthesiologists said being on call is required — the highest rate among all physician specialties surveyed. Despite the universal expectation, only 64% reported receiving compensation for on-call duties.
2. Call responsibilities drive burnout
Eighty-two percent of anesthesiologists cited on-call responsibilities as a major contributor to burnout. The specialty already has one of the highest burnout rates in healthcare, with 40.6% of anesthesiologists planning to leave their current roles within two years.
“All of these challenges that anesthesiologists face are contributors to burnout,” Ronald Harter, MD, professor of anesthesiology at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus and past president of the America Society of Anesthesiologists told Becker’s. “That has impacts on the workforce, which also contributes to burnout, so this is more than just about the balance sheet. It impacts the health and well-being of anesthesiologists.”
3. The workforce is aging
More than half of anesthesiologists are 55 or older, and nearly 30% are projected to leave practice by 2033, creating a projected shortfall of about 12,500 providers.
4. Reimbursement pressures add strain
Declining payments are further discouraging anesthesiologists.
“Ultimately, there just doesn’t seem to be an acknowledgement of our continued hard work,” Alan Bielsky, MD, anesthesiologist at Children’s Hospital Colorado in Aurora told Becker’s. “The cost of eggs goes up, my house payments go up and I work harder. I think that payers’ continued downward pressure on my earnings has really just dejected me and my colleagues.”
5. Turnover threatens patient care
About 40.6% of anesthesiologists plan to leave their current roles within two years. Without changes to call structures, compensation and workforce support, operating rooms could face worsening delays, cancellations and reduced access.
