Two anesthesiology leaders joined Becker’s to discuss their biggest concerns regarding these shortages.
Editor’s note: These responses were edited lightly for clarity and length.
Question: What are you the most worried about regarding the growing anesthesiologist shortage?
Joseph C. Mazzola, DO. Vice President of Medical Affairs at Iredell Health System (Statesville, N.C.): Physician shortages in many specialties are an ever-growing concern as a threat to public health and safety. Of significant concern specific to the projected anesthesiologist shortage is the ability for hospitals and health systems to ensure that a highly qualified physician is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide anesthesia care to patients who require emergent surgical intervention. Elective surgeries are scheduled in advance; however, when a patient suffers a gallbladder attack, acute appendicitis or other surgical emergency, hospitals need to be able to take the patient to the operating arena for surgical intervention, which includes the safe delivery of anesthesia care.
Javier Marull, MD. Associate Professor of Anesthesiology and Pain Management at UT Southwestern Medical Center (Dallas): The increasing shortage of anesthesiologists could lead to longer wait times for surgeries, add pressure on medical teams and negatively affect patient care, particularly in areas with fewer resources.
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