During a session at the American Society of Anesthesiologists’ ADVANCE 2025, panelists discussed their experiences working in administrative roles as anesthesiologists. The session was reported out by Anesthesiology News Sept. 3.
Aalok Agarwala, MD, an anesthesiologist and associate chief medical officer at Boston-based Massachusetts General Hospital and Mass Eye and Ear, moderated the session. He noted that it has become “more common for anesthesiologists to seek greater leadership — not just at the practice or department level, but at the hospital level.”
“Across the country, we’re seeing more anesthesiologists stepping into hospital executive roles,” he added.
Panelists emphasized that while practice-level or departmental leadership roles give anesthesiologists transferable skills, success in broader leadership roles also hinges on collaboration, active listening, people management and effective communication.
“Our experience as clinical leaders, working closely with surgeons and nurses in the OR — that teamwork collaboration with direct patient care has been invaluable in adapting to the complexities of the C-suite,” Dr. Agarwala said.
Anesthesiologists who step into leadership roles must also recognize that the timeframes under which they work are very different from clinical settings.
“In the OR, you administer a drug to a patient and see its effects immediately. With the work we do as executives, projects can unfold over weeks, months or even years before they come to full fruition,” Dr. Agarwala said. “You have to get comfortable with the longer timescale, but the impact of the work can reach many more patients.”
The panelists also emphasized that the work of leadership or administrative roles often does not cease at the end of the day, necessitating a shift in professional, personal and family obligations.
“There is no ‘turning off’ at the end of the day,” Dr. Agarwala said. “As an anesthesiologist, when your clinical day ends, you go home. In leadership, there’s always something that needs attention. Setting boundaries and creating space for family life is essential.”
