At VA, Veterans are the focus of an all-star patient care team that provides the very best treatment. And when it comes to perioperative care, our anesthesiologists are a core part of that team, providing in-demand expertise that supports the surgeries Veterans need, big and small.

Working as an anesthesiologist

Similar to a primary care doctor, your physician anesthesiologist manages all aspects of your medical care while administering an anesthetic that makes you or part of your body unaware of pain from the procedure being performed.

Before surgery, an anesthesiologist is responsible for assessing your health and test results, your fitness for the planned surgery, and determining the safest anesthesia plan for you.

During surgery, an anesthesiologist monitors your vital signs, manages your medical conditions, and administers medications to support your bodily functions.

After surgery, an anesthesiologist is responsible for your well-being while you’re recovering from the effects of anesthesia, and they’re typically the ones who say if you’re ready to go home or go to another unit in the hospital.

Anesthesiologists may work alone or with an anesthesia care team. Nurse anesthetists, certified physician assistants, and physician anesthesiologists in training may all play a part in your care.

More time for patients

A job at VA means that our anesthesiologists have an opportunity to enjoy more time to focus on patients and to develop meaningful relationships with colleagues.

“VA offers the opportunity to be part of an all-encompassing team of professionals with a singular goal, which is to provide unparalleled medical service to those who have served our nation,” said Brad Cargill, a VA physician-provider recruiter. “In doing so, our physicians are able to have a work-life balance unlike any in the civilian sector.”

Part of that balance includes 13 to 26 paid vacation/personal days, 13 sick days annually with no limit on accumulation, and 11 paid federal holidays each year, so your schedule can be balanced with your personal priorities.

“Working at VA has allowed me to continue practicing medicine on the terms that worked for me and provided me with the balance I needed between work and life,” said Dr. Nisha Mehta. “It’s allowed me to remain connected to medicine in a way that’s very meaningful for me.”

Relief from student debt

When you commit to serving Veterans, VA finds ways to reward that choice. Through access to student loan repayment options, we can help you significantly reduce the weight of your loans and start planning for a debt-free future.

If you want to become a physician anesthesiologist at VA, our Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP) is available to assist in repaying your student loans. For physicians, EDRP provides up to $40,000 a year, or $200,000 over a 5-year period.

You may also qualify for the Specialty Education Loan Repayment Program (SELRP), which offers physicians the potential for loan repayment of $40,000 each year, up to a maximum of $160,000 over 4 years.

“These programs afford you the opportunity to focus on your education,” said Dr. Patrick Youngblood, VA Scholarships program manager, “so that when you come to VA you don’t have to worry about repayment of a large debt.”

Better careers, better benefits

Anesthesiologists at VA can also take advantage of numerous other employment benefits that can change not only their careers, but their personal lives, as well.

We offer the choice of a variety of health plans, and all cover preexisting conditions. Additionally, we pay up to 75% of health premiums, a benefit that can continue into retirement, making our insurance some of the best you’ll find.

And when the time comes for a new challenge, we offer ongoing leadership development through every level of employment, whether it is mandatory programs or competitive opportunities. We also have resources that make it easier to continue your education.

Work at VA

Share in our commitment to provide Veterans with the best care possible and see how our opportunities can change your life.

• LEARN what VA has to offer anesthesiologists.
• EXPLORE the benefits of a VA career.