What is an Anesthesiologist Assistant?

An Anesthesiologist Assistant (AA) is a person qualified by advanced education and clinical training to work cooperatively with an anesthesiologist in developing and implementing the anesthesia care plan.

Anesthesiologist Assistants are highly skilled professionals who, under an anesthesiologist's direction, may:

• Elicit a pre-anesthesia health history and perform a physical examination
• Establish patient monitoring devices and intravenous access
• Assist in the application and interpretation of advanced monitoring techniques such as pulmonary artery catheterization or echocardiography
• Assist in the induction, maintenance and emergence of a patient's anesthetic
• Secure the patient's airway through mask, endotracheal tube or laryngeal mask airway
• Interpret and record the patient's physiological and pharmacological status
• Provide continuity of care into and during the post-operative period

Based on an individual's qualifications and demonstrated skills, an anesthesiologist may delegate additional functions to an AA such as performing and maintaining regional anesthesia, clinical teaching or responding to life-threatening situations with the cardiopulmonary resuscitation team.

Anesthesiologist Assistants stress the team approach to patient care as defined by the American Society of Anesthesiologists. The members of the Anesthesia Care Team bring unique skills to the group and work synergistically to provide the best possible anesthesia care for the patient.