Children are not just small adults. Depending upon their age and other factors, they are often unable to communicate their needs, describe what is bothering them, or cooperate during medical procedures. Pediatric anesthesiologists know how to examine and treat children in ways that are appropriate to their age and development as well as their medical situation. In addition, pediatric anesthesiologists use equipment and facilities specifically designed for children, and they are in charge of making the experience and environment as comfortable and non-threatening for your child as possible. Pediatric anesthesiologists treat children from the newborn period onward. They have chosen to make pediatric care the focus of their clinical practice, as well as their continuing education, research, patient advocacy, and hospital administrative activities.
Pediatric anesthesiologists are fully-trained anesthesiologists who have completed at least 1 year of additional specialized training in the perioperative care of infants and children. While pediatric patients can require both minor and major types of surgery, there is no such thing as a “minor” anesthetic in children. Pediatric anesthesiologists have specialized knowledge, experience, and techniques that can help ensure the best possible outcome in infants and children who require all forms of surgery and other procedures. In addition, their practice in a children’s hospital such as MUSC Children’s Hospital ensures the availability of the wide range of dedicated professionals and specialized equipment needed for optimal pediatric care.
What are Pediatric Anesthesiologists?
- At least 4 years of medical school.
- One year of internship and 3 years of residency in anesthesiology; many have completed additional training in pediatrics and/or other areas of medicine.
- Additional specialty training in pediatric anesthesiology.
- Certification from the American Board of Anesthesiologists.
Services We Provide
Pediatric anesthesiologists are responsible for the general anesthesia, sedation, and pain management needs of infants and children. Services provided by MUSC Pediatric Anesthesiologists include:
- Perioperative care of the pediatric surgical patient, including minimizing preoperative anxiety and stress (for both the patient and family), inducing and maintaining anesthesia and supporting critical life functions during surgery, and assisting with pain relief (using a variety of techniques) after surgery.
- Care of pediatric patients requiring sedation or anesthesia for non-surgical procedures such as MRI and CT scans and radiation therapy.
- Acute and chronic pediatric pain management.
- Delivery of life-saving emergency and airway care; read more about Pediatric Regional Anesthesia (PDF).
- Consultation and coordination of care for anesthesia-requiring surgical and non-surgical procedures in pediatric patients with complex or multiple problems.
