The image of the anaesthetist

Recent advances have reduced the risks of anaesthesia to a virtually immeasurable level. However, if the specialty wishes to continue to foster support, it will require active promotion of the benefits, not hazards, of our practice. The few published surveys of the image of the anaesthetist show that the public poorly understands either our background training or education, or the responsibility we bear in their care. Our medical and surgical colleagues, and even some practising anaesthetists, hold a view of our specialty that is subservient and less than flattering. It is certain that we cannot tolerate the sensationalized tragedies resulting from anaesthetic neglect in bygone years; we must effectively discipline ourselves if standards are not being met. We should lose no opportunity to become involved outside the operating room, whether in pre-admission clinics, pain management, obstetrics, critical care, or by becoming actively involved as full members of the medical staff. Doing so will further our professional image in the eyes of other physicians and, ultimately, the public we seek to influence.