Choosing anesthesia as a career can feel overwhelming, especially if your exposure during MBBS or internship has been limited. In this episode of Wisdom Meets Legacy, Dr. Apurv Mehra sits down with Prof. Dr. Rakesh Kumar to discuss everything residents need to know — from making the right choice to navigating residency and exploring career opportunities after MD, DNB, or Diploma in Anesthesia.
Why Choose Anesthesia?
“This is a beautiful, beautiful career.” – Prof. Rakesh Kumar
Anesthesiology has evolved into one of the most dynamic branches of medicine, with maximum opportunities both in India and abroad. Once considered a “behind-the-scenes” speciality, today, it offers:
- A wide skill set — from managing emergencies to performing procedures independently.
- Global demand for trained anesthesiologists.
- Diverse career paths in pain management, critical care, onco-anaesthesia, pediatric anesthesia, and more.
Prof. Dr. Rakesh Kumar emphasises that an anesthesiologist’s role is central:
“We manage the show inside the OT. We save lives, control pain, assist surgeries, and ensure smooth recoveries. But to grow as a branch, we must showcase our talent and respect ourselves first.”
Must Watch: Wisdom Meets Legacy EP – 6 Anesthesia Residency Year-by-Year Guide | Career Options
Prof. Dr. Rakesh Kumar Advice for Residents – Year by Year
First Year: Be a Sponge
- Absorb everything — learn from seniors, consultants, and co-residents.
- Understand what to do and what not to do.
- Don’t hesitate to interact with multiple units and consultants.
- Maintain work-life balance — hobbies keep you sane and motivated.
Second Year: Build Skills & Research
- This is the thesis year — choose a topic that genuinely excites you.
- Learn the basics of research methodology and statistics.
- Take on challenging cases under supervision to strengthen your skills.
- Keep your mental and social well-being intact — a happy mind learns better.
Third Year: Exams & Teaching
- Focus on practical exposure and case presentations.
- Divide exam time smartly:
- 10 questions / 180 minutes → ~18 minutes per question.
- 10 questions / 180 minutes → ~18 minutes per question.
- Learn to say “I don’t know” instead of giving vague answers in vivas.
- Teach your juniors — the best way to revise is by explaining concepts.
“Be ready to teach, because teaching is the best way to learn.”
Career Opportunities After Residency
Anesthesiology today offers numerous subspecialties and career paths:
- Pain Medicine – OPDs, procedures, and independent practice.
- Critical Care & ICU Management – highly rewarding and in-demand.
- Onco-anesthesia and Palliative Care.
- Pediatric, Cardiac & Neuro-anesthesia specializations.
- Emergency Medicine – a rapidly growing field, especially in India.
- Academics & Teaching – pursue senior residency if planning an academic career.
“There’s no limitation — academically or economically. The scope is massive.”
Golden Lessons for Every Resident By Prof. Dr. Rakesh Kumar
- Respect your anesthesiology role; if you don’t, others won’t.
- Maintain relationships with your surgical colleagues; teamwork saves lives.
- Balance academics with personal growth and hobbies.
- Learn the art of effective communication with patients, relatives, and colleagues.
- Continuous learning is the key; even at 93, great teachers still study!
Conclusion:
Dear doctors, anesthesia is the heart of modern medicine. Anaesthesiologists are essential for everything from controlling pain to operating intensive care units, from saving lives to influencing the results of surgeries.
Whether you’re a first-year resident figuring things out, a second-year juggling thesis and OT duties, or a third-year preparing for exams and future plans, remember:
“Respect the branch, learn relentlessly, and give back by teaching.
Your career in anesthesia has limitless potential.”
Also Watch: You can also watch more insightful podcasts on Dr. Apurv Mehra’s YouTube Channel.
