Anesthesiology

An anesthesiologist is a medical doctor with specialized training and expertise in drugs that prevent you from feeling pain during surgery or a medical procedure.

Your UC San Diego Health anesthesiologist works closely with other members or your care team before, during and after your surgery or medical procedure. Your anesthesiologist will answer your questions and concerns before a procedure.

Types of Anesthesiology

There are different types of anesthesia, including:

  • Local anesthesia, which stops pain in one area of the body for a short time
  • Regional anesthesia, also known as a nerve block, which blocks pain in a specific part of your body during and after surgery
  • General anesthesia, which is used to put you in a state like deep sleep during surgery

Areas of Expertise

UC San Diego Health anesthesiologists deliver expert care for a range of procedures. With better anesthesia, you have a faster recovery with fewer side effects, and less post-surgical or post-procedure pain. Our areas of expertise include:

  • Neurosurgery anesthesia
  • Cardiothoracic anesthesia
  • Transplant anesthesia
  • Obstetrical anesthesia
  • Ophthalmologic anesthesia
  • Critical care
  • Pain management
  • Pre-operative pain consults for patients with chronic pain or previous difficulty with post-operative pain
  • Pediatric anesthesia for NICU and burn patients