Anesthesiology at GBMC

The GBMC Department of Anesthesiology is one of the largest in Maryland and was the first in the area to install Bispectral Index Monitors (BIS) in each operating room to monitor the level of each patient's consciousness. All physicians are board-certified and many have sub-specialty fellowship training and certifications. All anesthesia subspecialties are available including pediatrics, thoracics, bariatrics, regional anesthesia, obstetrics, critical care and acute and chronic pain management. 

Anesthesiologists are physicians who have completed specialized training in the use of anesthesia drugs, techniques, and perioperative medicine. An anesthesiologist may work as part of a team, with a CRNA (certified nurse anesthetist) — a registered nurse who has attended a nurse anesthesia training program and has passed a certification examination. 

Anesthesiology specialists are responsible for providing perioperative medical care (before, during and after your surgery), pain management and improving patient safety. The major types of anesthesia for surgery include:

• General anesthesia - Uses various drugs and gases to make the patient unconscious for the duration of surgery and to provide pain relief for recovery.
• Regional anesthesia - Numbs a specific section of the body. This is often referred to as a "nerve block." Sedation is commonly provided for the patient's comfort and relaxation.
• Monitored anesthesia - Injects numbing medicine where the surgery is to be performed. The anesthesia team will monitor and control the patient's condition, providing sedation and pain medicine when needed.