FSA Response to Members
Dear FSA Members,
We are writing in response to a recent news segment in which a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) was presented - and appeared to represent himself - as a “doctor” and an “anesthesiologist.” The segment has understandably prompted questions and concern among members, particularly because patients and members of the public may reasonably interpret those terms to mean that the individual is a physician.
Our organization strongly supports the contributions of every member of the anesthesia care team. At the same time, patients deserve clear and accurate information about the education, training, licensure, and professional role of the clinicians caring for them. Professional titles should help patients understand who is providing their care, not create ambiguity about a clinician’s qualifications.
A physician anesthesiologist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who completes medical school followed by graduate medical education in anesthesiology, including residency training, and in some cases additional fellowship training. Physician anesthesiologists are physicians who specialize in anesthesia, perioperative medicine, critical care, pain medicine, and the diagnosis and management of complex medical conditions surrounding surgical and procedural care.
A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, or CRNA, is an advanced practice registered nurse who has completed nursing education, clinical nursing experience, and graduate-level nurse anesthesia education and certification. CRNAs are highly trained anesthesia professionals and play an important role in delivering anesthesia care. They are not physicians, however, and the terms “physician anesthesiologist” and “nurse anesthetist” describe different professional pathways, licenses, and scopes of training.
Members may be approached directly by patients, colleagues, reporters, or members of the public who have questions about the recent coverage. We encourage you to respond factually, professionally, and without disparaging other healthcare professionals. A simple explanation may be helpful:
“Anesthesiology is a medical specialty, and a physician anesthesiologist is an MD or DO who has completed medical school and physician residency training in anesthesiology. A CRNA is an advanced practice registered nurse who has completed specialized graduate education in nurse anesthesia. Both contribute to anesthesia care, but they have different educational pathways, professional licenses, and clinical roles. Anesthesiologists lead the anesthesia care team, and CRNAs work under the supervision of anesthesiologists.”
If asked specifically about the use of the title “doctor,” it may also be helpful to explain that some non-physician healthcare professionals hold doctoral degrees. In a clinical setting, however, clarity is essential. When the title “doctor” is used, the clinician’s profession should be made clear so that patients are not left with the impression that a non-physician clinician is a physician.
Similarly, the term “anesthesiologist” has traditionally identified a physician specializing in anesthesiology. Clear terminology - including “physician anesthesiologist” and “nurse anesthetist” or “CRNA” - helps patients distinguish between professions and make informed decisions about their care.
This issue is larger than any single television appearance or individual clinician. It concerns the public’s ability to understand who is caring for them and what training that clinician has received. Patients should never have to decipher professional credentials or discover after the fact that their assumptions about a clinician’s qualifications were incorrect.
We encourage our members to remain measured and patient-centered in discussing this matter. Our strongest message is not about professional rivalry; it is about transparency. Every member of the healthcare team should be proud to identify their profession accurately, and every patient has the right to know whether the person providing care is a physician, nurse, or other healthcare professional.
Thank you for continuing to advocate for clear communication, professional integrity, and the highest standards of patient care.
Sincerely,
FSA Board of Directors