Anesthesiologist: So, where do you work?

Actor: (modestly) I am a theater artist.

Anesthesiologist: Oh! It is a small world. I work in a theater, too.

Actor: (asks politely) How long have you been working in a theater?

Anesthesiologist: Well, it was years of initial training, then years of further training, and now full time for almost two decades.

Actor: (looks elated) That is awesome! Tell me more about yourself; what are your favorites: classics, drama, or comedy?

Anesthesiologist: I prefer classics any day; they are the safest. Sometimes though, I admit, the whole thing shapes up into a big drama; and often some turn into a hilarious comedy.

Actor: (looks confused) Are you generally in the lead role?

Anesthesiologist: Well, I lead by supporting the whole team. You see, it is like this in our theater; the supporters are actually leading the leaders.

Actor: (now looks more confused) Hmm…

Anesthesiologist: It is tricky sometimes, awkward in fact….But we always have to work as a team, and we kind of manage to do that.

Actor: (looks bemused) Is it stressful?

Anesthesiologist: That is an understatement.

Actor: (looks curious) What kind of audience do you face?

Anesthesiologist: Well, they are generally cooperative. Most of them fall asleep very fast, and they wake up when everything is over.

Actor: (shocked) I am so sorry for that. It must be difficult for you.

Anesthesiologist: Oh no, we are fine with it. We can do our part very well while they are asleep. Believe me, it is better that way.

Actor: (looks suspicious) Do you get paid well?

Anesthesiologist: Yes, very well….The overtime is particularly lucrative, I must say.

Actor: (bewildered) Overtime?

Anesthesiologist: All those calls in the night, sometimes all night long.

Actor: (flabbergasted) You work all night long?

Anesthesiologist: Yes, quite often, actually.

Actor: (quite in desperation) You must be inebriated?

Anesthesiologist: (chuckles) I have a fairly high threshold. I have always been surrounded by narcotics, hypnotics, and all those gases… (winks).

Actor: (now completely maddened) I don’t understand. Who are you?

Anesthesiologist: Didn’t I tell you, I am an anesthesiologist?

This is a tribute to all our colleagues who endure the daily drama in the theaters and yet play their roles so well.

Permission to reprint granted to the American Society of Anesthesiologists, Inc., and Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc., by copyright author/owner.
2017