Rapid growth in CRNA roles across American healthcare has led to ongoing debate about whether CRNAs will replace anesthesiologists in patient care delivery.
In 2021, a Wisconsin hospital decided to “replace all anesthesiologists with CRNAs.” That event contributed to broader concerns about the evolving role of anesthesiologists in anesthesia care and patient care delivery.
More recently, scope of practice concerns led two California hospitals to temporarily restrict CRNA use in surgeries in 2024, reinforcing ongoing debate about care delivery models in American healthcare.
The Demand for CRNAs Nationwide
The persistent shortage of physician anesthesiologists creates barriers to access to care and limits consistent care delivery, requiring more flexible staffing models.
CRNAs are now able to opt out of physician supervision in 32 states (and Washington D.C.), a significant increase from 19 states in January of last year.
While more supportive in urban areas, CRNAs play a critical role in maintaining access to care across underserved regions. These clinicians manage approximately 80% of anesthesia-related cases in rural communities where anesthesiologists are not available.
Anesthesia Care Team Model
Shadley Hawkins, Divisional Vice President of Account Management, concludes, “We will continue to see the partnership between anesthesiologists and CRNAs grow to meet the needs of the community.”
Within the anesthesia care team model, physician anesthesiologists and CRNAs work collaboratively to deliver safe, high-quality patient care. Differences in training duration, clinical responsibility, and additional training pathways continue to shape how care is delivered across American healthcare.
Anesthesiologists also pursue additional training, including critical care medicine, to support complex surgical cases and strengthen their role in specialized care delivery.
Anesthesiologists in Locum Tenens
As care models and workforce demand shift, locum tenens physicians play an increasingly important role in maintaining access to care and supporting surgical teams.
For anesthesiologists, locum work offers a flexible career path where physicians feel their expertise is highly valued and needed.
Working locum tenens allows clinicians to maintain clinical engagement, reduce burnout, and pursue greater autonomy in their schedules. Locum work also provides opportunities for both anesthesiologists and CRNAs to earn supplemental income.
Many physicians working locum tenens accept assignments in high-acuity settings, like ambulatory surgery centers, that require advanced clinical judgment and specialized care.
Find Locum Jobs in Anesthesiology Today!
As demand for anesthesia services grows across American healthcare, the future for physician anesthesiologists remains strong. Consilium is committed to partnering with anesthesiologists nationwide through locum tenens.
Our specialty-focused recruiters are regional experts, understanding the needs of unique healthcare landscapes and practice settings. They only present jobs that match your professional goals and values.
Search available locum anesthesiology jobs today and find your next opportunity.
This article has been updated and was originally published in January 2024.
