Anesthesiology Physician Interview Questions (2026 Guide)

Anesthesiology physician interviews emphasize case-mix fluency, supervision model fit, and call burden. Comp range: $415-560K depending on supervision model + sub-specialty + region. Big 2026 dynamics: AA + CRNA mix in anesthesia care teams, ASC growth, and chronic pain practice consolidation.

Clinical scenarios

"Healthy 35F for elective lap chole. BMI 38, OSA, PMH controlled HTN. Anesthetic plan?"

GA + ETT (lap procedure). RSI given OSA + obesity (aspiration risk + difficult airway prep). Standard ASA monitors + BIS. Multimodal analgesia. Reverse paralytic (sugammadex preferred). Confirm pre-op CPAP brought to PACU.

"Peri-induction laryngospasm. Manage?"

Stop stimulation. Larson maneuver. Positive pressure with 100% O2. Deepen anesthesia. Succinylcholine 0.3-1 mg/kg IV if refractory. Reintubate if needed. Post-op observation for negative pressure pulm edema.

"Open AAA, blood loss 2L, BP 80/50, hemoglobin 6.5. Plan?"

Massive transfusion protocol. 1:1:1 ratio. Calcium replacement. TXA. Vasopressor bridge. A-line + central + foley. Avoid hypothermia + acidosis. TEG/ROTEM-guided correction.

Operational + supervision

"Supervision ratio?"

Common ACT models: 1:2 (one MD : two CRNAs), 1:3, 1:4. ASA ASC standards typically 1:4 max. Personal practice (no CRNA) is rarer in 2026.

"Case mix?"

Cards (TEE, structural), neuro, OB, peds, CV/transplant, regional, OR, ASC, GI sedation. Confirm if you're expected to do all or sub-specialty focused.

Comp

2026 medians: $415-475K (academic), $475-525K (community), $525-600K (rural / locum-heavy). Sub-specialty premium for cardiac, peds, neuro: $50-100K above general. Locum daily $2,200-2,800.

Related: Anesthesiologist Compensation 2026, Anesthesiologist Salary by State 2026, CRNA License Florida.