Future anesthesiologists will be as much outside as inside operating theaters

During the first decade of the new millennium the intense reorganization of hospitals and of medical care will be replaced by stability and long‐term goals. An anesthesiologist is now as active outside as within the operating theater, being a predominant resource in intensive care, pain management, emergency and prehospital care. The anesthesiologist will also have a key part to play in risk analysis of patients scheduled for various kinds of advanced treatment. Anesthesiologists are now also more involved in primary home care where, together with other physicians and categories of health care providers, they offer qualified treatment of various diseases at home – the environment preferred by the patient.