As you walk into the anesthesia department at Alaska Native Medical Center, you'll immediately sense the energy of a team that values collaboration over hierarchy and excellence over politics. The ANMC Anesthesiology department has nine physician anesthesiologists and 45 Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) – three of our anesthesiologists and two CRNAs are Tribal members. This isn't just a group of professionals working in parallel – it's a carefully cultivated team where CRNAs and anesthesiologists work side by side as true partners in patient care, each bringing their unique expertise to deliver exceptional outcomes for Alaska Native and American Indian patients.
Your daily interactions will be with colleagues who understand that "ANMC performs approximately 20,000 surgical procedures annually – our physician anesthesiologists and CRNAs provide anesthesiology services in all of these procedures, carefully monitoring our patients while they are under anesthesia," as described by Dr. Jonathan Waters, M.D., a Tribal member who serves as Medical Director for the Anesthesiology department. Unlike many hospital settings where professional tensions can create stress, you'll find yourself in an environment where both professions are genuinely valued and where team members focus on outcomes rather than territorial disputes.
You'll be joining a department that has grown significantly in recent years, expanding services and embracing innovative approaches to patient care. The team regularly implements advanced techniques like peripheral nerve blocks that can eliminate the need for post-operative pain medications entirely – the kind of forward-thinking practice that keeps your skills sharp and your work meaningful. These kinds of efforts to improve patient outcomes in regards to pain management require significant multidisciplinary coordination among health care providers.
The collaborative environment extends beyond just anesthesia providers. You'll work closely with surgical teams across more than 30 specialties, obstetrics teams for labor and delivery cases, and trauma teams in Alaska's first Level II Trauma Center. The diversity of cases and the collegial atmosphere create an environment where every day brings new learning opportunities and professional satisfaction.
When you join this team, you won't just be filling a position – you'll be becoming part of a professional family that values your expertise, respects your autonomy, and supports your growth while serving a patient population that truly appreciates the care you provide. The combination of clinical excellence, cultural significance, and genuine collegiality creates an environment where CRNAs consistently report high levels of job satisfaction and professional fulfillment.