There are numerous specialities within the field of Anaesthetics including that of Cardiac Anaesthesia, General Anaesthesia, Paediatric Anaesthesia, and ITU. As one of the essential medical fields, Anaesthetics have grown in importance not only because the anaesthetist provides general anaesthesia before and during surgeries, but also because of advances in technology and medicine. Epidurals, nerve blocking, and other techniques are used to bring about patient comfort during painful operations.

In all the fields of Anaesthetics including Cardiac Anaesthesia, General Anaesthesia, Paediatric Anaesthesia, and ITU the anaesthetist plays an important monitoring and often life saving role. Critical skills such as resuscitation abilities, consultancy, interpersonal communication skills, and attention to detail are important. Anaesthetists not only work in theatres as part of surgical teams, but are often involved in intensive care unit observation and monitoring.