Operating Room Team

STERILE MEMBERS

Surgeon
The surgeon is "in charge" of the surgical team. He or she is the person who performs the operation and directs the activities of other members of the surgical team. Surgeons usually specialize in the treatment of specific surgical conditions, like orthopedics or cardiac surgery. Becoming a surgeon involves 4 years of college, 4 years of medical school, then 3 to 5 years of specialized residency.

Certified Surgical Technologist
The surgical technologist is responsible for the preparation of the sterile supplies, equipment and instruments, then assists the surgeon in their use. The surgical technologist most frequently serves as instrument handler, setting up the instruments, then "passing" them to the surgeon. Surgical technologists also serve as second assistants, utilizing instruments to perform tasks such as retracting incisions, cutting suture and manipulating tissue. With advanced training or education, some surgical technologists act as first assistants. This role may also be preformed by another physician, a physician assistant or a registered nurse. Becoming a surgical technologist involves 1 to 2 years of college or specialized training.

UNSTERILE MEMBERS

Anesthesiologist
The anesthesiologist is a physician who specializes in administering drugs to the patient so he or she is pain free during the operation. Becoming an anesthesiologist involves 4 years of college, 4 years of medical school, then 2 to 3 years of specialized residency. Anesthetics may also be administered by CRNAs, Registered Nurses who have advanced education in anesthesia.

Registered Nurse
The Registered Nurse role is generally that of the "circulator". The circulator is responsible for the patient care during the operation. He or she assesses the patient, assists the anesthesiologist, completes operating room records and dispenses items to the sterile team. Becoming a nurse in the operating room requires 2 to 4 years of college, then specialized training on the job to learn surgical patient care.