I find it curious that you assumed the preceptor of whom I spoke was a medical doctor. SJ is, in fact, a CRNA. If I did not directly state that, I suppose it was because I assumed that people would recognize that those teaching us best are usually CRNAs. As far as the remainder of your diatribe, I am sorry you feel so bitter about the percieved lack of respect for the profession you obviously trained for at a much younger age than I. I congratulate you on having the vision and exposure to find your given talents before the ripe age of 35 (I was 38 when I started anesthesia- but even you must admit we old dogs are still capable of learning something). I, for one have enormous respect for CRNAs and have never felt “less than” a medical doctor because of the initials after my name. “Nice letters afters your name btw….they won’t help…sorry sarcasm is always a waste” To set the record straight, Jeff, the letters after my name have helped me tremendously, as they represent over 12 years of education in such areas as anatomy, physiology, neuroscience, embryology, pathology, radiology, palpation, physical examination, diagnosis, and orthopedics, among others. I take that bag of skills to the OR each day, so while I may have had a later start at this anesthesia thing than someone like you, I am surviving. And grateful for mentors, CRNA mentors if I need be more explicit, who are helping me along a path I am quite excited to be travelling. I praise you and honor you for the work you do every day, and I thank you for your comment.

Gina Wald