Ten hard lessons learnt as freelancer anesthesiologist

2. Dr. Tushar M. Chokshi
Area of
Expertise
Other
Accolades
Affiliations
Current
Position
Consultant Private Practicing
Anesthesiologist in Vadodara
(Gujarat, INDIA)
Freelancer Practice
Visiting Faculty at Parul &
Savitha Medical Colleges
 Urocare Hospital
 Dhwani ENT Hospital
 Sterling Hospital
 Arpan Surgical Hospital
32 Years of Experience
TIVA, OFA and NORA
 Uro Anaesthesia
 Lapro Anaesthesia
ENT Anesthesia
Paediatric Anesthesia
Pain Specialist
 Founder of TIVA and OFA
Face book Groups in INDIA
 International, National, State &
Local Level Speaker
Started Smartphone and Tele-
Anesthesia practice in INDIA
Started First time Infographics &
Chat-GPT in Anaesthesia

9825062245
chokshitushar@hotmail.com
MD (Anaesthesiology)
https://sites.google.com/site/tusharchokshisite
Member of ISA, IMA, AORA & ISCCM
Visual
Storyteller
&
Vlogger
Happy Go To Lucky Fellow
Born with Anaesthesia Passion in Mouth
Always Believe in Exchange of Knowledge
> 250 Webinar Lectures
> 200 Conference Lectures
6 Original Articles in Journals
Affiliated with NYSORA & POCKETEDU
Editorial Group Member of IJA
Metaverse
Anaesthesiologist
National
Origami
(Paper Crafting)
Teacher

3. Over three decades of being a freelancer
anesthesiologists in my private practice,
I have undoubtedly encountered numerous
challenges and gathered valuable insights.
Here are ten hard lessons I have learned,
 Along with the reasons behind them,
 Remedies to address the issues,
 And precautions to take for the future

4. The importance of clear
contract agreements & Patient
Advocacy (support, backing)
Balancing work and personal
life (Work-Life Balance)
Unforeseen financial
fluctuations & Stability
Marketing & Networking
are indispensable
Dealing with difficult
patients & Handling
Anesthesia Complications
Staying updated on Medical
Advancements for Continuous
Learning and Professional Growth
Legal protection, Building
strong reputation takes
time, losing takes seconds
Time management &
Efficient Daily Routine
Collaboration with Surgeons and
OT staff with Adaptability
(Adjustment)
Nurturing Social Life,
Strengthening Faith in God
& Planning for the Future
10
Hard
Lessons

5. The importance of clear
contract agreements &
Patient Advocacy
(Support & Backing)
Reasons:
Misunderstandings can arise if contract
terms are not clear, leading to payment
disputes, scope creep, and dissatisfaction
from both parties. As an anesthesiologist,
you are responsible for patient safety and
comfort during surgery.
Remedy:
Always draft detailed contracts that outline
responsibilities, payment terms, and any
specific conditions to avoid any doubts.
Prioritize patient advocacy, obtain detailed
medical histories, and address any concerns
or potential risks before anesthesia
administration.(PA check-up is must)
1
"Contracts Clarity,
Advocacy Ally"

6. Balancing work and
personal life
(Work-Life Balance)
Reason:
Freelancing can be demanding, and without
proper boundaries, burnout and neglect of
personal life can occur. So in the demanding
nature of our profession, it may sometimes
impact our family life.
Remedy:
Set realistic working hours, take breaks, and
prioritize self-care to maintain a healthy
work-life balance. Communicate openly
with your family about your work
commitments, set aside quality time for
them, and seek their understanding and
support.
2
"Life
Equilibrium"

7. Marketing and Networking
becoming indispensable
Reason:
Medicine is constantly evolving, and staying
current knowledge is crucial for maintaining
competence. As a freelancer, we must
continuously promote our services and establish
professional connections to secure new
opportunities.
Remedy:
Invest time in building a strong online presence,
attending medical conferences, and fostering
relationships with potential clients and
colleagues. Commit to lifelong learning,
exchange of ideas and engage in peer
discussions to enhance your knowledge and
skills
3
"Essential Influence“
"Strategic Connection"

8. Dealing with difficult
patients & Handling
Anesthesia Complications
Reason:
Anesthesia complications can occur despite
your best efforts, potentially leading to stress
and anxiety. Some clients may be demanding,
uncooperative, or dissatisfied despite your best
efforts.
Remedy:
Develop strong communication, coordination &
cooperation to solve conflict resolution skills.
Stay composed and try to find common ground
to resolve issues amicably. Stay updated on
best practices, attend refresher courses. And
stay calm, cool, kind and treating when facing
complications. Always focusing on patient
safety. Never neglect any complications.
4
"Patient Grace,
Anesthesia Mastery"

9. Staying updated on
medical advancements for
Continuous Learning and
Professional Growth
Reason:
The anaesthesia field is constantly evolving, and
outdated knowledge could jeopardize patient
safety and your reputation. So staying current is
crucial for maintaining competence.
Remedy:
Commit to ongoing education, attend
workshops, webinars and participate in medical
societies to stay standards of the latest
developments & lifelong learning. Attend
medical conferences, and engage in peer
discussions to enhance your knowledge and skills
with colleagues, friends & seniors.
5
"Medical Evolution"
"Progressive Mastery“

10. Legal protection is necessary,
Building strong reputation
takes time, losing takes only
seconds
Reason:
Being a healthcare professional, you face
potential legal risks and liabilities. Your
reputation as an anesthesiologist is crucial for
attracting new clients and retaining existing
ones.
Remedy:
Consult with legal professionals to ensure you
have adequate malpractice insurance and
understand the legal aspects of your freelancing
work. Prioritize patient safety and satisfaction,
always maintain professionalism and ethical
conduct to protect your reputation. You must be
insured with professional indemnity before
starting your any type of practice.
6
"Shielded Legacy“
"Guarded Prestige"

11. Collaboration with
Surgeons and OT staff
with Adaptability
(Adjustment)
Reason:
Healthcare policies, technologies, and patient needs
continuously evolve, requiring flexibility from
freelancers. Effective communication and collaboration
with surgeons are essential for seamless surgeries and
optimal patient outcomes.
Remedy:
Embrace change, be open to learning new skills, and be
willing to adapt your practice to meet current demands.
Establish strong professional relationships with
surgeons and OT staff, ensure clear preoperative
discussions, and coordinate care during procedures with
everyone's confidence. Shoulder more responsibilities
as team captain in OT. Always accustomed yourself with
new atmosphere, staff and environment.
7
"Surgical Synergy“
"Flexible Unity"

12. Nurturing Social Life,
Strengthening Faith in God
& Planning for the Future
Reason:
The challenges of an anaesthesia career can
sometimes test one's faith and resilience. Poor
future planning leads so many problems in life.
And without socialisation we are use to with daily
monotonous life routines
Remedy:
Nurture your spiritual beliefs, seek support from a
faith community, and find solace in prayer or
meditation to cope with the stresses of your
profession. Join clubs or groups, attend social
events, practice active listening, set clear goals
and regular review of our future
8
"Life's Triad“
"Divine Progress"

13. Time management &
Efficient Daily Routine
Reason:
Juggling multiple surgeons and cases can lead to
scheduling conflicts and compromised patient care.
A disorganized routine can lead to inefficiencies and
increased stress.
Remedy:
Implement effective time management techniques,
such as creating daily schedules and setting
priorities, to maintain efficiency. Develop a
structured daily schedule that includes time for
patient care, administrative tasks, personal
activities, and self-care.
9
"Time Mastery“
"Productive Life"

14. Unforeseen Economical
and Financial
fluctuations are common,
Stability Requires Diligence
Reason:
Freelancing can bring financial uncertainties and
fluctuations in income. Freelancing income can be
irregular due to varying demand and delayed
payments from clients. Freelancers often overlook
long-term planning, such as retirement and
succession plans.
Remedy:
Develop a sound financial plan, budget carefully,
and consider saving for retirement to maintain
financial stability. Build an emergency fund to
cushion against lean periods and consider
diversifying income streams to stabilize finances.
Consult with financial advisors to create a
comprehensive plan for your future and consider
building a retirement fund.
&
10
"Economic Resilience“
"Vigilant Stability"

15. 8 hrs sleep 7 hrs at night & afternoon 1 hr
 Adjustment according to my OT list
 Usually 11 pm to 6 am and 2 to 3 pm
8 hrs Anaesthesia Work
 7.30 am to 1 pm & 3 pm to 5 pm (Fluctuation is there)
 Daily around 3 to 5 OTs
 No night emergency calls
 Any evening emergency calls, I get hardly 2 to 3 in months
8 hrs are I do
 All meals with my family & I never postpone it (Main thing I have learned)
 Evening some time I go to nearby temple visit, friends/relatives meet
 I am on my academics at least for 1 to 2 hrs in a day (My Hobby)
 I also do my hobby of seeing news everyday at least for 30 minutes with
3 newspapers (2 Gujarati & 1 English)
 I take lead in my society, family and friends affairs
 Every Sunday me and my wife are always go for long drive
 Every 2 to 3 months I take break of maximum 3 to 4 days for vacation, Every
6 months at least one week and every year during Diwali family vacation
 Sometimes for Films/TV shows/Social Media presence/Phone calls
MY
Routine
Balance
Sheet

16. Never trust on any one
including surgeon, OT staff
and patient unless you are
satisfied with all your answers
Do your all work yourself
(Labelling, Filling, Monitoring)
Any doubt about anything must
clear before giving anaesthesia
Learn say to No rather than in
shame to continue your
doubtful works (can postpone
case with justification)
No shortcuts in your
profession by any cost, if you
earn some less in your life
justifiable but damage to any
is one lifelong damage
Keep updates yourself, no
monotonous anaesthesia life,
accept newer things. And in doubts
consult your colleagues who are
near, dear and who can hear
If you think you require assistance,
never hesitate to call your
colleague who is more
experienced and confident. But no
heroism in our practice, believe in
team work and group practice.
Learn from your past mistakes
and try to avoid it again
You must respect your age,
when you are aging for certain
risky cases pertaining to your
health and always plan for
retirement from your work with
your time, space and situation
No social relation in profession and no
professional relation in social affairs

17. Ten Reasons to Love Retirement from Clinical Practice
1) Freedom to explore new passions and endeavours.
2) No more setting an alarm clock, waking up on your terms.
3) Flexibility in scheduling and the ability to say "YES" to family events and
activities.
4) Reduced stress when family members fall sick, as you can be there for them.
5) Enjoying peaceful nights, sleeping in your own bed.
6) Attending conferences without worrying about work commitments.
7) Gaining patience and a new perspective on life.
8) Learning new skills and pursuing hobbies you never had time for.
9) Relieved from stress headaches, no need for painkillers.
10) A deeper appreciation for the fulfilling career you had in clinical practice.

18. • Success in anesthesiology requires academic
excellence, attention to detail, procedural skills,
calmness under stress, and a caring approach
towards patients.
• An anesthesiologist can choose to specialize in
various fields and opt for private practice or
institutional practice.
• Advantages of private practice include flexibility
in work timings, autonomy in decision-making,
and the ability to choose hospitals and surgeons
to work with.
• Challenges in private practice include working in
diverse environments with varying
infrastructure and surgeon preferences.
• The growth in private practice depends on
honesty, continuous learning, and building a
reputation through trust and competence.
• Financially, private practice in anesthesiology
can be rewarding with income varying based on
the location and the scope of practice.
• Academic pursuits can be challenging in private
practice due to time constraints, but continuous
learning and research are crucial for professional
growth.
• Recognition and respect in social circles can be
achieved by educating the public about the
importance of anesthesiologists in the
perioperative period.
• Medicolegal and ethical aspects need to be
carefully considered in private practice to ensure
patient safety and minimize legal risks.
• Participation in professional forums, such as the
Private Practitioners' Forum, can help improve
working conditions and patient safety in the
field.
• Research and teaching opportunities are more
readily available in corporate hospital setups,
providing an avenue for professional growth.

19.  Over the course of my freelancing career, I have acquired invaluable lessons that span various
aspects of my professional and personal life.
 By understanding the significance of clear contracts, work-life balance, financial planning, marketing,
and networking, I have navigated the challenges of freelancing successfully.
 Emphasizing patient advocacy, continuous learning, time management, and adaptability has allowed
me to thrive in a dynamic healthcare landscape.
 I have moved forwards, continue to apply these hard-earned lessons to ensure a fulfilling and
rewarding journey as a freelancer anesthesiologist.
 Additionally, in near future transition into retirement from clinical practice, embrace the newfound
freedom to explore passions, pursue hobbies, and enjoy quality time with my loved ones.
 Retirement offers the opportunity to reflect on a fulfilling career and appreciate the impact I've made
in the field of clinical practice. Embrace this new chapter with a sense of gratitude and excitement for
the adventures that lie ahead.

20. 1. As a freelancer anesthesiologist, clear contract agreements are essential to avoid
misunderstandings and disputes.
2. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial to prevent burnout and neglecting
personal life.
3. Be prepared for unforeseen financial fluctuations by building an emergency fund
and diversifying income streams.
4. Effective marketing and networking are indispensable for securing new
opportunities in freelancing.
5. Dealing with difficult clients requires strong communication and conflict resolution
skills.
6. Staying updated on medical advancements is vital to ensure patient safety and
reputation.
7. Seek legal protection and malpractice insurance to mitigate potential risks in the
healthcare field.
8. Efficient time management is essential to handle multiple clients and cases
effectively.
9. Building a strong reputation takes time and effort, but can be easily lost, so
prioritize professionalism and patient satisfaction.
10. Adaptability is key in a constantly evolving industry, be open to learning and
embracing change for continued success.

21. The hard-earned lessons of my 30-year freelancing career as an
anesthesiologist offer invaluable insights for a successful and
fulfilling professional journey. From the importance of clear contract
agreements to adapting to an ever-changing anaesthesia freelance
practice, each lesson equipped me with the tools to navigate
challenges and thrive. By prioritizing patient safety, maintaining
work-life balance, and continuously updating knowledge, I can
ensure continued success in the field. And lastly in future I will
embrace retirement gracefully from active anesthesia practice,
knowing that my anaesthesia knowledge & connections will continue
to shape the future of next generation anaesthesiologists

22. Cultivate Resilience
and Adaptability
in Practice