Im interested to hear other people's input as far as how they refer to themselves or others that are anesthesiologist assistants. I know for me it kind of gets frustrating explaining it when friends and family members ask "Oh so what are you studying in grad school"? When replying anesthesia you always get the "Oh, so thats a doctor right? No? Oh then what is it that you do then? Anesthesia? So nursing?..
Ive found it easier to just say I'm in PA school as most people know exactly what profession it is. But then again its definitely not PA school. I know the common term is anesthetist but most people do not know what that term implies and often think it is nurse anesthetist.
Just wanted to hear from other AA/students in the same position.
I usually say "It's like a PA version of a CRNA" or use an analogy of NP to PA is equal to CRNA to AA. The other way I have explained it is like a PA specialized in anesthesia.